Almost Ready...

Michael and I are still working out the kinks to get the league in shape for OOTP13.

One oddity that Michael noticed is that, in the upgrade, all options years were converted to guaranteed contracts.

I went ahead and changed all the option years back to options.  The majority of options were mutual options, but, it seems, mutual options are not an option in OOTP13.  Therefore, any option that was a mutual option has been converted to a team option.  Any option that was a player option is still a player option.

I believe I have the online quirks worked out.  With any luck, we'll have a league file for you in the next few days.  In the meantime, please make sure that you have OOTP13 installed with the newest update (the OOTP team just issued an update in the last day or so).

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

Zev

OOTP13 Settings

I've successfully upgraded the game to OOTP13 and am now testing a few things.

For now, the following new features are disabled:
10/5 rule (veterans have right to veto trades)
Advanced Draftee Signing (Signing bonus negogtiations)
2012 CBA rules
Enable automatic evolution of the league


The following new features are activated:
Generate International Free Agents -- Default (2 per year)
Average Player Development Budget -- $8m
Average Scouting Budget -- $4m (up from $2m in OOTP9)
Hall of Fame Waiting Period -- 5 years

As always, your comments/suggestions are appreciated and encouraged.

I hope to have the league reports up soon, followed by the actual league file when I finish testing.

Zev

Villatoro Shuts Down Monarchs, Maui Captures Second Consecutive Cecil Cup!!

For the second year in a row, the Cecil Cup will reside in the middle of the Pacific, as the Maui Mashers shut down the Seattle Monarchs with a 5-1 victory.

Seattle managed to push a run across the plate in the first when Juan Gomez reached on Jason Lebfevere's error.    He went to second on a walk to John Hukill and scored on a Terry Hubbard double.

Seattle had a chance to add some more runs in the 3rd when the first two batters reached base on singles.  Later, after one out, the bases were loaded with Monarchs after a walk to John Hukill.  However, they failed to score when Terry Hubbard flew out and Steve Jones struck out swinging.

Maui finally got on the board in the fifth when Ramiro Ramirez led off with a single.  He then went to third on a Juan Maldonado single.  Pedro Martinez then hit a triple to deep center field, bringing both runners home.  Villatoro then grounded out, bringing home Martinez, to make the score 4-3.

In the sixth, Maui added another two runs on a lead off walk to Bruce Parker, a ground out advancing him to second, a single by Maldanado sending him to third and then a double by Martinez to bring both runners home, making the score 5-1, which was the final score of the game.  The Monarchs never made a serious threat at a comeback over the rest of the game, giving Maui its second consecutive Cecil Cup championship!

At this point, we'll take a few days to allow Matt to bask in the glory of his victory and to get the game upgraded to version 13.

Zev

Hernandez Shuts Down Mashers, Wins 1-0 To Set Up Game Seven

Enrico Hernandez shut down the Maui Mashers, allowing only three hits scattered over eight innings to give the Monarchs a victory and set up a Game Seven showdown for the Cecil Cup.

Hernandez had to be nearly perfect, as he had little margin for error.  Although Seattle batters had eleven hits over the course of the game, they only managed to push one run across the plate.  The sole run came in the sixth inning on a John Hukill solo home run.  In four of the eight innings, Hernandez set the Mashers down 1-2-3, including the eighth inning when he needed only five pitches to set down the side.

Game seven will be on Saturday night.  Before that game, all rosters will be frozen as we begin the process of upgrading to OOTP 13.

Zev

Maui Takes 3-2 Lead Behind Maxon's 4 Hits

Maui C Bruce Maxon powered the Mashers to a 7-4 victory over the Seattle Monarchs, putting them one victory away from capturing the Cecil Cup.  Maxon provided four hits, with three singles and a double and 4 RBI.

Game 6 on Thursday night.

Zev

Seattle Bats Come To Life, Tie Series At Two Games Each

This time it was a Maui pitcher's turn to get pounded, as the Monarchs tied the series at two games apiece.

Next game, tomorrow night.

Maui Mashes Morrales, Take 2-1 Lead

22-game winner Juan Morrales didn't have his best stuff today, as he surrendered seven runs in 3.2 innings, leading to a 10-3 Maui victory.

Next game, Tuesday evening.

Maui Takes Game 2 in 12 Innings

The Maui Mashers outlasted the Seattle Monarchs to take Game 2 of the Cecil Cup series.

The scoring got started when both teams traded two-spots in the second inning.  Maui started it off in the top of the inning with a leadoff walk by Bruce Parker.  That was followed by a single to Barney Maxon, moving Parker to second.  Ramiro Ramirez moved both runners over on a fielder's choice.  Juan Maldanado brought Parker in with a sac fly and a Reijiro Kondo single brought home Maxon, giving Maui a 2-0 lead.

Seattle responded in kind in the bottom of the frame.  With one out, Richard Bender reached on an infield single.  A Terry Hubbard double sent him to third.  Both runners then came home on a Bas Bijkerk single.

After that, both teams began trading goose eggs.  Seattle managed to get a runner to third with one out in the sixth, but failed to score.  Other than that, no team really threatened in regulation, and so, at the end of nine innings, the score still stood 2-2, until Maui took control in the top of the 12th.  Bruce Parker worked a one-out walk against reliever Mike Campbell.  He later came home on Ramiro Ramirez's triple.  Ramirez then came home on a Hector Albacete double, making the score 4-2.

Facing Manuel Galindo, the Monarchs went down 1-2-3 in the bottom of the 12th, to give Maui the victory and tie the series at one game apiece.

Upcoming schedule:
Game 3:  Monday night
Game 4:  Tuesday night
Game 5:  Wednesday night
Game 6:  Thursday night (if necessary)
Game 7:  Saturday night (if necessary)

Zev

Hickory Fire Sale Commences

Well, the decaying carcass of the most depressing playoff season in league history has begun to rot; Hickory management would like to extend a gracious invitation to anyone who’d like to pick at the remains.

Hickory will be entering full rebuilding mode effective immediately. Everyone on the roster, except for first baseman Jesus Flores, is at least theoretically available. (George Labarre has a no-trade clause, so I can’t really offer him, either). Please feel free to browse our catalog below and contact me at ferrarafc@comcast.net if there are items in which you are interested. I’m looking for picks and prospects exclusively – level of pick/prospect requested is obviously tied to the quality of the player(s) in which you are interested.

I’m listing the major items for sale below, but if there’s someone else on the roster that catches your eye, feel free to include him in negotiation; again, the only player who is not available is Flores.

STARTING PITCHERS

James Turner (4.5/4.5 RHP, 32 years old)

Won 16 games last year on a Hickory team that won only 74 overall. He’s only 32, and his ERA of 3.05 is right in line with his remarkable consistent numbers for the last decade. If he’s your number one, you can make the playoffs; if he’s your number two, you can win there. Very pricey, and signed for two more years, but a very useful piece for a contender.

In 2020: 16-11, 3.05 ERA, 95K and 58BB in 233.1 IP

Contract: Through 2022, @16.4M/per plus incentives

John Okane (3/3 LHP, 39 years old)

Coming off a down year, and aging fast. Still, if you’ve got the budget to absorb his contract – which expires after this year – he has the capacity to be a useful back-of-the-rotation kind of guy and the potential to be more with a little luck. Can be had for modest return.

in 2020: 12-12, 4.34 ERA, 123 K and 60 BB in 209.1 IP

Contract: Through 2021, @13M/per plus incentives

RELIEF PITCHERS

I have five that may be of interest: Donald Castanon, Forrest Powell, Ray Lewis, Joel Riojas, and Tomas Ramirez. All have experienced some degree of success over the last few years. I am unlikely to deal both Lewis and Riojas, but would part with one or the other in the right deal.

POSITION PLAYERS

Paul Shunk (4/4 RF, 33 years old)

Paul’s no longer the 50+ VORP superstar he was three years ago – mostly because his batting average has dropped over the last few years – but he’s still a solid bet for 30+ home runs, has a cannon arm in right field, and deserves a chance to chase 500 home runs in a place where a championship is at least a possibility. Has a mutual option for $13.5M that Hickory will pick up; trade negotiations involving Shunk will obviously be dependent on whether he picks up his end of the option.

in 2012: .264/.351/.484, 33HR, 86RBI, 78R, 6 of 9 in SB, 19.5 VORP)

Contract: Through 2021 (mutual option), @13.5M

Carlos Pais (1.5/1.5 SS, 30 years old)

This guy’s pretty straightforward – he’ll give you top-of-the-league defense at any of three infield positions, while hitting 25-30 home runs and giving you very little in terms of AVG or OBP. He’s very cheap and, if used properly, could contribute on a good team as a defensive specialist with surprising power.

in 2012: .212/.301/.470, 31HR, 73RBI, 85R, 4 of 5 in SB, 9.6 VORP)

Contract: Arbitration eligible for 2021 (estimate = $324,000)

Richard Campion (2/2 IF, 29 years old)

Nothing spectacular, but has potential value. Hit .341 as recently as 2019, and managed 11.1 VORP in 2012. Basically free to a good home willing to take on his unfavorable contract.

in 2012: .293/.345/.435, 10HR, 57RBI, 63R, 4 of 8 in SB, 11.1 VORP)

Contract: Through 2023 @6M/per

Tim Combs (1/1 OF, 26 years old)

Strictly a bench player, with speed (81 speed, 100 Stealing, stole 52 bases in 2011 and 28 in an injury-shortened 2012) and respectable defense in center field.

in 2012: .252/.277/.325, 0HR, 23RBI, 50R, 28 of 42 in SB, -15.7 VORP)

Contract: $300,000 (renews)

Seattle Comes From Behind To Take 1-0 Lead in Cecil Cup Series

The Seattle Monarchs took a 1-0 lead in the Cecil Cup series with a 4-2 come-from-behind victory against the Maui Mashers.

Maui jumped on the board first with an Angel Banuelos RBI triple in the 3rd off of veteran 219-game-winner Roland Placencia.  They added another run in the seventh on a Pedro Martinez RBI single, giving Maui a 2-0 lead.  In the meantime, Maui starter Kyle Fike managed to keep Seattle from scoring.  However, with two out in the bottom of the seventh, it all fell apart.  

Tyler Thomas hit a two-out single, followed by a walk to Placencia.  Richard Bender then smashed a long double to right-center scoring Thomas.  Jonathan Anderson then followed up with a single scoring Placencia and Bender, giving Seattle a 3-2 lead.  Seattle added another run in the eighth when John Hukill led off the inning with a walk.  He advanced to second on a groundout, Went to third on a wild pitch and then scored on a Dong Lutz error.

Seattle closer Robert Riddick then shut down the Mashers 1-2-3 in the ninth for the save to give Seattle the first game of the Cecil Cup.

Game 2 will be simmed on Sunday.

Zev

Maui Wins Pitchers' Duel To Advance To Cecil Cup Series

The Maui Mashers and the Saskatoon Amigos traded zeros for seven full innings.  When they finally did trade runs in the eighth, the Maui managed to push one more across than the Amigos, giving them a 3-2 victory and another chance at a Cecil Cup.

Juan Villatoro and Jeffrey Brunton were locked in a real pitchers' duel.  Through the first seven innings, only two Saskatoon and one Maui batter managed to reach third base.

In the top of the 8th, Saskatoon finally managed to get a runner across the plate, doing so in grand fashion when pinch-hitter Matt Foster hit a two-run homer.

In the bottom of the inning, Maui struck back.  With Brunton out of the game (being lifted for a pinch hitter), Will Stout came in to pitch.  After striking out the leadoff batter, Dong Lutz walked.  Pedro Caro came in to face Bruce Parker who struck out.  Next Leo Carerro came in to face switch-hitter Barney Maxon.  A wild pitch sent Lutz to second.  He then came across the plate when Maxon doubled on a full-count pitch.  Manuel  Robles then became the fourth Amigo pitcher of the inning, facing pinch-hitter Pedro Martinez.  Martinez ripped a 1-1 pitch down the left field line for a double, driving in Maxon and tying the score.  The next batter, Angel Banuelos slapped the first pitch up the middle for a single, scoring Martinez, giving Maui a 3-2 lead.

For the ninth, Maui brought in their closer, Carlos Arias, who struck out Luis Ramon, coaxed a fly ball to right from Santiago Salazar and got Cristobal Cordero looking to end the season for the Amigos.

If both Seattle and Maui let me know (via email or a comment here) that they are ready for Game 1 of the Cecil Cup by 9PM EDT Wednesday, I'll sim Game 1 of the Cecil Cup series on Wednesday night.  If not, I'll do it on Sunday.

Zev

Seattle Defeats Hickory, Saskatoon Stays Alive

The Saskatoon Amigos managed to stave off elimination by defeating the Maui Mashers 7-1.  Saskatoon had control of this game the entire time, putting up two runs in the top of the first.  They added another one in the second and three in the third, leading 6-1 after three innings.  Emilio Romero pitched 8.1 innings of seven hit ball for the victory as William Lawrence was shelled for the loss.

The Hickory Huskers had a chance to come away with a victory in their playoff series against Seattle.  They were ahead 8-5 with two out, two-strikes in the ninth, but couldn't hold on.  With two out and a runner (Anderson) on first, John Hukill singled off of Huskers' reliever Anson Shearing.  Steve Jones then singled to load the bases.  Terry Hubbard then came up, fouled off two two-strike pitches and singled to left, bringing home Anderson and Hukill to make it a one-run game.  Bas Bijkerk then doubled to right, bringing home Jones, tying up the game.  With the score tied, the Huskers brought in Donald Castanon to stop the bleeding and save the season.  With runners on second and third, he got Tyler Thomas to fly out on the first pitch to keep the game (and season) alive.  Hickory failed to score in the bottom of the ninth, sending the game to extra innings.

The Huskers had a chance to win in the 10th when, with two outs, Kareem King reached on an infield single. With Tony Reyes (28SB at AAA) pinch running, Carlos Pais hit a fly ball to deep left-center.  Reyes rounded third and headed for home, but the throw beat him and he was thrown out to end the inning.

Hickory had another chance in the 13th when, facing Bong-Ok Ch'on, with one out, Pais doubled down the right side.  After Joel Riojas sacrificed him to third, Manuel Cardona came up but struck out swinging.

The Monarchs finally managed to push a run across in the top of the 14th on an sacrifice fly by Jonathan Anderson.  Hickory had yet another chance to keep the season alive in the bottom of the inning when, against Mike Campbell, switch-hitter Richard Campion led off the inning with a double to left and went to third on a groundout.  But Campbell shut the Huskers down by getting LaBarre to ground out and striking out Paul Shunk looking, advancing the Monarchs to the Cecil Cup series.

Game 5 of the Maui/Saskatoon series Tuesday night

Zev

Seattle and Maui steam ahead

Zev asked me to pinch commish at the last minute, so no recap from me tonight:

Both Seattle and Maui won, and lead 3-0. There's plenty of time for Saskatoon and Hickory to regroup, however, as we're taking a little Passover break here in the SDMB League commissioners office this weekend.

Game Four will be simmed on Monday night. Will there be a game five on Tuesday? Only time will tell.

Maui, Seattle Trounce Opposition To Take 2-0 Leads

Maui 9-2 over Saskatoon, Seattle 10-3 over Hickory.

Sorry, don't have much time to do a complete recap.

Game 3 on tomorrow night.

Zev

Maui, Seattle Take Game 1 on 4-3 Victories

Maui defeated Saskatoon, 4-3, to take Game 1of their playoff series.  Saskatoon held the lead most of the game, until Maui pushed two across in the top of the ninth on two singles, a HBP, a walk (to force in the tying run) and a sac fly to give them the lead.

Meanwhile, up in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle played catch-up to come from behind and defeat Hickory 4-3.  Seattle tied the game in the 7th on a solo homer by Tyler Thomas and took the lead in the 8th on a walk to John Hukill (who was substituted for pinch runner Ivan Castillo) a wild pitch and a single by Steve Jones.

Game 2 on Wednesday night

Best Player EVER!!!!

So, with a lull in the playoff action and with the 2020 regular season in our rear-view mirror, who's the best player ever?

1. OF Brian Frison (935 career VORP over 13 seasons)
2. SS John Hukill (848.1, 13 years)
3. SP Demarcus Ramirez (831.2, 15 years, Hall of Fame)
4. 1B Dong Lutz (813.1, 15 years)
5. SP Ronald Placencia (813.0, 12 years)
6. SP Chad Nelligan (760.2, 13 years, HOF)
7. SS Ricky Peppers (757.6, 14 years)
8. SP John Okane (752.5, 18 years)
9. SP Christopher Hester (736.5, 13 years)
10. SP Juan Villatoro (719.5, 12 years)

As a free postscript, Nigel Bryant's 110 VORP this year was the sixth best season ever.

1. Roberto Casarez, 2004, 133.9 VORP
2. John Hukill, 2013, 116.1
3. Hukill, 2011, 114.7
4. Casarez, 2005, 112.9
5. Dong Lutz, 2014, 112.6
6. Nigel Bryant, 110.0

Not bad for the kid's second year in the majors.

We'll Try Again Tonight

I'm sorry, folks.  I didn't get home from work until after 11PM last night and, at that point, my wife felt that she had a priority on my time over a game.  I tried to convince her otherwise... but you know how that goes.  :)

We'll try Game 1 again tonight.

Zev

Playoff Schedule

OK, we're here at the postseason.  Congrats to all those who made it this far.

The schedule for the first round of playoffs will be as follows:

Game 1 -- Monday night, Apr 2
Game 2 -- Tuesday night, Apr 3
Game 3 -- Wednesday night, Apr 4
Game 4 -- Thursday night, Apr 5

If necessary, games 5-7 will pick up the following week:
Game 5 -- Monday night, Apr 9
Game 6 -- Tuesday night Apr 10
Game 7 -- Wednesday night, Apr 11.

Good luck to all!

Zev