United Baseball League

[ayaghmour2]

After a long break on writing a dynasty report, I've decided to take one of my solo leagues I've gotten a lot of progress on and turn it into a dynasty report.

Enter the United Baseball League:

Founded in 1870, the UBL just finished the 1902 postseason. A league with constant evolution, it started with 8 teams and one minor league level and now has 16 big league teams (with no thoughts of expansion until at least 1920), four minor league levels (A (26), B (28), C (30), and D (40)) with 17 minor total leagues, a fall league, and two international leagues (Japan and Cuba) with one affiliate each, with plans for more foreign leagues in the future. No current independent leagues, but most minor leagues have at least one independent team as well.

The UBL itself is split in to two leagues, the American and National, with 8 teams in each league. The teams with the top two records in each league face off in a two round playoff system.

Active Rosters are set at 26, expanded at 40, International Complex at 50 (9 discoveries per team, 32 IFA's each year, 5 established as well as the Japanese and Cuban Free Agents), and Spring Training at 60. Waivers set at 3, DFA 7, and DL at 10. Option years and the Rule-5 Draft are enabled. The season is 162 games long and you need 172 service days for one year.

The Draft takes place on June 5th with 20 Rounds (65 rounds of players generated) and the league had their first All-Star Game this season. Financials increase at a rate of 3-7% each season for inflation. Currently salaries range from about $400-$2,500.

In a bit I'll start introducing the teams!

The Journey So Far:
1903: Detroit Chargers (92-70, .568, 2nd, 22 GB): Lost to St. Louis in the League Series
1904: Detroit Chargers (88-74, .543, 3rd, 23 GB)

[ayaghmour2]

The American League:

Chicago Cardinals (Formerly Chicago Lake Monsters and Chicago Panthers)
Founded: 1870
Record: 3,172-2,175 (.593)
Playoff Appearences: 19
Championships: 12
Affiliates: Minneapolis Minutemen (A, National League), St. Paul River Bandits (B, Midwest League), Lancaster Lakers (C, Pennsylvania League), Rochester Blue Jays (C, Great Lakes League), Mankato Majestics (D, Upper Midwest League), Paterson Bulldogs (D, Jersey League), Peoria Lake Monsters (D, Iowa-Illinois League)

Cinncinati Red Hawks (Formerly Cinncinati Flyers)
Founded: 1870
Record: 2,670-2,676 (.499)
Playoff Appearences: 1
Championships: 0
Affilliates: Columbus Night Hawks (A, National League), Topeka Warhawks (B, Midwest League), Toledo Bay Hawks (C, Great Lakes League), Wheeling Whitehawks (C, Virginia League), Clinton Railhawks (D, Upper Midwest League), Salem Skyhawks (D, Massachusetts League)

Detroit Chargers
Founded: 1890
Record: 928-1,178 (.441)
Playoff Appearences: 0
Championships: 0
Affiliates: Grand Rapids Bulls (A, American League), St. Joseph Blowfish (B, Midwest League), Bay City Aces (C, Great Lakes League), Keyser Kernels (C, Virginia League), Little Rock Cranes (D, Sun Belt League), Parkston Raptors (D, Upper Midwest League), Trenton Thunder Dogs (D, Jersey League)

Milwaukee Mustangs
Founded: 1890
Record: 923-1,183 (.438)
Playoff Appearences: 1
Championships: 1
Affiliates: Indianapolis Dragons (A, National League), New Bedford Sultans (B, New England League), Binghamton Giants (C, New York State League), Los Angeles Legion (D, Western League), Fargo Firebirds (D, Upper Midwest League), St. Augustine Silver Sox (D, Florida State League)

New Orleans Cajuns (Formerly New Orleans Lynx)
Founded: 1876
Record: 1,957-2,417 (.447)
Playoff Appearence: 5
Championships: 1
Affiliates: Atlanta Gladiators (A, American League), New Haven Defenders (B, Eastern League), Seattle Rainmen (C, Western League), Wilkes-Barre Raiders (C, Pennsylvania League), Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns (D, Sun Belt League), Sanford Sabres (D, Northeastern League), Taunton Talons (D, Massachusetts League)

New York Rebels (Formerly New York Wolverines)
Founded: 1870
Record: 2,857-2,490 (.534)
Playoff Appearences: 12
Championships: 5
Affiliates: Albany Albatross (A, National League), Hartford Hecklers (B, New England League), Cohoes Wolverines (C, New York State League), Sacramento Rattlers (C, Western League), Ocala Ocean (D, Sun Belt League), Pensacola Penguins (D, Florida State League)

St. Louis Lightning (Formerly St. Louis Skyliners)
Founded 1870
Record: 2,684-2,662 (.502)
Playoff Appearences: 10
Championships: 4
Affiliates: Kansas City Blues (A, National League), Lincoln Lions (B, Midwest League), Erie Black Knights (C, Great Lakes League), Utica Unicorns (C, New York State League), Davenport Dukes (D, Iowa-Illinois League), Key West Hurricane (D, Florida State League)

Washington Wildcats (Formerly Washington Senators and Washington Bullets)
Founded: 1876
Record: 1,982-2,392 (.453)
Playoff Appearences: 2
Championships: 0
Affiliates: Annapolis Senators (A, National League), Machester Mallards (B, Eastern League), Arlington Armada (C, Virginia League), Oswego Otters (C, New York State League), Elizabeth Angels (D, Jersey League), Sioux City Tribe (D, Iowa-Illinois League)

National League up next!

[ayaghmour2]

Baltimore Hornets (Formerly Baltimore Titans)
Founded: 1870
Record: 2,553-2,794 (.477)
Playoff Appearences: 5
Championships: 1
Affiliates: Allegheny Alleycats (A, American League), Cumberland Gargoyles (B, Eastern League), Salt Lake City Earthquakes (C, Western League), Yonkers Yellow Jackets (C, New York State League), Birmingham Bishops (D, Sun Belt League), Cambridge Canaries (D, Massachusetts League), Des Moines Titans (D, Iowa-Illinois League)

Boston Patriots (Formerly Boston Express)
Founded: 1870
Record: 2,820-2,526
Playoff Appearences: 11
Championships: 1
Affiliates: Worcester Rush (A, American League), Springfield Spinners (B, New England League), Altoona Cubs (C, Pennsylvania League), Poughkeepsie Swarm (C, New York State League), Lowell Legends (D, Massachusetts League), Bangor Jethawks (D, Northeastern League)

Brooklyn Bearcats (Formerly Brooklyn Bombers)
Founded: 1870
Record: 2,755-2,594 (.515)
Playoff Appearences: 8
Championships: 4
Affilates: Syracuse Friars (A, American League), Providence Loggers (B, Eastern League), Auburn Inferno (C, New York State League), Portland Wolfpack (C, Western League), Lynn Archers (D, Massachusetts League), Burlington Bees (D, Northeastern League)

Buffalo Calvary
Founded: 1900
Record: 173-313 (.356)
Playoff Appearences: 0
Championships: 0
Affiliates: Rochester Rockers (A, American League), Lawrence Lancers (B, New England League), Elmira Eagles (C, New York State League), Winchester Wings (C, Virginia League), Brockton Brawlers (D, Massachusetts League), Houston Generals (D, Sun Belt League)

Cleveland Cyclones
Founded: 1880
Record: 2,134-1,593 (.573)
Playoff Appearences: 15
Championships: 4
Affiliates: Fort Wayne Musketeers (A, National League), Dayton Daredevils (B, Midwest League), Akron Aviators (C, Great Lakes League), Norfolk Riptide (C, Virginia League), Omaha Huskies (D, Upper Midwest League), Tampa Hammerheads (D, Florida State League)

Newark Venom
Founded: 1900
Record: 204-282 (.420)
Playoff Appearences: 0
Championships: 0
Affiliates: Jersey Devils (A, American League), Waterbury Waves (B, Eastern League), Fairmont Blue Devils (C, Virginia League), Oakland Roadrunners (C, Western League), Montclair Velocity (D, Jersey League), Fairfield (D, Northeastern League)

Philadelphia Freedom (Formerly Philadelphia Werewolves and Philadelphia Phantoms)
Founded: 1870
Record: 2,666-2,681 (.499)
Playoff Appearences: 9
Championships: 0
Affiliates: Reading Angels (A, National League), Wilmington Wild (B, New England League), Harrisburg Coyotes (C, Pennsylvania League), Petersburg Racers (C, Virginia League), Camden Camels (D, Jersey League), Tallahasse Tarpons (D, Florida State League), Hillsborough Hilltoppers (D, Northeastern League)

Pittsburgh Pilots
Founded: 1880
Record: 1,602-2,124 (.430)
Playoff Appearences: 2
Championships: 0
Affiliates: Richmond Spiders (A, National League), Somerville Pirates (B, New England League), Denver Deputies (C, Western League), Scranton Scholars (C, Pennsylvania League), Springfield Osprey (D, Iowa-Illinois League), Springfield Fusion (D, Massachusetts League.

Tomorrow the action starts!

[ayaghmour2]

As the UBL heads into the offseason, a rookie GM has been given the tough task of bringing the Detroit Chargers to the postseason. After seeing their expansion counterpart the Milwaukee Mustangs win the 1902 World Series, Chargers supporters were furious to find out they are the oldest team without a playoff appearence.

The task will be given to Corey Parrish, a 35-year-old from Ft. Worth, TX who just finished up the season as an Assistant GM for the St. Louis Lightning. The favorite to replace Hall-of-Fame Pitcher and GM Jeff Russell, the Chargers were able to lure away the up-and-coming GM prospect.

A former 1st Round Pick by the then Chicago Panthers in 1884, "Big House" never really lived up to his potential in the big leagues, recording just 47 big league innings from 1890-1892 before tearing his labrum the following season, causing his career to end at just 27. From that point on, he decided to work in the Lightning Front Office, and has slowly worked his way up the baseball ladder.

The details of the contract are currently unknown, but it's widely assumed he'll be under contract for at least 5 seasons as the Chargers owner Jorge Herrera has full faith in Parrish bringing this currently .500 team to the postseason.

Expect a lot of personnel changes in what should be a busy and exciting season for Charger fans!

[ayaghmour2]

Last season, the Chargers finished 81-81 and 26 games behind the first place St. Louis Lightning who the previous GM left in really good shape...

Starting with the coaches, I am replacing everyone except by trainer, with four spots I didn't offer extensions and two spots (Hitting Coach and Scout) where I am firing the current guy. A bunch of minor league spots to fill up too.

On the Free Agent side, we're losing arguably are second best payer in 3B Angel Contreras who opted out and want's to test the Free Agent Waters. Luckily, he's a Type A Free Agent, so we'll recieve compensation for him. A few other guys will also file for Free Agency, but none of them are really that good. 11 guys are arbitration eligible, but I won't make offers until we hire a new scout.

Looking at the pieces on the big league roster, there is a single gem in SS Damian Salcido. The 21-year-old (22 in a few weeks) from the D.R. is rated a 4.5/5* and is one of the most complete players in the league. He's an elite defender with elite power and contact. He's super slow, but it doesn't stop him from having 99 range.

After that it's kind of bleek. 29-year-old RF Eric Creel is a great hitter, but he's always hurt. My owner wants him extended, I'll likely send the former 3rd Overall Pick packing. Another young building block is 23-year-old (almost 24) 2B Carlos Ruiz, but he has his injury problems as well and I'll likely look to flip him as well. He's got a ton of power, is a great defender at the keystone, and can really run on the bases.

On the pitching side it's a nightmare. D.J. Runke (2/4*) has potential, but the 25-year-old only has 10 control with 42 potential. His stuff is elite, but the chances of him reaching his lofty ceiling are very low. Josh Fisher is our best reliever, but the 23-year-old has the reprotroie of a starter, and will hopefully end up in the rotation in a year or two.

I hope my new (and better) scout will like these guys more...

[ayaghmour2]

October 24th, 1902: Claimed RP Juan De Loera from the St. Louis Lightning.

October 27th, 1902: Added Pitching Coach Drew Cooper to the Major League staff. He comes with a lot of experience, coaching the Pensacola Penguins (1885-1887) and the Kyoto Warriors of the Japanese Professional League (1895-1900).

October 29th, 1902: Signed Brett Hunter to a 3-year, $626 contract to be the new skipper. HAs Manager of the Brooklyn Bearcats from 1898-1902, he was 401-409. As a Rookie Manager, he was named Manager of the Year and won the World Series, although the Bearcats never made it back to the playoff since. He also spent a season (1897) as the Pitching Coach of the Nashville Avengers, an independent minor league team in the National League.

October 30th, 1902: Carlos Ruiz and Damian Salcido both won their first career Gold Gloves.

October 31st, 1902: Former Milwaukee Mustangs Bench Coach Jesse Sanchez signed a 3-year, $208 contract to become Bench Coach of the Chargers. He spent 1897-1902 with the Mustangs.

Lightning CL Jason Nelson (9/16, 66) and Hornets CL Greguorio Calandrini (16/16, 80) were named Reliever of the Year.

November 1st, 1902: I signed Sam Lovely to be the new head scout. He's great for Major Leaguers, Oustanding for Minor Leaguers, Good for International, and Legendary for Amateurs. It's the first job for the 48-year-old.

Damian Salcido also took home a Platinum Stick for SS.

With a new scout in hand, I also took to working out arbitration deals with all the eligible players:

SP Tim Weiss (1-year, $896)
RP Steve Cox (Non-Tendered)
RP Jason Fisher (Non-Tendered)
RP Logan Gordon (Non-Tendered)
RP Chris Howell (Non-Tendered)
RP Ben Rist (Non-Tendered)
RP Juan Torrez (Non-Tendered)
RP Mat Wagner (Non-Tendered)
RP Jason Wheeler (Non-Tendered)
1B Juan Vela (1-year, $810)
CF Mike Jennings (1-year, $1,080)

Most of these guys absolutely suck...

November 2nd, 1902: I finished up the big league staff, adding HC Steve Maldonado on a 2-year, $93 deal. He spent 1882-1901 with the San Francisco Seals, an independent minor league team in the Western League. They made the playoffs every year he was there except 1901.

Damian Salcido (15/16, 78) and Patriots 3B Melvin Lazo (16/16, 80) took home Rookie of the Year.

November 3rd, 1902: St. Louis Manager Jon Milano and Philadelphia Manager Josh West took home Manager of the Year.

November 4th, 1902: New York SP Kevin Miller (13/16, 102) and Philadelphia SP Noel Kessler (15/16, 109) won Jeff Russell Pitcher of the Year Award.

Russell is the namesake as the All-Time Win leader (320), Shutout leader (50), Innings pitched leader (4,104.2), and pWAR leader (115.5).

November 5th, 1902: Milwaukee 1B Al Birkbeck (12/16, 199) and Philadelphia 2B John Jones (8/16, 176) were named MVP. Boston CF Chris Shifley (3/16, 154) and Cleveland 1B Willie Sanchez (4/16, 153) were both really close to Jones.

Up next, free agents file!

[ayaghmour2]

November 14th, 1902: Time for Free Agency! Angel Contreras declined arbitration, and will become a Type A Free Agent. He's listed in the Top 10 Free Agents with:

RHP Tim Allday
LHP Eddie Long
RHP Cody Hall
RHP Jerry Smith
3B Ian Harris
C Ben Rook
LF Jim Moran
CF Israel Cruz
3B Ben Etienne

We've got a lot of roster spots to work with, with just 31/40 on the active roster. Obviously, there are a lot of holes in this team:

Starting with the rotation, only D.J. Ruhnke (2/4) is "untouchable" although hopefully he'll end up in the pen. The former 1st Overall Pick from 1899, he's not quite ready for a full time role, but I also can't option him to AAA. Tim Weiss (2.5) and Eddie Silva (2.5) also look to start 1903 with the Chargers. Justin Davies (2.5/3) is the "ace" but with his fragile rating I'd much rather trade him for someone more durable. Lastly is Allan Sain (2) who absolutely sucks as is "Wrecked" so I'm hoping he can be dumped.

The bullpen is too scary to list, but Josh Fisher (2.5/3.5), Robert Lehmann (2.5), and the recent waiver claim Juan De Loera (2.5/3.5) are at least half decent. I really need to add some solid guys to the back of the pen if we want to get better.

On offense, we need a starting catcher, third basemen, and left fielder. Juan Vela (2.5) at first isn't ideal and neitehr is Mike Jennings (2.5) in center field, mainly due to the fact he can't play defense. Damian Salcido (4.5/5) has SS locked up, but are next best players Eric Creel (3.5/4) and Carlos Ruiz (3.5/4) will likely be on their way out. I have no one to replace Creel in RF, but Matt Reichel (3) can slide to second, although just like Ruiz, he has his injury problems. Ideally, I'd move Reichel before Ruiz, but Ruiz will actually recieve a return.

Looking towards Free Agency, I'm likely going to avoid all the Type-A guys as we aren't really in the position to forefit draft picks. Expect a lot of short term deals to quality veterans who can either push us to the playoffs or be flipped if we decide to suck this season. We've also got a ton of money to work with, as our payroll fell from 3rd to 16th, so I can almost double my current spending.

November 18th, 1902: The Baltimore Hornets set C Tony Rodriguez and RHP Shane Gildersleeve to the Cinncinati Red Hawks for LHP Juan Fuentes and RHP Jonathan Burbano.

The Washington Wildcats acquired RHP Chris Griffin and CF Pat Hughs from the Newark Venom for LF Tim Hopkins, RF David Whitaker, and RHP Ricky Guajardo.

November 19th, 1902: The Newark Venom sent 2B Rusty Pratt and RHP Guillermo Gomez to the Milwaukee Mustangs for RHP Cesar Lopez and C Dustin Knott.

November 25th, 1902: Made my first major transaction as GM of the Chargers, sending 2B Matt Reichel to the St. Louis Lightning for RP Tobias Laranjeira.

The new regime in St. Louis must've wanted to get rid of the Laranjeira contract, although he's only making $80 more per year then Reichel. The 32-year-old lefty is in year 3 of a 6-year deal, but can opt out after this season. He'll make $2,100 each year, and the final year is a player option.

Laranjeira, who signed out of Venezuela with the Lightning way back in 1887 has totaled 478 big league innings, working to a 2.96 ERA and 1.21 WHIP. He's struck out 566 batters and walked 169 in 478 innings while recording 152 saves. He's coming off a 7-2 season with a 1.37 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and 60 strikeouts in 46 innings. The 8th inning guy behind Jason Nelson in St. Louis, Tobias will pitch the 9th in Detroit.

November 26th, 1902: The Chicago Cardinals signaled the start of the offseason with a bang, signing former #1 Overall Pick Ben Etienne to a 8-year, $32,420 contract. The 1901 MVP is one of the most prolific power hitters in the league, leading the league for three straight seasons (50, 56, 52). What's more impressive is the 56 came in just 117 games. It's a big investment for the Cardinals, who finished 62-100 this season.

November 28th, 1902: The Cleveland Cyclones signed former Charger 3B Angel Contreras toa 4-year, $13,920 deal.

We'll recieve their 2nd Round Pick (7th in the Round) and a Supplemental Pick that currently ranks 1st, but will likely change.

Brooklyn signed RP Takahiko Taniguchi to a 2-year, $3,000 per year contract. Taniguchi is coming overseas from Japan, where he spent 1896-1902 with the Kobe Cobras.

November 29th, 1902: Signed RHP Vince Brown to a 1-year, $1,000 contract. The former 11th Overall Pick back in 1886 by the Cyclones, the 35-year-old vet has tallied 1,773.2 big league innings with Cleveland, St. Louis, and Baltimore. He's 115-73 with a 4.34 ERA and 1.29 WHIP in 300 games (276 starts). He's struck out 1,374 batters and walked 553.

He'll compete for a rotation spot, but I'd like him in the pen better.

In other news around the league, the Washington Wildats sent RF Chris Walker, CF Stephen Bass, and RHP Jason Bonanno to the Buffalo Calvary for CF Josh Pieper.

Up next is the Winter Meetings which start December 1st. It should be a busy Meeting for Detroit!

[ayaghmour2]

December 1st, 1902: Members of all 16 UBL organizations met way out west in Los Angeles for the Winter Meetings. The first day was rather quiet, as no major trades or signings were announced.

That is until I started getting to work...

I knocked down a major domino, sending SP Justin Davies to the Boston Patriots for LF Justin Arrington.

An unexpected star, Arrington was a 17th Round Pick of the then Patriots in 1891 out of Fitch HS in Groton, CT. He grinded through the minor leagues and recieved two cups of coffee in 1896 and 1897. He became a full time starter in 1898, and has put together a solid career, hitting .277/.395/.523 with 194 homers, 483 RBI's, and 186 stolen bases in 2,906 at bats. The 30-year-old lead the league in runs in 1899 and 1900, homers in 1900, walks in 1899 and 1900, and dsteals in 1899, 1901, and 1902. An impending Free Agent, we'd look to get him extended during the offseason, although I didn't want to give him the 8-year deal he was looking for...

The next trade was much smaller, as I was able to dump Allan Sain on the Mustangs for RHP Ben Follmar.

"Future" is a 28-year-old who was the Washington Wildcats 3rd Round selection in the 1893 draft. He debuted with the Wildcats in 1898 before being traded to the Mustangs in the offseason. He's had an up and down big league career, recording a 5.44 ERA and 1.49 WHIP, but he's been much better the past two seasons. A lot of his bad outings came in the rotation, and we will use him strictly in the pen. He's controllable at until at least 1904 as he's currently on an arbitration contract.

I finished the night with another dump for project, sending Robert Lehmann to the Lightning for RHP Justin Pezzetti.

A two-way player (although a much better pitcher), Pezetti was the Lightnings 2nd Round selection in 1893. He's split time between the pen and the rotation in his big league career, going 19-10 with a 4.28 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, and 257 strikeouts in 319.1 innings. He's lacking a third pitch (his change is a 6/40) so he'll likely end up in the pen. He was a Super-2 player, and will be under control until 1906.

December 2nd, 1902: I can see why the Lightning wanted to get rid of Tobias' salary, as they signed 3-Time Jeff Russell Pitcher of the Year and 1898 MVP Eddie Long. The 31-year-old agreed to a 6-year, $3,960 per year deal with the final season a 180 inning vesting option. The former 3rd Overall Pick spent his whole career with the Pittsburgh Pilots, going 110-67 with a 3.38 ERA, 1.15 WHIP. He struck out 1,714 batters in 1,700 innings, leading the league in that category for 4 of the last 6 seasons.

The Newark Venom sent LHP Roberto Sotelo and RHP John Conn to the Buffalo Calvary for LHP Xavier Young.

I did my best to overshadow the Long signing, sending RF Eric Creel (100% retained) to the Cleveland Cyclones for CF Carlos Sandate (35% retained).

Like Laranjeira, Sadante has a huge deal with an opt-out after this season. If he decides to stick with us, he'll make $3,680 per season until 1907.

A 3-Time MVP with the Cyclones, Sadante signed a $300 bonus in the 1890 IFA signign period and topped out at #4 on the Top Prospect list in 1895. He has a career .283/.379/.569 triple slash with 324 homers and 913 RBI's while swiping 213 bases in 247 attempts. His player page is full of red ink, and the 29-year-old has already been worth over 50 WAR in his 8 year career.

This offense is starting to get scary!

If only we had starting pitching...

Yes, I know I traded my ace...

But I guarantee he'd tear his UCL if he stayed in Detroit...

December 3rd, 1902: A quiet Winter Meetings continued today with just one trade. The Buffalo Calvary acquired RHP Jake Doherty from the Cardinals for 3B Brian Wyss and LHP Sean Richeson.

I looked to address my SP issues by trading the former starting CF Mike Jennings. It didn't work...

December 4th, 1902: The Winter Meetings came and left with not too much action.

More Free Agency next!

[ayaghmour2]

December 5th, 1902: I signed RF Brett Olsen to a 2-year contract worth $1,613 per season. The second year is a player option.

Olsen was selected by Brooklyn 16th Overall in 1887. The 1895 MVP has a career .295/.375/.550 line with 374 homers and 1,110 RBI's. At 34, he's accumulated a ton of hardware and still has some left in the tank. He hit .303/.381/.587 with 34 homers and 99 RBI's with the Freedom, but he's not much of a defender.

Justin Arrington also agreeed to a 4-year, $3,500 extension with the final season a player option. He's surprisingly the #1 rated LF in the entire league.

December 9th, 1902: The Rule-5 Draft took place today! Before the draft, I added RHP Danny Waltz to the 40-Man Roster, leaving me with 6 empty 40-Man spots.

With my 1st Round Pick I selected 2B Mike Legg from the Baltimore Hornets. A former 7th Round selection, Legg is rated a 1.5/3*. He's a light hitter, but an elite defender at second with great speed. He's a perfect utility infielder.

With my 2nd Round Pick I selected SP Travis Walters from the Newark Venom. Walters was an 8th Round Pick by the Wildcats in 1896. He's rated a 1.5/2.5*, but can hit triple digits while generating a lot of ground balls. He's likely a pen option, but he could take a starting rotation spot.

I didn't lose anyone either, so a successful draft as I feel like both guys will make the team.

December 14th, 1902: The Chargers lock up SP Cody Hall on a 4-year, $2,787 per year deal, with the final season a player option.

As durable as it gets, the 31-year-old righty has only spent a total of 10 days injured, and they were all with minor day-to-day injuries. Selected by the Red Hawks out of Clemson in the 3rd Round of the 1892 draft, Hall has managed a 75-74 record with a 4.65 ERA and 1.38 WHIP in 204 starts. He spent most of his career with Baltimore, but also suited up for Philly and St. Louis.

December 15th, 1902: The flood gates opened today as it seems like everyone signed with the Chargers!

First, SP Carlos Ramirez signed a 1-year, $1,000 conract. A durable righty, the former 16th Round Pick has worked a 67-71 record with a 4.84 ERA and 1.30 WHIP in 188 effective starts. He can eat innings, with a perfect 100 stamina.

Next was lefty Simon Ellingson who inked a 1-year, $1,200 contract with a pair of team options tacked on for the same value. A former 2nd Round Pick out of Washington by the Cleveland Cyclones, Ellingson spent his entire big league career in St. Louis out of the pen. He has a 3.09 ERA and 1.15 WHIP with 318 strkeouts and 96 walks in 288.2 innings.

He'll be joined by his former teammate, lefty Rick Gunter. The 35-year-old inked a 1-year, $1,300 contract. A 5th Round Pick by Philly back in 1886, Gunter has pitched 540.2 innings as a reliever, tallying 114 saves with a 3.41 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, and a strikeout total 3 short of 600.

The final addition to the pen is the 31-year-old righty Jeremy Gotwals. New Orelans' 2nd Rounder in 1890, Gotwals spent time with the Cajuns, Phantoms, Lightning, Pilots, and Mustangs. He has the same amount of saves as Gunter in just 5 more innings, but with a 4.34 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, and only 516 strikeouts.

The only batter we signed today was 3B Rich Bennett. He signed a 3-year, $6,300 contract with the final season being a player option. A 5th Round Pick by the Pilots out of Appleton East in Wisconsin, Bennett is a .244/.338/.442 career hitter with 144 homers and 447 RBI's. The former Pilot and Venom corner infielder is quite prone to strikeouts, and he lead the league last season with 155.

I'll have to free up 2 40-Man spots, but I'll start looking tomorrow.

December 16th, 1902: The Cinncinati Red Hawks sent RHP Mark Weir to the New Orleans Cajuns for C Eli Ogg and CF Dan Hernandez.

I freed up the 1st needed roster spot by shipping CF Mike Jennings to the Lightning for LHP Bryan Sepe. Sepe, 24, was Boston's 8th Round Pick in 1897.

The other spot was opened by DFA'ing Jesse Hersey.

December 17th, 1902: The Freedom signed LF Jim Moran to a 3-year, $1,860 contract.

December 20th, 1902: Busy day around the league today, starting with Newark signing 2B Andy Palme to a 3-year, $2,400 per year deal, with the final season a player option. The Venom traded him midseason to the Mustangs, where he got his 3rd World Series ring.

Brooklyn inked SP Jerry Smith to a 2-year, $2,980 per year contract.

The Wildcats signed C Seok-heung Choi to a 6-year, $17,320 contract. He came overseas from South Korea as a created established IFA.

But the biggest news of the day was Hersey being outrighted to Class A Grand Rapids.

December 24th, 1902: I claimed 2B Kyle Williams off waivers from the Pilots and then sent him to Grand Rapids.

December 30th, 1902: New York signed 3B Ian Harris to a 5-year, $12,300 contract.

We'll pick things up in the New Year!

[ayaghmour2]

January 2nd, 1903: The New Year started with two big free agent starting pitching signings. The Philadelphia Freedom added David Plater to a 5-year, $2,420 per year deal while the Brooklyn Bearcats signed Tim Allday to a 6-year, $3,400 per year deal, with the final season a player option.

January 7th, 1903: The UBL Hall of Fame results were published, with two players entering the hall. First was SP Yannick Bellarmine (1st, 91.2%) who went in as a Cleveland Cyclone and CF Jordan Prince (7th, 84.8%) who went in as a Chicago Lake Monster (currently the Cardinals). A few other guys surpassed the 60% threshold: SP Jonathan Brogden (3rd, 64.7%), LF Isaiah Abraham (5th, 63.5%), and RF Penn Myers (1st, 61.4%).

January 8th, 1903: We claimed RF Jason Love off waivers from Baltimore and then sent him to Class C Bay City.

January 12th, 1903: The Cleveland Cyclones signed CF Israel Cruz to a 4-year, $3,020 per year deal with the final season a 550 plate appearence vesting option.

January 15th, 1903: I hit the trade market to upgrade at second base, sending previous starter Carlos Ruiz and SP Chandler Nelson to the Cinncinati Red Hawks for 2B Jesus Camargo.

Camargo, 27, is older then Ruiz, but is a better player who doesn't have injury problems. He nearly never walks, but he;s hit over .315 in each of his full seasons in the UBL with OPS+ of at least 120. He's just slightly worse defensively, but definitely makes up for it with the bat.

January 16th, 1903: A day after the big trade, the Red Hawks extended CL Paul Monroe with a 3-year, $8,000 deal. The former 7th Overall Pick has spent his whole professional career with Cincy.

As we approach the preseason, it looks like the team is basically ready to start the new season. Time to win games in Detroit!

[ayaghmour2]

January 29th, 1903: The preseason starts today! Usually this is where I add leagues, relocate teams, and shuffle affiliates, but with this being the first season in the online format, I'll keep everything how it is for the time being.

Two players I had talks with signed today. The Rebels added LHP Tyler Bienvenu to a 1-year, $2,500 deal and the Cavalry added C Ben Rook to a 3-year, $2,840 per year deal.

February 2nd, 1903: The Newar Venom signed SS Matt Clawson to a 2-year, $2,680 per year deal.

Yep, that's it... A month of basically nothing...

Spring Training starts on the final day of February!

[ayaghmour2]

February 28th, 1903: Baseball is back in the UBL as Spring Training starts today! I invited 15 non-roster invitees to big league camp, although I doubt any of them will make the club.

March 3rd, 1903: Terrible injury as 3B Rich Bennett, who I just signed, broke his kneecap racing a teammate during practice. He's out for 5-6 months...

March 4th, 1903: Another injury as the duable Carlos Sandate hits the DL with a sore elbow. He'll be back before Opening Day.

March 18th, 1903: A pair of relievers signed deals. The Cyclones added RHP Bryan Jarnigan to a 1-year, $1,740 deal and the Philadelphia Freedom added RHP Jalen Ramsey to a 1-year, $1,960 deal.

March 19th, 1903: Lightning CL Jason Nelson will miss the rest of the season with a torn flexor tendon.

The Rebels signed LHP Matt Macias to a 1-year, $2,120 deal.

March 20th, 1903: Boston will be without SP Travis Adams for the rest of the season due to shoulder inflammation. This is a big injury for the 38-year-old who was selected #1 Overall by Washington in 1882. In a long career, he's gone 241-177 with a 3.83 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and 3,017 strikeouts in 4,088.2 innings.

March 21st, 1903: Quickly replacing Nelson, the Lightning signed RHP Chris Paul to a 1-year, $1,800 deal.

March 22nd, 1903: Pair of season ending injuries today. The Cardinals lost LHP Travis Edwards to a torn roator cuff while Hornets righty Jayden Hicks tore his elbow ligament.

March 23rd, 1903: Sadante returned to the team today while the Mustangs added RHP Gye-hyun Yoon on a 1-year, $2,000 deal.

April 1st, 1903: I started to make final roster cuts today as Spring Training ended. 2B Tony Cortez, 3B Josh Johnson, and Carlos Martinez were designated for assignment.

Here's who will start the 1903 seasons!

SP Vince Brown (2/2)
SP Cody Hall (2.5/2.5)
SP Carlos Ramriez (2.5/2.5)
SP D.J. Ruhnke (2/3)
SP Eddie Silva (2.5/2.5)
RP Juan de Loera (3/3.5)
RP Simon Ellingson (3.5/3.5)
RP Jeremy Gotwals (4/4)
RP Rick Gunter (3.5/3.5)
RP Justin Pezzetti (4/4)
RP Travis Walters (2.5/3)
RP Tim Weiss (2.5/2.5)
CL Tobias Laranjeira (5/5)
C Omar Attilio (1.5/2)
C Muhan Takin (1.5/1.5)
1B Kab-shik Min (1.5/2)
1B Juan Vela (2/2)
2B Jesus Camargo (4/4)
2B Mike Legg (1.5/2)
3B Giobbe Capuana (2/2.5)
SS Damian Salcido (4.5/4.5)
LF Justin Arrington (4/4)
LF Jay Morgan (1.5/1.5)
CF Carlos Sandate (4.5/4.5)
RF Brett Olsen (3/3)
RF Jim Raines (2.5/2.5)

Should be a fun season!

[ayaghmour2]

April 4th, 1903: Happy Opening Day! We'll be in Milwaukee for a four game series to start the year!

The preseason predictions liked our offseason, and we are predicted to finish 91-71, good for 2nd place, albeit 17 games behind the Lightning and just 1 above the Rebels. Justin Arrington, Jesus Camargo, Giobbe Capuana, Damain Salcido, and Carlos Ramirez are all listed as top players.

The Top 100 Prospect list was also published, with St. Louis righty Mike Wilson #1. A former 5th Round Pick back in 1896, Wilson looks like a surefire ace and will start the season in the rotation. We're ranked 5th overall and have 6 prospects in the top 100. The highesat is SP Jorge Montalvo (5th), followed by RF Jonathan Simmons (26th), Jose Morales (28th), 3B Joel Hendrix (36th), Andrew Murphy (87th), and Mike Choma (97th). We have 5 more in the top 200, 2B Gus Abeyta (103rd), LF Simone Henckell (104th), SP Matt Martinez (128th), 2B Kyle Williams (165th), and SP Mark Wheeler (178th).

Tony Cortez, Carlos Martinez, and Josh Johnson cleared waivers and will be outrighted to Class A Grand Rapids.

Eddie Silva got the ball for the Opening Day as we took on Sean Donald and the defending champion Milwaukee Mustang. The pitching was quite appauling, and the Mustangs crushed us 14-6.

Silva was roughed up or 6 runs off 5 hits and 3 walks while striking out 3 in 5 innings. Jeremy Gotwals got the loss, allowing 4 runs off 4 hits in the 6th. Juan de Loera was charged with 3 runs and 4 hits in 2 innings. He walked 1 and struck out 4.

We hit fine, as reigning Rookie of the Year Damian Salcido went 2-for-5 with a three run homer. New acquisition Jesus Camargao was 2-for-5 with 2 runs and an RBI. The new look outfield had strong debuts, with Carlos Sanfante going 2-for-4 with an RBI, Brett Olsen going 2-for-4 with a run scored, and Justin Arrington was 1-for-4 with a double, walk, and 2 runs scored.

Phialdelphia Freedom ace Noel Kessler tossed a 2-hit shutout in a 7-0 win over the Newark Venom.

April 5th, 1903: We looked to even the series back up with Carlos Ramirez facing southpaw Derrick Fullerton. A much better all-around game, we took a 4-2 lead in the 9th before scoring 3 key insurance runs to pick up a 7-2 win for our first on the season.

Ramirez went the distance, allowing 7 hits and 2 runs with just 3 walks and 3 strikeouts.

Salcido had himself a game, going 3-for-4 and falling just a triple short of the cycle. He scored twice, walked once, and drove in four. Justin Arrington was 2-for-4 with a walk, steal, double, and 2 more runs scored. Giobbe Capuana was 1-for-2 with 3 runs, 2 RBI's, 3 walks, and a homer.

Cinncinatti C Tony Rodriguez was 5-for-5 in a 7-3 win over New Orleans.

April 6th, 1903: Cody Hall took the mound in the third game against fellow righty Alberto Lucero. Up 4-3 in the 8th, the Chargers picked up 4, including a three run homer by 3B Chad Carnes off Justin Pezzetti, giving them a 7-3 lead they'd hold on to.

Hall pitched fine, going 6 innings with 6 hits, 3 runs, 2 strikeouts, but 5 walks. Pezzetti was roughed up and given the loss, going 1.2 innings with 4 hits, 4 runs, a walk, and strikeout.

Arringotn continued his hot start, going 3-for-4 with 2 runs, 2 RBI's, a walk, and a homer. Jesus Camargo was 2-for-5 with a run scored, triple, and RBI. Salcido was 2-for-5 with an RBI double in the 7th.

Buffalo 2B Erik Wiese was 5-for-5 in a 7-4 loss to the Pilots.

April 7th, 1903: We looked to pick up a split to start the season, as Vince Brown took on Jonathan Vogl. All four games so far we've had eqaully rated starting pitchers. The 35-year-old Brown looked sharp, and the finale was ours by a score of 4-1.

Brown went 8, striking out 6 with 5 hits, a walk, and a run. Tobias Laranjeira made his Charger debut, allowing 2 hits and a walk with a strikeout in the 9th as he earned his 1st save on the campaign.

Giobbe Capuana was 1-for-3 with a solo homer and sac-fly. Justin Arrington was 1-for-4 with a solo shot. Brown helepd his cause as well, going 1-for-3 with an RBI.

We'd continue a crazy 14 game road trip to start the season in Chicago where we'd face the Cardinals. We'll see Jimmy Miller, Andy Riffle, and Bobby Goldberg (0-1, 9.00 ERA).

April 8th, 1903: D.J. Ruhnke rounded out the rotation and would take on Jimmy Miller in the opener at Joe Goldsmith Memorial Stadium. We'd get our first look at Ben Etienne, a former #1 Overall Pick that a previous Chargers GM stupidly waived back in 1895 (and again in 98...). Since then, he's hit nearly 200 homers including 56 in just 117 games. While he didn't hit one today, the game saw a total of 29 hits, but just 11 runs, and we won the opener 7-4.

Ruhnke was a bit shaky, allowing just a run with 5 strikeouts in 6 innings despite 5 hits and 6 walks. Travis Walters allowed 2 hits, a walk, and 2 runs before recording his first big league out and being pulled in the 9th. Laranjeira battened down the hatches to pick up the save.

Juan Vela played like his life depended on it, going 4-for-5 with 2 doubles, a homer, 2 runs, and 2 RBI's. Jesus Camargo was 3-for-5 with a solo homer. Omar Attilio was 3-for-5 with a run scored and RBI. Brett Olsen was 3-for-5 with a double and run scored. Every offensive starter recorded a hit.

Washington SP Jose Gonzalez struck out 5 in a 3-hit, 3-0 shutout of the defending champs.

April 9th, 1903: Eddie Silva (0-0, 10.80 ERA, 1.60 WHIP) looked for a bounce-back start against Andy Riffle, the Cardinals' 5th starter. Chicago rallied for four in the 4th, and held on to even the series with a 5-3 win.

Silva went 6 innings with 7 hits, 5 runs, 4 walks, and 5 strikeouts.

We didn't hit too much, but Carlos Sandate was 2-for-4 with a solo homer. Jim Raines was 2-for-5 with a run scored. Muhan Yakin was 1-for-3 with a walk, double, and run scored. Jesus Camargo was 1-for-4 with a steal, double, walk, and RBI.

Jerry Smith tossed a 6-hit shutout as the Bearcats topped the Freedom 5-0.

April 10th, 1903: Carlos Ramirez (1-0, 2.00 ERA, 1.11 WHIP) toed the rubber in the rubber match as the Cardinals countered with veteran Bobby Goldberg (0-1, 9.00 ERA, 1.67 WHIP). Down 3-2 in the 9th, Carlos Sandate came up clutch, kocking in one on an RBI single off CL Victor Tovar to force extras. Then with the bases loaded in the 13th, Brett Olsen worked a walk, leading us to a 4-3 victory to take the series.

Ramirez went 8 innings with 10 hits, 3 runs, a walk, and 8 strikeouts. Pezzetti got the win, tossing 2 innings with 2 hits and a strikeout.

Damian Salcido was 2-for-6 with a walk and a two run homer in the 4th. Jesus Camargo was 2-for-6 with a walk and run scored. Sandate was 2-for-6 with a walk and the game tieing RBI. Olsen was 2-for-5 with 2 walks and the go-ahead RBI.

Back-to-back shutouts in Washington as Marcos Hernandez tossed a 3-0 shutout in a dominating 12-0 win over the Mustangs.

We hit the road and head down to New Orleans for a four game set with the Cajuns. We'd match with Steve Hudson, Jaime Bottorff (0-1, 13.50), Simone Botte (0-0, 1.13 ERA), and Mark Weir (0-1, 6.00 ERA).

[ayaghmour2]

April 11th, 1903: We continued our roadtrip in New Orleans with Cody Hall (0-0, 4.50 ERA, 1.83 WHIP) facing lefty Jaime Bottorff (0-1, 13.50 ERA, 2.75 WHIP). Tied at 4 in the 9th, Jesus Falcon hit a two-out, walk-off three run homer off Simon Ellingson, and the Cajuns took the opener 7-4.

Hall went 8 innings, allowing 7 hits, 4 runs, and 2 walks while striking out just 1. Ellingson was charged with all 3 runs, allowing 2 hits and a walk.

Jesus Camargo was 2-for-4 with a solo homer and 3 RBI's. Giobbe Capuana was 1-for-3 with a walk, double, and RBI.

April 12th, 1903: Vince Brown (1-0, 1.13 ERA, 0.75 WHIP) was on the mound for game 2 of 4, as he faced 26-year-old Steve Hudson who was making his season debut. We put up 4 in the 1st, but from the 2nd to 7th the Cajuns outscored us 11-1. We cut the deficit to 3 after a 3 run 8th, and then Damian Salcido did the clutchest thing possible in the 9th, hitting a go-ahead grand slam before Tobia Laranjeira shut the door in the 9th.

Wow...

Brown allowed 6 runs off 6 hits in 6.1 innings. He walked 3 and struck out 7. Jeremy Gotwals rough start to the season continued, as he rose his ERA to 34.71 while giving up 5 runs off 4 hits and a hits batsmen. He didn't even get an out... Juan de Loera picked up the win with 1.2 perfect innings. Laranjeira got a strikeout in a perfect 9th for his 3rd save.

Salcido was 2-for-5 with a double, the grand slam, 2 runs, and 7 RBI's. Caargo was 3-for-5 with 3 runs, 2 doubles, and an RBI. Justin Arrington was 2-for-4 with 3 runs and a walk. Carlos Sandate was 2-for-5 with a double, triple, and 3 RBI's. Brown was 1-for-3 witha double and RBI.

We only had 12 hits as a team, but we really made them count!

April 13th, 1903: Chicago 1B Jose Sanchez and Philadelphia 3B Jesus Ortega took home Player of the Week.

We looked to secure at least a spit with D.J. Ruhnke (1-0, 1.50 ERA, 1.83 WHIP) facing the 23-year-old Simone Botte (0-0, 1.13 ERA, 1.25 WHIP), who has fringe ace potential even after a rough rookie year last season. There was a lot less scoring today, and we edged our hosts 4-3.

Ruhnke was solid, going 8 innings with 8 hits, 3 runs, 2 walks, and 4 strikeouts. Laranjeira picked up his 4th save, despite allowing 2 walks and a hit in the 9th.

Jesus Camargo tied the Chargers single season hit record, going 5-for-5 with 2 doubles, a homer, and 2 RBI's. Omar Attilio was 2-for-4 with a double. Justin Arrington was 1-for-4 with a walk and 2 runs scored.

Jonathan Vogl tossed a 5-hit shutout as the Mustangs beat the Red Hawks 4-0.

April 14th, 1903: We looked to push our win streak to three as Eddie Silva (0-1, 9.00 ERA, 1.73 WHIP) took on the Cajun's quality ace Nate McCue (1-1, 2.08 ERA, 0.81 WHIP). Trailing 11-6 in the 9th, we tried another masteful comeback, but fell a run short, losing the finale 11-10.

Silva was roughed up for 8 runs off 8 hits in 3.2 innings. He walked 4 and struck out just 2. Travis Walters allowed 2 hits and a run with 2 strikeouts in 1.1 innings. Tim Weiss allowed 2 hits and 2 runs with 3 strikeouts in 2 innings.

Carlos Sandate was 4-for-5 with 2 homers, 3 runs, and 3 RBI's. Juan Vela was 4-for-5 with 2 doubles, 2 runs, and an RBI. Tim Raines had a pinch hit three run homer irn the 9th.

Off to New York for three with the Rebels. We'd see Kevin Miller (0-2, 5.79 ERA), Erik Pike (1-1, 4.80 ERA), and Mike Stebner (2-0, 1.59 ERA).

April 15th, 1903: Carlos Ramirez (1-0, 2.65 ERA, 1.24 WHIP) took on young superstar Kevin Miller (0-2, 5.79 ERA, 1.71 WHIP) as we played the Rebels for the first time this year.

Miller was origionally a 3rd Round Pick by Detroit, but he didn't sign and went to USC instead. He was then selected 5th Overall three years later in 1898, and has now blossomed into a 4.5/5*. Last year he was Pitcher of the Year and finished 2nd in MVP. He was 20-5 with a 2.46 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 261 strikeouts. He lead the league in the first three categories.

We didn't stand a chance, and he effortlessly no-hit us in a 9-0 demolishing. The only batters to reach base were Sandate (walk) and Muhan Yakin (hit by pitch).

Ramirez looked terrible, but I guess it didn't really matter. He struck out just 1 in 5 innings while allowing 9 hits, 8 runs, and 4 walks. Walters mopped up, allowing a run with 2 hits and 3 walks in 2.1 innings. He also struck out just 1.

It can't get any worse tomorrow...

That's what I get for hyping up an opponent...

April 16th, 1903: We looked to put at least 1 in the hit collumn today with Cody Hall (0-0, 4.50 ERA, 1.43 WHIP) taking on Erik Pike (1-1, 4.80 ERA, 1.13 WHIP). Down 4-2 in the 8th, we broke out for 4 runs in each of the final two frames, and evened up the series with a 10-4 win.

Hall went 8 with 8 hits, 4 runs (3 earned), a walk, and 2 strikeouts.

Brett Olsen made up for the lack of offense yesterday, going 3-for-5 with a double, 2 homers, and 5 RBI's. Damian Salcido was 2-for-5 with a double, 2 runs, and 2 RBI's. Justin Arrington was 2-for-4 with 2 runs, a walk, and solo homer. Juan Vela was 2-for-5 with a solo shot.

Even with the no hitter, we still rank 1st in the American in runs scored (75), hits (133), extra base hits (55), homers (24), walks (44), and steals (9). We're 3rd in batting line (.275/.340/.495), but dead last in strikeouts (116).

Oh yeah, and our ERA is 6.22 and we have a negative run differential. So there's that...

April 17th, 1903: We looked to finish our 14 game road trip with another series win, as Vince Brown (1-0, 4.40 ERA, 1.05 WHIP) battled Mike Stevner (2-0, 1.59 ERA, 1.06 WHIP). It took a lot of late scoring, but we managed to secure the series win in a 6-3 victory.

Brown left with an injury (diagnosis pending) after 6.2 innings. He allowed 6 hits, 2 runs, a walk, and struck out 7. Justin Pezzetti picked up his first hold, despite allowing 4 hits, a run, and a walk in 1.1 innings. Tobias Laranjeira earned his 5th save, allowing a walk and hit in a scorless 9th.

Muhan Yakin went 2-for-3 with 2 doubles, a walk, run scored, and RBI. Damian Salcido, despite being tired, was 1-for-3 with a hit by pitch and run scored. Pezzetti hit a solo homer in the 9th to make up for allowing a run in the 8th.

He's actually a two-way player who's my 2nd highset rated CF defensively. He's not the best hitter, but he's a career .249/.267/.363 with 5 homers and 25 RBI's in 245 at bats.

Brown used to be a two-way player himself, but at 35 has focused on pitching. He has a career .247/.292/.383 line with 16 homers and 85 RBI's in 635 at bats.

We'll head home tomorrow for an off day before we host the Red Hawks for two at home before another off day. We'll be home until the 29th where we'll be in our Nation's capital to face the Wildcats.

[ayaghmour2]

April 18th, 1903: Vince Brown was diagnoses with a sprained elbow, and will be day-to-day for just 6 days. With the influx of off days, I wasn't forced to make a roster move.

We'd have our first home series tomorrow! The Cinncinati Red Hawks would be in town, and we'd see both Matt Puckett (1-1, 4.95 ERA) and Dave Rennie (0-0, 0.00 ERA).

April 19th, 1903: Eddie Silva (0-2, 11.66 ERA, 2.11 WHIP) was on for the opener against Matt Puckett (1-1, 4.95 ERA, 1.05 WHIP). A big 5 run 6th carried us to an 8-1 victory.

Silva looked good, 7 innings with 8 hits, a run, 2 walks, and 5 strikeouts. Juan de Loera took the final 2 innings, allowing 2 hits with a strikeout.

Giobbe Capuana was 2-for-3 with a walk, two run homer, and three run homer. Brett Olsen was 2-fpr-4 with a run scored and 2 RBI's. Justin Arrington was 2-for-5 with a double, run scored, and his 5th steal of the year.

Philadelphia LF Jim Moran hit 3 homers in a 12-5 win over the crosstown rival Pilots.

Lightning RF Julio Montes hit his 500th career homer ina 14-4 win over the Cardinals. We'd see the 33-year-old vet firsthand next series.

April 20th, 1903: Fresh off his 500th homer, Julio Montes, as well as Cleveland 1B Willie Sanches, were named Players of the Week.

In Class B, 2B Alex Nagel of the St. Joseph Blowfish (our affiliate) was named Player of the Week. He hit .433 with 2 homers and 8 RBI's.

A level down, former 18th Overall Pick Joel Hendrix was named Player of the Week in the Great Lakes League. The Bay City Ace (our affilate) 3B hit an impressive .519 with a homer and 6 RBI's.

We looked for our first "sweep" of the season as Mike Gardenhire (3-0, 2.95 ERA, 1.08 WHIP) skipped Dave Rennie in the Red Hawks' rotation. We'd counter with Carlos Ramirez (1-1, 5.32 ERA, 1.55 WHIP). We couldn't close out this one, and dropped the finale 7-6.

Even worse, Carlos Sandate left with an injury...

Ramriez pitched way too long, allowing 11 hits and 7 runs with a walk and 5 strikeouts in 8 innings. This is what I get for trusting an AI manager...

Jesus Camargo was 3-for-5 with a double, homer, 2 runs, and 2 RBI's. Justin Arrington was 2-for-4 with a double, walk, and run. Giobbe Capuana was 2-for-4 with a double and RBI. Damian Salcido was 1-for-4 with a two run homer.

Tomorrow is a day of rest as we hope Sandate's injury isn't serious...

April 21st, 1903: We'd welcome the team with the best record last year, the St. Louis Lightning, tomorrow as our homestand continued. We'd face Jay Williams (0-1, 4.76 ERA), Matt Nesgoda (1-0, 3.00 ERA), and superstar Jim McNiff (2-0, 1.50 ERA).

April 22nd, 1903: I exhaled a little when I found out Sandate just has a bruised cheekbone, and he'll only miss 2 days.

Former Lightning righty Cody Hall (1-0, 4.09 ERA, 1.32 WHIP) took on his former teammate, Matt Nesgoda (1-0, 3.00 ERA, 0.78 WHIP), who jumped Williams in the rotation. The knuckleballer Nesgoda didn't have his best stuff, but the Lightning improved to 14-3 with an 11-6 win.

Hall was hit hard, allowing 13 hits and 9 runs in 5 innings with a pair of walks and 4 strikeouts. Travis Walters allowed 2 runs off 5 hits with 2 walks and 3 strikeouts in 3 innings of mop up work.

Damian Salcido was 2-for-5 with a two run homer. Jesus Camargo was 2-for-4 with 2 runs, a solo shot, and walk. Juan Vela was 2-for-4 with 2 runs scored. Omar Atillio was 2-for-3 with a sac-fly and 2 RBI's.

April 23rd, 1903: We looked to even the series up with another former Lightning righty, Vince Brown (2-0, 3.86 ERA, 1.05 WHIP) facing Jay Williams (0-1, 4.76 ERA, 1.94 WHIP). Despite falling behind 3-0 early, we battled back to take the opener 5-3.

Brown pitched well, 6 innings with 5 hits, 3 runs, 3 walks, and 5 strikeouts. Justin Pezzetti got a 2 inning hold with 2 strikeouts. Tobias Laranjeira pitched a perfect 9th for his 6th save in as many attempts.

Fun Fact: All three of my pitchers used to be a member of the Lightning.

Justin Arrington was 2-for-4 with 2 runs and a solo homer. Attilio was 1-for-3 with a two run homer. Jesus Camargo was 2-for-4 with a double and RBI. Juan Vela was 1-for-3 with a walk, double, and run scored. Brown was 1-for-2 with a double and run scored.

April 24th, 1903: The finale seemed unwinnable, as Eddie Silva (1-2, 8.31 ERA, 1.89 WHIP) took on the best pitcher in the UBL, Jim McNiff (2-0, 1.50 ERA, 0.79 WHIP).

McNiff, 29, is a 5* lefty that the Lightning took 3rd Overall back in 1892 when they were still the laughing stock of the league. The Two-Time Pitcher of the Year is 70-23 with a 2.67 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, and 1,175 strikeouts in 891.2 innings.

He fooled us all game, and the Lightning took the series with a 6-2 victory.

Silva wasn't terrible, but he did walk 4, allow 6 hits, and 2 runs in 6 innings with 5 strikeouts. A pair of former Lightning pen arms (although they've both been with a ton of teams) Rick Gunter (0.2 IP, H, ER) and Jeremy Gotwals (0.1 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, BB, K) both struggled in a tough 7th inning.

Gotwals, who claims to be a 4*, has a beautiful 40.50 ERA to start the season...

Jesus Camargo was 2-for-4 with a run scored. Kab-shik Min was 1-for-4 with an RBI double.

New Orleans SP Nate McCue tossed a 2-hit shutout as the Cajuns beat the Wildcats 4-0.

The Mustangs would come to town tomorrow for a three game set before we'd have a day off and hit the road again. The projected staraters were Allan Sain (0-1, 3.60 ERA), Derrick Fullerton (1-3, 7.18 ERA), and Alberto Lucero (1-2, 3.86 ERA).

[ayaghmour2]

April 25th, 1903: Our expansion buddy the Milwaukee Mustangs were in town for a three game set. Carlos Ramirez (1-2, 6.00 ERA, 1.53 WHIP) looked to heat up against Derrick Fullerton (1-3, 7.18 ERA, 1.59 WHIP). Like most of our games, there were crazy late inning heroics. Up 5-4 in the 9th, Tobias Laranjeira had a rough outing, allowing 3 runs. We didn't let that stop us, as we cut the deficit to 7-5. Enter Carlos Sandate, who launched a walk-off, three-run homer, and we rallied back to win the opener 9-7.

Ramirez went 8 with 6 hits, 4 runs, and 6 strikeouts. Laranjeira allowed 3 runs off 4 hits with a strikeout. For some reason, Gotwals came in, but he didn't allow a run while finishing the top of the 9th.

Sandate was 3-for-5 with a solo homer and the walk-off winner. Jesus Camargo was 2-for-5 with a triple and run scored. Giobbe Capuana was 1-for-2 with 3 runs, a double, sac-fly, and 2 walks. Justin Arrington was 1-for-3 with a run scored, RBI, and 2 walks.

April 26th, 1903: The middle match saw D.J. Ruhnke (2-0, 2.57 ERA, 1.50 WHIP) face Allan Sain (0-1, 3.60 ERA, 1.33 WHIP) in a battle of mediocre lefties who have made a pair of solid starts this year. We couldn't maintain yesterday's momentum, and we were topped 6-3.

Ruhnke did alright, 7 innings with 5 hits, 4 runs, 2 walks, and 7 strikeouts. Simon Ellingson had a rough 2 innings, allowing 4 hits, 2 runs, and a walk with just 1 strikeout.

Arrington was 2-for-4 with 2 doubles and 2 runs scored. Muhan Yakin was 1-for-2 with 2 walks and an RBI.

New York RF Armando Chavez was 5-for-5 in a 15-3 thrashing of the St. Louis Lightning.

April 27th, 1903: Lightning SS Mike Marvel and Baltimore 2B Jerry Castillo were named Player of the Week.

We looked to take the rubber match with Cody Hall (1-1, 6.33 ERA, 1.63 WHIP) battling Alberto Lucero (1-2, 3.86 ERA, 1.36 WHIP). Our affinity with late inning scoring continued, as we allowed ourselves to fall behind 6-2 before tieiing the game with a 4 spot in the 8th. Fast foward to the 13th, where both teams just really didn't want to keep playing. At least Justin Arrington kept his bat, and launched a walk-off two run homer, and we took the finale in an 8-6 victory.

Hall went 7 innings with 6 hits, 4 runs, a walk, and 9 strikeouts. Justin Pezzetti had a rough outing, allowing 3 hits and 2 runs despite getting 2 strikeouts. None other then Jeremy Gotwals got the win, allowing a walk with a strikeout in a hitless 13th.

The hero of the day Justin Arrington was 2-for-7 with 2 runs, 2 RBI's, a steal, and the walk-off shot. Carlos Sandate was 2-for-5 with a douhble and 2 runs scored. Brett Olsen was 1-for-4 with a double, walk, and run scored.

Tony Garza tossed a 3-hit shutout in a 5-0 Pilots win over the Calvary.

We get tomorrow off before heading to Washington!

April 28th, 1903: We head to Washington today for a quick road trip. We'll duel Chris Brown (0-4, 8.37 ERA), Marcos Hernandez (3-2, 2.58 ERA), and Hector Peralez (3-1, 5.96 ERA).

April 29th, 1903: We looked to continue Chris Brown's (0-4, 8.37 ERA, 2.28 WHIP) rough start as Eddie Silva (1-3, 7.16 ERA, 1.84 WHIP) looked to right the ship. I think we must like causing stress to our fanbase, as we let another game go to extras, this time after blowing a 4-1 lead. In the 12th, Giobbe Capuana launched a go ahead solo homer, and we won the finale 5-4.

Brett Olsen left with a sore elbow, and he'd head to the DL for likely the minimum. Before leaving the game, he was 2-for-2 with a homer and 2 RBI's. So yeah, we probaly would've won in regulation...

Silva went 7 with 8 hits, 3 runs, a walk, and 6 strikeouts. Pezzetti blew the save, allowing a hit, run,a nd walk in 2 innings. Laranjeira picked up the win well Simon Ellingson racked up first save on the season.

Giobbe Capuana was 2-for-4 with a solo homer and 2 walks. Carlos Sandate was 1-for-3 with a solo homer and 2 walks. Damian Salcido was 1-for-4 with a triple, walk, and run scored.

After the game, I recalled RF Josh Stevens from Grand Rapids.

Red Hawks starter Matt Puckett tossed a 3-hit shutout in a 5-0 win over the Rebels.

April 30th, 1903: We looked to pickup the series win a day early as Carlos Ramirez (1-2, 5.68 ERA, 1.37 WHIP) took on star southpaw Marcos Hernandez (3-2, 2.58 ERA, 1.12 WHIP). It didn't really matter who pitched for them, as we were beat pretty handidly 7-2.

Ramirez went 6 innings, allowing 12 hits, 7 runs, 3 walks, and 4 strikeouts. I think I need to tell my manager to have a shorter hook...

Jim Raines, who got the start for Olsen, was 1-for-4 with a solo shot. Damian Salcido had half our hits, going 2-for-4. The last hit went to Camargo, who was 1-for-4 with a run scored.

May 1st, 1903: Happy May! After a decent 13-11 start, we're tied with Cinncinati and New York for 2nd place, 5.5 games behind the first place Lightning.

New York RF Armando Chavez and Phialdelphia SS Willie Gonzalez were named Batter of the Month. Washington SP Willis Salinas and Pittsburgh SP Tony Garza were named Pitcher of the Month. Chicago 1B Jose Sanchez and Buffalo SS Joe Young were named Rookie of the Month.

Back to baseball, we looked to claim the series finale with Vince Brown (3-0, 4.00 ERA, 1.11 WHIP) taking on Hector Peralez (3-1, 5.96 ERA, 1.64 WHIP). Up 5-0, we let the Wildcats take us to extras with a run in the 4th, 2 in the 8th, and 2 more in the 9th. In the 12th, the 0-for-5 Richard Trawick hit a walk-off single, and the Wildcats faught back to win 6-5.

Aww man...

Oh yeah, it gets worse...

Not only did Laranjeira blew the save (2 runs with a hit, 3 walks, and a strikeout in the 9th), he left with an injury.

Diagnosis pending...

Brown pitched well, until the 8th, allowing 7 hits and 3 runs with 7 strikeouts. Justin Pezzetti got the loss, allowing 2 hits, a run, 2 walks, and a strikeout in an inning plus.

Jesus Camargo was 3-for-5 with a solo homer. Carlos Sandate was 2-for-4 with a solo homer. Josh Stevens was 1-for-3 with 3 walks and a solo homer. Giobbe Capuana was 1-for-5 with a walk and solo homer. Damian Salcido was 1-for-6 with a solo homer.

Yeah, all 5 runs were off solo homers...

Buffalo SP Casey Hartzog tossed a 5-hit shutout in a 9-0 win over the Cyclones.

We'd head back home for a three game set with the Rebels. We'd see Mike Stebner (2-2, 2.41 ERA), Erik Pike (3-1, 3.72 ERA), Joe Miller (1-1, 3.45 ERA), and Kevin Miller (3-3, 3.50 ERA). Let's hope May gets better and not worse!

[ayaghmour2]

May 2nd, 1903: The first of four with the 2nd Place Rebels saw Cody Hall (1-1, 6.09 ERA, 1.50 WHIP) battle the red-hot Mike Stebner (2-2, 2.41 ERA, 1.00 WHIP). Tied at 2 in the 9th, Giobbe Capuana took Stebner deep, and we held on to win the opener 3-2.

Hall went the distance, allowing 8 hits, 2 runs, 3 walks, and 3 strikeouts.

Damian Salcido was 2-for-3 with a walk and run scored. Capuana was 1-for-3 with a walk and the go-ahead shot. Carlos Sandate was 1-for-3 with a two run homer.

Newark 3B Matt White was 5-for-5 in a 5-3 win over Cleveland.

Tony Garza continuned his great season, shutting out Baltimore in a 5-0 Pittsburgh win.

May 3rd, 1903: Tobias Laranjeira was diagonsed with a rotator cuff strain, and he'll head to the DL for about 5 weeks. I recalled Ben Follmar from AAA, where he was 1-1 with a 2.45 ERA and 0.86 WHIP in 3 starts. He'd be used out of the pen.

D.J. Ruhnke (2-1, 3.43 ERA, 1.33 WHIP) got the ball today against Erik Pike (3-1, 3.72 ERA, 1.10 WHIP). We scored early and oftern, and hopped ahead of the Rebels in the standings with a 7-4 victory.

Ruhnke went 6 with 3 hits, 4 runs, 4 walks, and 8 strikeouts. Justin Pezetti got a 2 inning hold while Simon Ellilngson, our replacement closer, picked up his 2nd save after a perfect 9th.

Giobbe Capuana had an offesnive explosion, going 3-for-3 with a walk, double, 2 homers, and 5 RBI's. Josh Stevens was 2-for-4 with 3 runs scored. Justin Arrington was 1-for-3 with a solo homer, 2 walks, and a stolen base.

Capuana now leads the AL in homers with 11 while Arrington is tied with New Orleans' Jung-shuan Tong for the stolen base crown with 7.

May 4th, 1903: Milwaukee CF Brad Marino and Pittsburgh SP Tony Garza were named Player of the Week.

We looked to take the four game set a day early with Eddie Silva (1-3, 6.49 ERA, 1.73 WHIP) taking on New York's lesser Miller, Joe (1-1, 3.45 ERA, 1.21 WHIP). Although he's still probably better then our whole rotation... He's definitely better then Silva, and we were demolished 10-2...

Even better, Capuana left with an injury after a collision on the basepaths...

Silva allowed all 10 runs of 12 hits in 5.2 innings. He walked 3 and struck out 4. Travis Walters took the last 3.1 innings, allowing 2 hits and 2 walks with 2 strikeouts.

Sandate made up most of our offense, going 2-for-3 with a walk and two run homer. Jesus Camargo was 1-for-4 with a run scored.

May 5th, 1903: The finale would be tough, as the struggling Carlos Ramirez (1-3, 6.34 ERA, 1.52 WHIP) had to outduel Kevin Miller (3-3, 3.50 ERA, 1.01 WHIP) who shut us out not too long ago. We managed 2 runs, but still fell short in a 4-2 defeat.

Ramirez allowed 11 hits and 4 runs despite 8 strikeouts in the full 9 innings.

I love how my manager refuses to use the bullpen...

Yeah, sure your hook is "slightly slower" and not "never pull" I trust you...

Camargo went 2-for-4 with a run scored and RBI. Mike Legg was 1-for-3 with a run scored. Kab-shik Min was 2-for-4. That's all the hits we had...

We'd finish our homestand with the Cajuns coming to down for a three game set. We'd see Gene Parsons (1-0, 3.65 ERA), Jaime Bottorff (1-2, 4.35 ERA), and Simone Botte (1-3, 3.18 ERA).

May 6th, 1903: Capuana was diagnosed with a strained hamstring, and he'd miss 3 weeks. I didn't have any other infielder on the 40, so I purchased the contract of 2B Mike Shaddox.

A speedy switch hitter who can play all around the infielder, the 35-year-old is an intelligent hardworker who is loved in the clubhouse. He's tallied over 5,000 plate appearences in the big leagues, and owns a .286/.360/.420 batting line with 119 homers and 540 RBI's. The former 3rd Round Pick played for Brooklyn, Washington, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Buffalo, and even Santa Clara in Cuba. He'd start at second, with Camargo sliding over to the hot corner.

The draft pool was published as well, and it's not too bad, but nothing to write home about either. Here's OSA's Top 10 and how my scouts and theirs view the prospect:

LHP Miguel Benties (3/4): 7th Round Pick by Brooklyn in 1900
RF Jeffery Middendorf (3/3): 3rd Round Pick by Milwaukee in 1902
RHP Carlos Montero (2.5/4): 5th Round Pick by Newark in 1900
RF Chris Bode (2.5/3.5): 2nd Round Pick by Baltimore in 1900
RHP Jake Miller (3.5/4.5)
RHP Greg Glaub (2.5/4)
RHP Steve Wood (2.5/4): 5th Round Pick by Cleveland in 1902
RHP Jim Beall (2.5/3): 3rd Round Pick by Brooklyn in 1900
CF Leo Medina (1/3.5)
RHP Godfrey Courtney (2/4): 6th Round Pick by Chicago in 1900

A lot of college guys at the top, but to make the game more "realistic" I usually improve high school guys that don't sign because they generally get selected higher when they are eligible again as a junior or the following year if they attend a JUCO.

The guy I have my eye on is 19-year-old Erik Rountree, who both my scout and OSA agree on as a 4* prospect. He's got elite stuff, plus-plus movement, and average control. He's got elite stamina, is an extreme groundballer, and hurls in the 91-93 range. He's got a plus-plus sinker, elite curve, and a 97 potential change.

Ironically, the Chargers took him last year in the 3rd Round, but he decided to head to Pacific for a year before re-classifying for the draft.

On the hitter side is 18-year-old CF Max Newman, where me and OSA agree again as a 3.5* potential. He's speedy and verstaile (can play 1B, 2B, LF, CF, RF), and he's a solid hitter. He's got plus-plus contact and eye potential with plus power.

New Orleans was in town for a three game set, as Gene Parsons (1-0, 3.65 ERA, 1.14 WHIP) would pitch through a mild oblique strain. He'd face Vince Brown (3-0, 3.86 ERA, 1.06 WHIP) as we looked to stop our short skid. There was no pitching to be found, but we outslugged the guests 12-9.

Brown allowed 7 runs in 5 innings, but still improved to 4-0 on the season. He walked 3 and struck out 4. Follmar earned a hold, walking 2 and getting a punch out in the 6th. Juan de Loera allowed 3 hits and 2 runs with a strikeout in 2 innings. Ellingson picked up his 3rd save with a perfect 9th.

Justin Arrington lead the charge, going 3-for-5 with 3 runs, 6 RBI's, a double, and 2 homers. Jesus Camargo was 3-for-4 with 3 runs, 2 RBI's, a double, and homer. Carlos Sandate was 3-for-5 with a steal and solo homer. Damian Salcido was 3-for-5 with 2 doubles and 2 RBI's. Kab-shik Min hit a pinch-hit hojmer in the 6th.

May 7th, 1903: The middle game saw Cody Hall (2-1, 5.23 ERA, 1.44 WHIP) face Jamie Bottorff (1-2, 4.35 ERA, 1.37 WHIP). Pitching was still nowhere to be found, but we managed to eek out an 8-7 win.

Hall went 6, giving up 7 hits and 5 runs with 4 strikeouts. Pezzeti blew a hold, 2 runs off 2 hits with 2 strikeouts in 1.2 innings. Ellingson got a strikeout in a perfect 9th to earn his 4th save.

Carlos Sndate was 3-for-5 with 3 doubles, 2 runs, and 3 RBI's. Mike Legg was 3-for-4 with 2 runs scored. Jesus Camargo was 2-for-5 with 2 doubles and 3 RBI's. Jay Morgan had a pinch hit homer in the 8th that gave us the 8-7 lead.

Cinncinati's Eric Thomas tossed a 1-hit shutout in a 7-0 win over the Mustangs.

Down in Class B, our top prospect Jorge Montalvo struck out 16 in 6.2 innings as the St. Joseph Blowfish demolished the Saginaw Sabercats 11-0. Montalvo looks like a future ace, and has made 7 great starts in his first taste of Class B action, going 3-3 with a 2.06 ERA and 1.14 WHIP while striking out 62 in 43.2 innings.

May 8th, 1903: We looked for our first sweep of the season, as D.J. Ruhnke (3-1, 4.00 ERA, 1.30 WHIP) battled Simone Botte (1-3, 3.18 ERA, 1.16 WHIP) who we beat last time we played the Cajuns. Ruhnke seemed to miss the memo about giving up as many runs as possible, and he was brilliant in a 4-0 shutout.

SWEEEEEEPPPPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!!

Ruhnke went the distance, flashing his former #1 Overall potential, allowing just 3 hits and 3 walks while striking out 12.

Omar Attillo was 2-for-2 with 2 walks, a double, and RBI. Sandate was 1-for-4 with a solo shot. Josh Stevens was 1-for-3 with a double, run scored, walk, and RBI. Justin Arrington was 1-for-2 with 2 walks and a run scored.

Buffalo 2B John McKenzie was 5-for-5 in a 9-0 win over Philadelphia. Philadelphia sits in first at 23-11 while Buffalo is 9 games back and in 8th and just 13-19 on the season.

We get tomorrow off so we can really party tonight and enjoy the sweep!

[ayaghmour2]

May 9th, 1903: New York's Joe Miller tossed a 4-hit shutout in a 4-0 win over the Mustangs.

We got today off, and would head to St. Louis for a quick two game set. We'd face all-world pitcher Jim McNiff (4-0, 1.36 ERA) and the crafty knuckleballer Matt Nesgoda (3-1, 3.74 ERA). This will be our toughest test of the year!

May 10th, 1903: Before today's game, the Lightning announced that they extended RF Julio Montes to a 5-year, $14,000 contract. Acquired from the Cajuns in a midseason trade back in 1898, he's spent his whole career with St. Louis and New Orleans.

We also activated Brett Olsen from the DL and optioned Josh Stevens back down to Class A Grand Rapids.

Olsen would be available off the bench as Jim McNiff (4-0, 1.36 ERA, 0.69 WHIP) would face Eddie Silva (1-4, 7.81 ERA, 1.86 WHIP) in one of the most uneven pitching matchups we'd have all year. St. Louis is probably the only team with a better offense then us, as their 2-3-4-5 of Jesus Zamora, Jordan Carillo, Chris Boyd, and Roy Brand is at par with our four stars in Sadante, Camargo, Arrington, and Salcido. Much to my surprise, the game was scorless after 7 and we actually scored first in the 8th. Hector Padilla had a solo shot and then Zamora hit a two run shot in the bottom of the 8th off Silva, and the Lightning went on to win 3-1.

Silva pitched 8, allowing 5 hits, 3 runs, a walk, and he struck out 3. If only he was pulled after 7...

Or even after the first homer...

Jesus Camargo was 1-for-4 with an RBI and Carlos Sandate was 1-for-4 with a steal and run sored. The run, however, was unearned due to Roy Brand's throwing error on Carlos' steal attempt.

May 11th, 1903: New York LF Adam Markley and Brooklyn LF Lyle Raymond were named Players of the Week.

The Lightning skipped Nesgoda in their rotation, and instead used another superstar in Eddie Long (5-1, 2.96 ERA, 1.01 WHIP) to face former Lightning 1st Rounder Vince Brown (4-0, 4.95 ERA, 1.23 WHIP). In a crazy back-and-forth affair, we held off a lake Lightning comeback, and escaped with a split in a 7-6 victory.

Is it clutch if you give up 2 in the 9th, but still win?

Any time you beat a team who was 25-8 is clutch in my book!

Brown pitched fine, 6 innings with 8 hits, 4 runs (2 earned), 3 walks, and 5 strikeouts. Although to be fair, a lot of those hits wouldn't have happened if Legg and Camargo didn't make errors. Justin Pezzetti got 2 K's and allowed a hit in a 2 inning hold. Simon Ellingson "earned" a save, allowing 2 hits and 2 runs with a strikeout in the 9th.

Both Camargo and Legg made up for their errors, with the former going 2-for-5 with a double and solo shot and the latter going 2-for-4 with a run scored, double, and 3 RBI's. Jim Raines was 2-for-5 with a double. Damian Salcido was 1-for-4 with a walk, 2 runs, and solo homer. Brown was 1-for-2 with an RBI.

We'd stay in the Midwest as we traveled to Milwaukee for a four game set. Scheduled to start are Alberto Lucero (1-3, 4.14 ERA), Derrick Fullerto (1-3, 7.05 ERA), Sean Donald (3-4, 5.18 ERA), and Yeong-shin Kim (3-2, 4.91 ERA).

May 12th, 1903: The opener started with Lucero (1-3, 4.14 ERA, 1.38 WHIP) facing Cody Hall (2-1, 5.51 ERA, 1.41 WHIP). It was a rough start to the game, and we couldn't recover from a 7-0 deficit, dropping the opener 7-2.

Hall went 4 innings with 10 hits, 7 runs (5 earned), a walk, and 4 strikeouts. Salcido, Attilio, and Arrington all made errors in this overall sloppy game. Juan de Loera and Travis Walters combined for 4 innings with 2 hits (to de Loera) and a walk and 2 strikeouts from Walters.

Juan Vela went 3-for-4 with a solo shot. Brett Olsen was 1-for-4 with a double and run scored. Atillio was 1-for-4 with an RBI.

May 13th, 1903: We looked to quickly even up the series with Carlos Ramirez (1-4, 5.94 ERA, 1.47 WHIP) taking on Derrick Fullerton (1-3, 7.05 ERA, 1.68 WHIP). Ramirez beat the Mustangs earlier in the season, while Fullerton lost to us. Down 5-4 in the 9th, we managed to force extras, but Chad Carnes hit a walk-off sac-fly in the 12th, and we dropped game 2 6-5.

I really question my manager, as he let Ramirez pitch all 9 innings, allowing 5 hits, 5 runs (4 earned), 3 walks, and 5 strikeouts. Jeremy Gotwals got the loss, allowing 3 hits and the game winning run in 0.2 innings.

Muhan Yakin was 3-for-4 with a double and 2 runs scored. Jim Raines was 2-for-5 with a walk and run scored. Mike Legg was 2-for-5 with an RBI double. Justin Arrington was 1-for-3 with 3 walks, 2 steals, and a big solo shot in the 9th.

New York's Mike Stevner tossed a 9-hit shutout in a 6-0 win over the Lightning.

With all these crazy starting pitching outings, I even checked my settings, and the hook is set to default with use of relievers and pinch hit for pitchers at very often so I'm not sure what's going on.

May 14th, 1903: I tried really hard to trade for a starting pitcher, but the only one who was really available was Travis Adams, who's out for the year. There were also a bunch of really good and expensive players, but I just wasn't really feeling that. I ended up sending an offer to Washington, but I'm not sure it'll go through.

We really needed today's game, as D.J. Ruhnke (4-1, 3.00 ERA, 1.14 WHIP) faced Sean Donald (3-4, 5.18 ERA, 1.27 WHIP). In another high scoring affair, we prevented a total collapse, and edged out the hosts 7-6 to get our 20th victory on the season.

Ruhnke went 7 with 9 hits, 6 runs, 2 walks, and 7 strikeous. Jeremy Gotwals struck out 2 in the 8th for a hold and Simon Ellingson tossed a perfect 9th for the save.

Somehow, we managed to score 7 runs off just 5 hits and 2 walks. Damian Salcido was 2-for-4 with a solo homer and two run homer. Jesus Camargo was 2-for-4 with a pair of two run hoemrs. Justin Arrington was 1-for-4 with a run scored.

As a team, we only left one man on base, which I didn't think was possible. We left more men on base (3) when we got no-hit...


May 15th, 1903: We looked to earn the split as the amazing Eddie Silva (1-5, 7.08 ERA, 1.68 WHIP) took on Yeong-shin Kim (3-2, 4.91 ERA), who's making just his 2nd start of the season (11 relief outings). Luckily, we backed Silva with 21 hits, and we took the finale 12-6.

All 6 tuns were charged to Silva, pitching 5 innings with 9 hits, 2 walks, and 4 strikeouts. de Loera and Walters did their splitting the final 4 again, allowing 3 hits, 3 walks, but with 5 strikeouts.

We left 25 on base today, but I really didn't care about that!

CDamian Salcido continued his power surge, going 3-for-6 with 3 runs, 3 RBI's, and 2 solo shots. Carlos Sandate was 3-for-5 with an RBI double, three run homer, and stolen base. Juan Vela was 3-for-6 with a solo homer and 2 runs scored. Brett Olsen was 3-for-5 with a steal and 2 runs scored. Omar Atillio was 2-for-4 with a three run homer. Jesus Camargo was 2-for-6 with a walk and steal. Justin Arrington was 2-for-5 with 2 runs, a walk, and steal.

Before the day ended, I decided that I really needed to upgrade my rotation, and I added one of the better pitchers in the game, Nate McCue, from the New Orleans Cajuns. I sent them a nice package, SP Jesse Salvetti, SP Jose Morales, and LF Mike Choma.

McCue, 28, is having a great season, going 6-2 with a 2.69 ERA and 1.05 WHIP with 13 walks and 50 strikeouts in 73.2 innings. Rated a 3.5/4*, he's got plus-plus stuff, plus movement, and elite control. He's got elite stamina, throws an elite cutter and change with a plus-plus curve. The cutter grazes triple digits, but he's generally in the 96-98 MPH range.

As an impending free agent, I worked to get an extension signed.

To make room for McCue, I wished Eddie Silva good riddance, and DFA'd him.

McCue could get the start tomorrow in Cinncinati, where we'd see Evan O'Hagan (1-1, 4.50 ERA), Eric Thomas (4-3, 3.28 ERA), and Matt Puckett (4-3, 4.33 ERA).

[ayaghmour2]

May 16th, 1903: We arrived in Cinncinati for a three game set with the Red Hawks to finish up our road trip. Vince Brown (5-0, 4.70 ERA, 1.30 WHIP) took the opener over McCue (who I guess wasn't rested) against Eric Thomas (4-3, 3.28 ERA, 1.38 WHIP). Brett Olsen was happy to see Thomas on the mound, as he's an impressive 31-for-60 with 5 homers against the 32-year-old veteran. Tied at 4 in the 9th, both teams got solo homers, Juan Vela for us, and former Charger Carlos Ruiz for them, to force extras. Vela came through again in the 11th, hitting an RBI single off Carl Firestone, and we won the opener 5-4.

Brown went 7 innings with 5 hits, 3 runs, a walk, and 5 strikeouts. Simon Ellingson blew the save, but also got the win, allowing 2 hits, a run, and a walk with a strikeout in 2 innings. Justin Pezzeti and Rick Gunter split up a perfect 9th inning.

Carlos Sandate was 2-for-5 with a steal, 2 runs, 2 RBI's, and a homer. Vela was 2-for-5. Justin Arrington was 1-for-5 with a steal and solo homer.

May 17th, 1903: The middle match saw Cody Hall (2-2, 5.94 ERA) face Matt Puckett (4-3, 4.33 ERA, 0.93 WHIP), who jumped a spot in the rotaiton. We hit him hard earlier in the year, as he was charged with 7 runs in 5.1 innings. He's also pitching on short rest. In a great performance by Hall, we took a step closer to a sweep with a nice 4-1 win.

Hall went 8 with 6 hits, a run, a walk, and 3 strikeouts. Ellingson earned his 7th save with a strikeout and perfect 9th inning.

Mike Shaddox went 3-for-4. Carlos Sandate was 2-for-4 with a walk, homer, and 2 runs scored. Damian Salcido was 1-for-4 with a two run homer. Omar Attilio was 2-for-4 with a double. Brett Olsen was 1-for-4 with a solo shot.

May 18th, 1903: Milwaukee 1B Al Birkbeck and Philadelphia 1B Mario Rabago wre named Player of the Week.

A little something new, I'll include our power ranking and record at the start of every week. We moved up to 4th, and are currently 23-17, 6 games behind the Lightning and just 1 behind the Rebels.

Eddie Silva cleared waivers, but refused an assignment to Class A Grand Rapids. After trying to dump him on someone, I just bit the bullet and released him. I offered him a minor league deal to come back, but I doubt he'll accept it.

We looked to finish off the sweep with Carlos Ramirez (1-4, 5.66 ERA, 1.39 WHIP) facing 36-year-old Dave Rennie (0-3, 5.89 ERA, 1.64 WHIP). Despite the off day tomorrow, most of the starters were given the day off because they were exhausted. It's really hard to blame Ramirez for the loss, but he was left in for the whole game, and we were topped 5-4.

Oh, and one run was unearned...

Ramirez pitched 8 innings, allowing 11 hits, 5 runs (4 earned...), a walk, and 5 strikeouts.

Mike Shaddox was 3-for-4 with a walk and run scored. Mike Leff was 2-for-4 with a double. Damian Salcido was 1-for-4 with a double, run scored, and 2 RBI's. Ramirez was 1-for-3 with a walk and 2 runs scored.

Lightning lefty Ron Howard tossed a 4-hit shutout in a 5-0 win over the Cardinals.

We're off tomorrow, and will head back home!

May 19th, 1903: Before even appearing in a game for us, Nate McCue inked a 5-year, $2,744 per year deal, with the final season a player option. The former 9th Overall Pick out of Washington has had an up and down career, but I'm really betting on his ratings over his stats.

Brooklyn SP Tim Allday tossed a 6-hit shutout in a 7-0 win over the Freedom.

The Cardinals, who sit at 11-29 and are in dead last, will be in town for a three game set. We'd see Bobby Goldberg (1-6, 4.57 ERA), Roland Rehrig (0-0, 3.00 ERA), and Andy Riffle (1-4, 6.68 ERA).

May 20th, 1903: Nate McCue (6-2, 2.69 ERA, 1.05 WHIP) would make his Chargers debut as Bobby Goldberg (1-6, 4.57 ERA, 1.31 WHIP) and the Chicago Cardinals came to town. McCue would have to watch out for Ben Etienne, who's 23-for-49 with 4 homers in his career against McCue, although there are very few pitchers who can get him out. McCue was brilliant (although Etienne was 2-for-4 with a run scored), and we topped the guests 4-1.

McCue was out away from finishing the game, and allowed just 6 hits, 2 walks, and a run with 9 strikeouts. Ellingson got the final out to earn his 8th save.

We were actually outhit 6 to 4. Brett Olsen had half of them, going 2-for-3 with 2 doubles, 2 runs scored, and an RBI. Juan Vlea was 1-for-3 with a two run homer. Omar Atillio was 1-for-3 with an RBI.

Down in Grand Rapids, 2B Carlos Martinez was 5-for-5 as the Bulls destoryed the Louisville Condors 17-2.

May 21st, 1903: Game 2 saw Roland Rehrig (0-0, 3.00 ERA, 1.25 WHIP) make his first start of the season after 11 appearences out of the pen. He'd face Vince Brown (5-0, 4.58 ERA, 1.25 WHIP) who looked to stay perfect on the season. A huge 5 run 5th helped us cruise to a 9-2 win.

Brown went the distance, allowing just 3 hits, 2 runs, and 2 walks with 8 strikeouts.

Muhan Yakin was 2-for-4 with 2 runs, a double, and RBI. Carlos Sandate was 2-for-4 with a run scored and two driven in. Jesus Cmargo was 1-for-4 with a grand slam. Mike Legg was 1-for-3 with 2 runs and an RBI. Brown was 1-for-2 with 2 runs and a sac-bunt.

Washington's Marcos Hernandez tossed a 3-hit shutout ina 3-0 win over the Mustangs.

May 22nd, 1903: New Orleans will be without 23-year-old Simone Botte for the rest of the season with a torn labrum. The promising youngster was 2-4 with a 3.02 ERA in 9 starts.

The brooms were ready as D.J. Ruhnke (5-1, 3.77 ERA, 1.21 WHIP) went to battle with Jimmy Miller (2-6, 4.53 ERA, 1.32 WHIP). These two met on April 8th, when we came out on top in a 7-5 road win. The result was much different today, as the Cardinals avoided a sweep with a 6-1 finale win.

Ruhnke pitched well, going 6 innings with 5 hits, 2 runs (1 earned), 2 walks, and 7 strikeouts. Justin Pezzetti was roughed up for 4 runs off 2 hits and 2 walks in 0.1 innings. Juan de Loera went 2.2 innings with 3 hits and 2 strikeouts.

Brett Olsen was 2-for-4 with an RBI. Jesus Camargo was 3-for-4. Mike Shaddox was 1-for-3 with a walk.

Our homestand would continue as the Washington Wildcats came to town for four. At 21-22, they are 12 games out of first and 4.5 games behind us. We'd likely see Chris Brown (1-5, 5.87 ERA), Hector Perez (4-1, 6.15 ERA), Willis Salinas (6-0, 2.17 ERA), and Marcos Hernandez (6-4, 3.59 ERA).

[ayaghmour2]

May 23rd, 1903: All-Star voting starts today! I'd hope McCue, Camargo, Sandate, Arrington, and Salcido would be selected, but there's a long time before the break.

We welcomed the Wildcats and Chris Brown (1-5, 5.87 ERA, 1.92 WHIP) to town with Cody Hall (3-2, 5.31 ERA, 1.43 WHIP). 23-year-old superstar Gus Leyva would be in the three spot, but Hall has done well at limiting his damage, as he's putting up just a .200 average with no homers in 15 at bats (he's got a 1.006 OPS this year!). Pitching surprisingly had the upper hand, and we took the opener 4-2.

Hall tossed 8 strong innings with 3 hits, 2 runs, and 7 strikeouts. Simon Ellingson got a strikeout and tossed a perfect 9th for his 9th save on the year.

Carlos Sandate was 2-for-4 with a double and steal. Jesus Camargo was 2-for-4 with a run scored. Justin Arrington was 1-for-4 with a solo homer. Damian Salcido was 1-for-2 with a walk, RBI, and hit by pitch. Juan Vlea was 1-for-3 with a walk and RBI.

May 25th, 1903: The Pittsburgh Pilots sent RHP Pat Playter to the Cleveland Cyclones for LHP Tonny Downs and RHP Carlos Delgado.

We looked to secure a split as Carlos Ramirez (1-5, 5.53 ERA, 1.40 WHIP) took on Hector Peralez (4-1, 6.15 ERA, 1.61 WHIP). Ramirez struggled last time against Washington, allowing 7 runs and 12 hits in 6 innings. The offense exploded, scoring at least 1 in the first 5 innings, including 6 in the 4th, and we won 11-5.

Ramirez went the distance (not sure why...), allowing 8 hits and 5 runs with 10 strikeouts.

Brett Olsen was hitting on all cylinders, going 4-for-5 with a double, 2 homers, and 6 RBI's. Justin Arrington was 2-for-5 with a homer and 3 RBI's. Jesus Camargo was 2-for-5 with 2 runs and an RBI. Mike Shaddox was 1-for-2 with 2 runs and 2 walks. Carlos Sandate was 1-for-3 with 2 walks and a run scored.

May 25th, 1903: Our own Brett Olsen was Player of the Week in the AL, hitting .474 with 2 homers, 8 RBI's, and 5 runs scored. The NL Player of the Week was Buffalo 1B Frank May.

We're up to 2 in the Power Rankings behind just St. Louis. At 27-19, we are half a game behind the Rebels for the Wild Card and 8 behind the Lightning.

We looked to take the series a game early with Nate McCue (7-2, 2.51 ERA, 1.03 WHIP) battling the breakout 25-year-old Willis Salinas (6-0, 2.17 ERA, 1.25 WHIP). McCue has had two great starts against the Wild Cats this year, going 1-0 with a 2.12 ERA 20 strikeouts. He was just as great today, and we won 8-2 with help from a 6 run 7th.

Juan Vela, however, left the game early while running the bases. He was 1-for-2 with a double, and he was hurt on the slide in to second.

McCue needed no relief, allowing 7 hits, 2 runs, and a walk with 8 strikeouts in the complete game.

Damian Salcido was 3-for-4 with a double, 2 hoemrs, and 6 RBI's. Jesus Camargo was 2-for-5 with 2 runs scored. Player of the Week Brett Olsen was 2-for-4 with a run scored. Omar Attilio was 1-for-3 with a walk and two run homer.

May 26th, 1903: We looked to finish the always tough four games sweep as Vince Brown (6-0, 4.21 ERA, 1.15 WHIP) looked to remain perfect over the Wildcats red-hot ace Marcos Hernandez (6-4, 3.59 ERA, 1.22 WHIP). Every batter in our lineup who has faced him more then 10 times is hitting below .190. Despite an excellent effort from Brown, we fell short, dropping the finale 2-1 as the elusive sweep slipped away again...

Brown went 7, allowing just 4 hits, 2 runs (1 earned...), and 2 walks with 7 strikeouts. Both Jeremy Gotwals and Simon Ellingson had hitless frames.

Mike Legg, who made the error, was 1-for-4 with a solo homer. Vela's injury replacement Kab-shik Min was 2-for-4. Jim Raines was 1-for-3 with a walk.

Milwaukee 3B Chad Carnes launched three homers in a 9-8 comeback win over the Cardinals.

Our homestand would finish up with the Cajuns coming to town. At 20-29, they are 17.5 games out of first. We'd see all southpaws, Jaime Bottorff (2-3, 4.95 ERA), Jesse Salvetti (1-0, 2.57 ERA), and Steve Hudson (1-4, 6.80 ERA).

May 27th, 1903: Juan Vela was diagnosed with a strained hamstring, and will miss about 2-3 weeks. Ideally, I would've wanted Giobbe Capuana to have a rehab assignemnt, but with Vela's injury, Capuana would get thrust back into the lineup at first.

Vela was hitting .271/.312/.517 with 6 homers and 14 RBI's. Capuana is hitting .265/.403/.653 with 11 homers and 23 RBI's.

The now third place Rebels had a huge hit to their playoff pursuit, as 25-year-old ace Kevin Miller will miss the rest of the year with a fractured elbow. He was 5-3 with a 2.72 ERA and 0.91 WHIP in 11 starts while walking 20 and striking out 76.

D.J. Ruhnke (5-2, 3.49 ERA) got the start in the opener against Jaime Bottorff (2-3, 4.95 ERA, 1.48 WHIP) and the Cajuns. Runke has pitched well against New Orleans, 2-0 with a 1.59 ERA. On the offensvie side, Camargo has hit Bottorff well, with the lefty going 11-for-29 with 2 homers. We couldn't solve Bottorff, and the Cajuns won the opener 4-1.

Don't blame Ruhnke, who only allowed 1 earned (4 total) in 7 innings. He gave up 8 hits, walked 3, and struck out 9.

Camargo continued to hit Bottorff well, going 3-for-4 with a run scored. Mike Legg was 1-for-2 with a walk. Muhan Yakin was 1-for-4 with a double.

May 28th, 1903: We looked to even the series back up with Cody Hall (4-2, 4.96 ERA, 1.30 WHIP) facing Jesse Salvetti (1-0, 2.57 ERA, 1.14 WHIP), who we sent to New Orleans in the McCue deal. He'll be making his 2nd career start against the team that took him in the 4th Round back in 1896. We continued to struggle, and the we dropped another game 6-1.

If I knew Salvetti could pitch like this I wouldn't have traded him...

Hall went 7 with 6 hits, 4 runs, a walk, and 5 strikeouts. Ben Follmar allowed 2 (1 earned) in 2 innings with 4 hits and 2 strikeouts.

Carlos Sandate was 1-for-3 with a double and walk. Hall was 1-for-2 with the only RBI.

May 29th, 1903: Fan Vote Update: Camargo ranks 1st for 2B, Capuana 3rd for 3B, Salcido 1st for SS, Arrington 1st for LF, Sandate 2nd for CF, Olsen 3rd for RF, McCue 5th for SP, Laranjeira 2nd for RP, and de Loera 4th for RP.

The Patriots lost Humberto Gonzalez for the rest of the season with a torn labrum. The 33-year-old was 5-2 with a 2.18 ERA.

We looked to avoid the embarassing sweep with Carlos Ramirez (2-5, 5.47 ERA, 1.34 WHIP) facing Steve Hudson (1-4, 6.0 ERA, 1.64 WHIP). Luckily, the offense awakened from their hibernation, and we turned a 3-0 deficit into a 10-3 victory.

Ramriez, of course, went the distance, allowing 5 hits with 3 runs, 3 walks, and 3 strikeouts. I guess 135 pitches is nothing when you have 100 stamina...

Justin Arrington went 2-for-3 with 2 runs, 2 walks, a triple, homer, and 4 RBI's. Damian Salcido was 2-for-4 with a homer and 3 RBI's. Giobbe Capuana was 2-for-4 with 2 runs, a double, and RBI. Jesus Camargo was 2-for-4 with 2 runs and an RBI. Ramirez was 1-for-3 with a sac-bunt and run scored. Jim Raines was 1-for-4 with 2 runs, a walk, and double.

We'd look to continue that momentum as we headed to Cincinnati for a three game set with the Red Hawks. At 27-24, they are just 2 games behind us and 11 behind the Lightning. The scheduled starters are Nam-shik Kim (1-2, 2.70 ERA), Eric Thomas (5-4, 3.73 ERA), and Matt Puckett (5-4, 3.67 ERA).