Fixing the Marlins!

[ayaghmour2]

January 25th, 2022: Today marks the start of the preseason. My fan interest is all the way up to 97, an insane increase from the end of this season, when it was down in the 60s. Season Tickets have skyrocketed, and we're projected to sell out every game. Don't exactly know what happened, but the people of Miami are excited for baseball!

January 28th, 2022: I fortified the bench situation by signing 1B Marwin Gonzalez. The 32-year-old can man every position excepet center and catcher, and has a decent bat to go with it. He's a perfect bench guy so I can have a lot of flexibility with the rest of my bench.

To make room, I traded out of options RF D.J. Peters to the Nationals for 2B Andrew Vaughn. The 23-year-old is a speedy middle infielder with a solid bat, and was drafted in the 3rd Round back in 2020 by the Orioles.

February 1st, 2022: I claimed SP Jake Baker off waivers from the Tigers. The 23-year-old Austraillian is headed to A Greensboro.

Febraury 2nd, 2022: The Dodgers signed LHP Jake Diekman to a 1-year, $2,560,000 contract. The 35-year-old split his 2021 with the Angels and Mariners, putting together a really solid season.

February 20th, 2022: I traded 1B's Evan White and Luken Baker to the Dodgers for C Brad Devo and SP Jake Eder.

Debo, a former 2nd rounder, is the future Victor Caratini, except much better behind the plate. He's a 2/4*, and has elite pop for a catcher, and has a well rounded bat.

Eder, a former 4th rounder, is a solid left handed starter with 2.5 potential. He's got three solid pitches, headlined by a fastball he can turn up to 96, but averages around 92-94.

Up next is Spring Training!

[ayaghmour2]

February 24th, 2022: Today marks the start of Spring Training, and I brorught up a bunch of minor leguers to fill the expanded 60 man roster. The first set of preseason predictions are out, and they have the Marlins finishing 86-76 in a three way tie with Philadelphia and St. Louis for the two wild card spots. I'm also projected to have the best ERA and most steals in the NL. Jordan Montgomery is a top player, 11-6 with a 3.03 ERA and 138 strikeouts in 27 starts.

February 27th, 2022: SS Jeremy Arocho fractured his thumb, and will miss 3-4 weeks. I sent him down to AAA to rehab, just in case he faced any setbacks.

March 6th, 2022: The Twins lost CL Trevor Hildenberger for the season with a torn unlar collateral ligament. There are a lot of quality relievers left on the market that could be a suitable replacement.

March 15th, 2022: The Cubs signed RHP Carter Capps to a 1-year, $1,920,000 contract. He had a down year with Seattle, but should be a solid middle reliever.

March 20th, 2022: The Cubs extended SP Kyle Hendricks to a 4-year, %15,400,000 per year contract. Now 32, the control specialist is a career 75-68 with a 3.64 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and 1,040 strikeouts in 1,279.1 innings.

March 28th, 2022: The Red Sox lost lefty Bobby Poyner for the rest of the year with a torn rotator cuff.

We ended up finishing the spring 12-16, but those numbers are worth nothing. The good news is we stayed healthy.

While getting the roster ready, I traded LHP Aaron Loup to the Rangers for C Jake Taylor. The 23-year-old Taylor was a 4th round selection last year, and has a decent bat. He can play a little of 3B and LF as well, so he's a nice depth piece.

March 30th, 2022: On Opening Day Eve, the Red Sox signed CL Roberto Osuna to a 1-year, $5,600,000 contract. The 27-year-old has 161 career saves.

I also used today to set my Opening Day roster. It is as follows:

SP Walker Buehler (3.5/3.5)
SP Tyler Mahle (3.5/4)
SP Jordan Montgomery (3.5/3.5)
SP A.J. Puckett (2.5/3)
SP Jameson Taillon (3.5/3.5)
RP Victor Arano (4.5/4.5)
RP Corbin Clouse (2.5/2.5)
RP Koda Glvoer (3/3)
RP Tyler Jay (3/3)
RP Joe Jimenez (3.5/4)
RP Tanner Rainey (3.5/3.5)
RP Drew Steckenrider (3/3)
CL Yasukazu Shiotani (5/5)
C Christian Bethancourt (1.5/1.5)
C Victor Caratini (4/4)
1B Marwin Gonzalez (2/2)
1B Keston Hiura (3/3.5)
2B Scott Kingery (4/4)
3B Brian Anderson (2.5/2.5)
3B Ryan Mountcastle (3/3)
SS Andrelton Simmons (3/3)
LF Lewis Brinson (3/3)
CF Dustin Fowler (3.5/3.5)
RF Cole Brannen (3/3)
RF Carlos Soler (3/4)

We start the season with the Mets in Miami, so be ready for another amazing season of Marlins baseball!

[ayaghmour2]

Real life sidenote: I'll be at today's Marlins day as well, and the projected pitching matchup is the frequently mentioned Mike Soroka and one of my former players Jarlin Garcia. I actually have Soroka on my fantasy team, so it'll be super cool to see the 20-year-old make his third career start.

March 31st, 2022: The Red Sox bolstered their pen a bit more by adding Alex Colome to a 1-year, $2,160,000 contract.

We don't have a game today, but the top 100 prospects were announced today. We rank 14th in the league for best minor league system, and it'd be a little higher if we still had Luis Padilla, who is ranked 40th.

Our top 100 prospects include LF Juan Ramirez (36), CF Ernesto Arambula (44), SP Josh Weske (62), and RF Art Bryant (81). Other notable non-top 100 prospects include the just missed 2B Jeremy Eierman (101), SP Joe LaBrie (125), SP Josh Windom (126), SP Jeremy Kulhman (166), and 1B Seth Beer (189). The future looks bright!

The second set of preseason predictions were released, a big improvement, 96-66 and just 1 game behind the Mets. Again, we're projected to lead the NL in ERA and steals, but now also runs against. We're the 1st Wild Card, with a nice big cushion. We had a pair of top pitchers, Tyler Mahle and Jordan Montgomery. Both would make 33 starts, the former 17-10 with a 3.58 ERA and 176 strikeouts in 191 innings, the latter 14-9 with a 3.51 ERA and 163 strikeouts in 197.2 innings.

April 1st, 2022: Tyler Mahle dueled Noah Syndergaard as we started the 2022 season at home, hosting the Mets. Hopefully, it will start with a win! Our lineup is as follows: RF Brannen, 3B Mountcastle, 1B Hiura, LF Brinson, C Caratini, CF Fowler, 2B Kingery, SS Simmons, P Mahle. Mahle had a rough start, 3 runs in the first 2 innings, but we finished off the Mets 6-3 to win on Opening Day.

Mahle allowed 3 runs in 3 innings off 5 hits, but struck out 4. Corbin Clouse got the win, 3 innings of relief work out of the pen with a hit, 2 walks, and 3 strikeouts. Joe Jimenez, Tyler Jay, and Victor Arano recorded holds, and then the 2021 NL Saves Leader Yasukazu Shiotani started his 2022 with a save.

Ryan Mountcastle had a strong start, 3-for-4 with a double, a run scoerd, and an RBI. Scott Kingery was 1-for-3 with a walk, a steal, 2 runs scored, and a three run homer.

We've got tomorrow off before we finish the three game series.

April 2nd, 2022: The Diamondbacks decided to extend recent signing Dylan Bundy to a 2-year, $8.4 million per year, contract.

The Carindals and Mariners also made an early season trade, sending 1B Mike Ford to St. Louis for C Ismerling Mota and 3B Eugenio Suarez. Based on talent, the Mariners got a steal, but Suarez has a pretty big contract.

The Cardinals also returned Ke'Bryan Hayes on the 31st, but I just noticed now, so he's headed to AAA.

April 3rd, 2022: Walker Buehler faced last year's Rookie of the Year in the National League Luis Marrero as we looked to win the opening series of the new season. New York had other aspirations, as they evened up the series with a 3-1 win.

Again, the Mets got 3 in the first 2, although that's all Buehlelr lasted. He allowed 4 hits, 3 walks, but struck out 3 in a short season debut. The pen was excellent again, with Clouse and Rainey tossing 2 scorless innings a piece. Our pen hasn't allowed a run in 13 innings so far.

We didn't hit much, but Mountcastle was 2-for-4 with a double and run scored. Victor Caratini drove him in on a single in the 7th. We'd look to win the series tomorrow!

Mariners RF Jansiel Rivera hit 3 homers in a 11-2 win over the A's. In 344 at bats last year, he hit just 5. He does have developing power, 54/77, so he could develop into a nice slugger for Seattle.

Paul Goldschmidt hit his 300th home run as the Blue Jays beat the Orioles 5-3. "Goldy" has a career .291/.398/.524 batting line with 1,015 RBI's and 1,003 walks in 1,574 career games. He also has never had an OPS+ below 115, his lowest came last year at 118.

April 4th, 2022: The ever useful Power Rankings list us in 19th after just 2 games...

Jordan Montgomery dueled Jacob deGrom as we looked to win our first series of the season against our division rival and toughest competitor. Montgomery was brillinat, and started the 2-0 shutout to secure the series win.

Monty went 7.1 innings with a single walks and 6 hits, while striking out 6. Arano and Jay earned holds, while Shiotani recorded the save.

We only had 6 hits, but it proved to be enough. Cole Brannen drove in Andrelton Simmons with a single and Ryan Mountcastle had a sac fly that drove Brannenin. Brannen was 1-for-3 with a walk.

Our next foe would be the team that ended our season last year, the Cubs, who'd visit for three. We're both 3-1 to start the season, and as of now, we're seeing James Paxton, Yu Darvish, and the new Luis Marrero, Jorge Flores (0-1, 5.79 ERA).

April 5th, 2022: The Pirates inked 35-year-old reliever Nick Vincent to a 1-year, $2,360,000 deal. The control artist will work the 7th for Pittsburgh.

Jameson Taillon and James Paxton opened the sereis, as we looked for a bit of revenge against the pitcher who ended our seaosn. Hiura, who was hurt for the Wild Card game, is 5-for-10 with a homer against Paxton in his career. Ofense, however, wasn't the name of today's game, as we were topped 2-1 in 11 innings.

Taillon was solid, 6 innings with just the 1 run, to go with 5 hits, 3 walks, and 5 strikeouts. Arano allowed the run in the 11th, the first our pen has given up. He did strike out the side, but allowed 2 hits, and walked 2. Jimenez and Shiotani tossed 2 scorless with a pair of strikeouts.

Cole Brannen was 2-for-5 with a run scored and a double, but was also caught stealing. Ryan Mountcastle kept up the hot start with a pair of singles in four trips. Carlos Soler got his first career hit with a pinch hit single.

April 6th, 2022: A.J. Puckett faced Yu Darvish in the middle game as we looked to get back on track. It's hard when all, but two of your starters are hitting below .220, but hey, we're good right? I guess it worked, partially, as we scored 6 runs, but with just 7 hits, in the 6-1 win.

Puckett tossed 6 scorless in his return to the starting rotation. He allowed just 3 hits, a walk, and struck out 7. The run was charged to Clouse in the 8th. Tanner Rainey allowed a hit, but got all 4 of his outs via the strikeout.

The offense kind of broke out, but it was mainly Mountcastle. He was 2-for-4 with an RBI double and a three run homer. Scott Kingery went deep as well, a 2-run shot off Pablo Ochoa, who had to rpelace the injured Darvish. Cole Brannen was 1-for-4 with a walk, and finally got his first steal of the season. Puckett himself went 1-for-2 with a double and scored a run. He has 6 career hits, and 4 of them are doubles. We'd look to claim the series tomorrow.

April 7th, 2021: We got our first look at the newest International Superstar Jorge Flores (0-1, 5.79 ERA, 1.93 WHIP). He'd face Tyler Mahle (0-0, 9.00 ERA, 1.67 WHIP) in our second straight rubbber match. Our first personell change came wi th Christian Bethancourt behind the plate to give Caratini a day off. There was no offense untill the 11th, when the Cubs scored 6 in the top. We scored 2 in the bottom, but fell 7-3.

Mahle was brilliant, just 1 run in 7.1 innings with 4 hits, a walk, and 7 strikeouts. It was much better then his Marlins debut. Steckenrider allowed 4 of the runs off 3 hits and a walk after he pitched a perfect 10th. Koda Glover allowed the final 2 runs, with 2 hits and a walk, despite striking out the side.

Cole Brannen picked up 2 more steals in a 1-for-5 game with a double. Andrelton Simmons was 3-for-4 with a pair of runs scored and a walk. Mountcastle doubled twice in 5 at bats, as his average dropped to .458. Bethancourt was 2-for-5 with an RBI double, and he scored later. Marwin Gonzalez had a pinch hit 2-run double in the 11th.

It wasn't the result we wanted, but we couldn't dwell on every loss, as the season is still young.

Mitch Haniger went 5-for-5 as the Mariners beat the Rangers 12-5. They've scored a lot already to start the season.

We're headed to Philadelphia to face the first place, 4-2, Phillies. We'd see Sixto Sanchez (0-0, 5.06 ERA), Adbert Alzolay (0-0, 0.00 ERA), and Mike Clevinger (1-0, 0.00 ERA) before a day off. Let's ruin those ERA's!

[ayaghmour2]

April 8th, 2022: A pair of big name relievers are no longer free agents. Zach Britton will closer for the Rockies during a 1-year, $18.2 million dollar contract. He hasn't close games since 2019 with the Dodgers. Michael Feliz will now close for the Cardinals at a 1-year, $17,600,000 contract.

We opened our first road series with Walker Buehler (0-1, 13.50 ERA, 3.50 WHIP) facing Sixto Sanchez (0-0, 5.06 ERA, 1.50 WHIP). Hopefully Buehler can bounce back like Mahle. He wasn't great, but good enough to lead us to a 6-4 win.

Buehler went 5.2 innings, allowing just 2 hits, but 4 walks and 3 runs, while striking out 4. The last run was charged to Corbin Clouse as he finished the 6th. Joe Jimenez, Tyler Jay, and Drew Steckenrider got holds, and Yasukazu Shiotani got the save.

Dustsin Fowler was 1-for-4 with a three run homer off Matt Bowman in the 6th. Ryan Mountcastle was 1-for-4 with a two run double. Keston Hiura and Victor Caratini both had 2 hits and scored. Caratini drove in a run and Hiura doubled.

April 9th, 2022: A pair of perfect pitchers Jordan Montgomery (1-0, 0.00 ERA, 0.95 WHIP) took on Mike Clevinger (1-0, 0.00 ERA, 1.00 WHIP) in the second of three. Clevinger stayed perfect, as the Phillies won 3-0.

Montgomery allowed 3 in 7 innings with 8 hits, a walk, and three strikeouts. Tanner Rainey struck out the side in the 8th.
We managed just 4 hits, including a pair of singles and a walk in Ryan Mountcastle.

Josh Bell of the Orioles was 5-for-6 in a 12-3 win over the Royals.

April 10th, 2022: We looked to actually damage a perfect ERA in Adbert Alzolay (0-0, 0.00 ERA, 1.40 WHIP) against Jameson Taillon (0-0, 1.50 ERA, 1.33 WHIP). This time we shut them out, 5-0 to win our first road series of the year.

Taillon was great, 8 shut out innings with just 5 hits, 3 walks, and 6 strikeouts. Cobin Clouse finished the game with a scorless 9th.

Cole Brannen was 3-for-5 with a run scored, but was caught stealing. Keston Hiura committed an error, but was 1-for-4 with a 2 run homer off Alzolay in the 6th. Scott Kingery was 3-for-4 with 2 runs scored and a solo homer in the 9th. Lewis Brinson was 1-for-4 with a solo shot. Taillon himself even drove in a run on a single.

We got tomorrow off, but are temporarily sitting in 1st place tied with Philadelphia and Atlanta.

April 11th, 2022: We're up to 9th in the Power Rankings in the first real ranking of the season.

We'd face Washington next in the Nations' capital. They're 3-6 and 2 games out of first. We'd see former Marlin Zack Wheeler (1-0, 1.59 ERA), Steven Brault (0-1, 6.23 ERA), and Freicer Perez (0-2, 4.82 ERA).

April 12th, 2022: A.J. Puckett (1-0, 0.00 ERA, 0.67 WHIP) took the mound againsit Zack Wheeler (1-0, 1.59 ERA, 1.06 WHIP). This may be his first start against us. Carlos Soler got the start in left, the first one of his career. The bats were working, and we won the opener 10-4.

Puckett didn't have the best outing, 4 runs (3 earned) in 4.1 innings with 8 hits, 2 walks, and 5 strikeouts. Corbin Clouse got the win, his second, after finishing the 5th inning with a strikeout. Tanner Rainey and Joe Jimenez both got holds.

We got a bunch of steals: Cole Brannen, Dustin Fowler (2), Andrelton Simmons (2), and Keston Hiura. Brannen was caught himself, as last year's steal leader is just 4-for-7 to start the season.

Simmons was 2-for-5 with 2 runs, 3 RBI's, and a homer. Fowler was 3-for-4 with 4 runs scored, a walk, 2 RBI's, and a triple. Ryan Mountcastle was 3-for-5 with 2 RBI's and 2 doubles, although he was charged with the error that lead to a run. Soler was 3-for-5 with 2 runs scored and his first career double. Hiura was 2-for-3 with a run scored, one driven in, and a triple.

April 13th, 2022: Tyler Mahle (0-0, 3.48 ERA, 0.97 WHIP) took on Steven Brault (0-1, 6.23 ERA, 1.85 WHIP) in the middle match. Lewis Brinson, who's hitting just .111 with a homer and RBI needs to get hot today, so hopefully the day off will help him. The bats fell back asleep, and fell 3-1.

Mahle pitched well, 7 innings with just 5 hits, a walk, 3 runs, and 6 strikeouts. Victor Arano finished the game with a perfect 8th.

We did have 10 hits, and Brinson did wake up, 3-for-5 with a triple. Dustin Fowler was a perfect 4-for-4 with a steal in two attempts. Ryan mountcastle was 1-for-3 with a walk and drove in the pitcher Mahle for the only run of the game.

April 14th, 2022: We looked to win another series with Walker Buehler (1-1, 7.04 ERA, 1.70 WHIP) taking on Frecier Perez (0-2, 4.82 ERA, 1.61 WHIP). We had a great game, dominating 11-2 to take the series.

Buehler had a short start, just 4 innings, but he allowed 2 hits, a run, 3 walks, and he struck out 7. Corbin Clouse earned his 3rd win with a scorless 5th. The final run was charged to Rainey in the 8th, his 2nd inning of work. He only pitched 1.1 with 2 hits and 2 strikeouts.

Scott Kingery was 2-for-4 with a double, homer, 3 runs scored, 2 walks, and an RBI. Lewis Brinson is 2-for-5 with a steal, walk, 2 doubles, and an RBI. Fowler was 3-for-5 with 2 RBI's and a run scored. Andrelton Simmons was 3-for-4 with a run scored, 2 RBI's, a walk, and triple.

We're rewarded with tomorrow off before we return home for an inter-league series with the Indians.

[ayaghmour2]

The Marlins may have lost again, but it was a really fun game. There were a lot more people at this game, and the people by us were extremely nice and fun to talk to. The Braves almost got killed by an error by 3B Jose Bautista costed Soroka a bundle of runs, but Steck had another rough outing and they lost 10-5.

It was also Star Wars Night, so that was fun.

Here's what happened in my universe:

Next came game three of four (it threw me off that Scott Kazmir was projected to start tommorow and with the Dodgers next I forgot they traded him in the Kemp deal, so I thought we only had 3 against the Braves). Our only pitcher Brian Johnson (4-3, 3.51 ERA, 1.27 WHIP) took on Luiz Gohara (2-1, 5.14 ERA, 1.54) who has started only 1 game, but came out of the pen for 14. We had three cold players (Derek Dietrich, Martin Prado, Miguel Rojas) and 1 hot player (Cameron Maybin).

We came to play, as Starlin Castro hit a solo shot in the 1st. Fast foward to the 5th and we put up 3 more runs, pushing the lead to 4-0. Miguel Rojas had a run scoring triple. But we know the Marlins don't like leads, so we allowed the Braves to cut the deficit in half. And then my nemesis Dansby Swasnson hit the newley acquired Adam Warren's pitch for a run scoring single. The very rested Drew Steckenrider came in for the 9th, and pitched a perfect 1-2-3 inning with 2 K's and a ground out, earning save #7.

Johnson wasn't perfect, but was good enough and was now 5-3. Again, almost half of our 12 wins. He went 5.1 innings, allowing 6 hits and 2 runs, while walking 2 and striking out 6 Brave (pun intented) hitters.

All three cold players got hits. Dietrich was 2-for-4 with an RBI. Prado was 1-for-4 with a run scored. Rojas was 1-for-2 with a run scored, and the RBI from the triple. He also walked. Brian Johnson might be a hitter in disguise. He hit his 2nd double of the season, scored, and droce in Rojas. He's hitting .385/.467/.538 with 3 RBI's. I checked his hitting ratings, and they aren't bad. 44/40/46/23/28 with potentials of 53/54/56/32/36. He has the same amount of contact as backup catcher Bryan Holaday (hitting .143), and more power then Maybin, Prado, Johnny Giavotella, Rafael Ortega, and Rojas. Can't quite deicde how to take that.

Junichi Tazawa left the game with a bone spur in his elbow. He's headed to the DL and should be there for 3 weeks.

Anyways, that's my last Marlins game for a while, and I leave Miami tomorrow

[ayaghmour2]

April 15th, 2022: The Angels will be without rookie SP Jose Soriano for the year as he has radial nerve decompression surgery in his throwing elbow. He started the year 2-1 with a 4.30 ERA and 1.43 WHIP.

After today's off day, we'll face the Indians at home. They've started off strong, 9-3, but half a game out of first. We'd see Jhon Vergara (1-1, 5.06 ERA) and Triston McKenzie (1-0, 3.55 ERA) in a quick two game series.

April 16th, 2022: Jordan Montgomery (1-1, 1.88 ERA, 1.12 WHIP) took on Jhon Vergara (1-1, 5.06 ERA, 1.31 WHIP) as we hosted the Indians to start thet series. It was a pitcher's duel, but the Indians came on top 2-1 in 10 innings.

Montgomery lasted just 4, allowing 6 hits, a single run, a walk, and 7 strikeouts. Shiotani got the loss, 4 hits and a run in 1.1 innings. I wish Mattingly didn't bring him out for the 10th.

We had 9 hits, all singles. Cole Brannen was 2-for-4 with a run scored and a walk. Ryan Mountcastle was 2-for-4 and drove Brannen in. We needed to earn the win tomorrow.

Joey Gallo hit 3 homers in a 8-7 Rangers win over the Mariners. He has 8 homers and 13 RBI's to start the season.

April 17th, 2022: We hoped to salvage the split with Jameson Taillon (1-0, 0.64 ERA, 1.14 WHIP) battling Triston McKenzie (1-0, 3.55 ERA, 1.03 WHIP). We fell 2-1 again, but this time in 9 innings.

Taillon allowed 2 in the first, but settled in to pitch 7 excellent innings. He allowed just 5 hits, no walks, and struck out 7. Victor Arano and Joe Jimenez both tossed hitless innings to end the game.

Keston Hiura doubled and scored in 4 innings. He was driven in on a Victor Caratini single. Caratini was 1-for-3 with a walk. Lewis Brinson was 0-for-2, but he walked twice.

Luke Weaver tossed a 6-hit shut out as the Rangers beat the Mariners 2-0. He struck out 10 and walked 1.

After the sweep, we'd look to bounce back with a four game series in St. Louis. We've fallen to 7-7 and are 2.5 games out of first. St. Louis has also struggled, 6-9 and 4 games out. They'd send Carlos Martinez (0-1, 6.28 ERA), Nick Pivetta (0-2, 5.91 ERA), Chris Archer (1-0, 3.86 ERA), and Daniel Lynch (0-1, 8.56 ERA).

April 18th, 2022: Tampa Bay will be without LHP Anthony Banda for the rest of the year after he tore his rotator cuff. In 10.2 innings out of the pen and worked a 3.38 ERA.

We've also deservedly fallen to 16th in the Power Rankings.

A.J. Puckett (1-0, 2.61 ERA, 1.35 WHIP) looked to earn the win over Carlos Martinez (0-1, 6.28 ERA, 1.67 WHIP). It took 11, but we bounced back to earn a 5-3 win.

Early runs seem to be the issue, as Puckett allowed 3 in the 1st, but settled in and finished 6 innings. He allowed 6 hits, a walk, and struck out 3. Tanner Rainey tossed 2 shut out innings and struck out 3. Yasukazu Shiotani earned the win, 2 shutout innings with a hit and 2 strikeouts.

Scott Kingery went 3-for-4 with 2 runs and 3 RBI's to go with a steal and homer. Keston Hiura was 2-for-4 with a steal, 2 runs scored, and a double. Andrelton Simmons was 2-for-5 with a 2 run double in the 11th.

April 19th, 2022: Tyler Mahle (0-1, 3.63 ERA, 0.92 WHIP) battled Nick Pivetta (0-2, 5.91 ERA, 1.69 WHIP) in game two. Another extra inning game, but we rallied for 5 in the 10th to win 8-3.

Mahle allowed 8 hits and 3 runs in 6.2 innings. He struck out 4 and didn't walk a hitter. Koda Glover got the win after pitching the 9th. Clouse finished the 10th with a perfect inning.

Cole Brannen was o-for-3, but walked, got hit, scored twice, and stole 2 bases. Victor Caratini went 2-for-5 with a run scored, 2 RBI's, and a double. Hiura was 3-for-5 with 2 runs scored and 2 driven in. Dustin Fowler was 2-for-5 and drove in a run.

We looked to stay hot with Walker Buehler (1-1, 5.40 ERA, 1.54 WHIP) taking on the free agent acquisition Chris Archer (1-0, 3.86 ERA, 1.10 WHIP). It was a rough outing, and we fell 6-4.

Buehler still hasn't gotten on track, allowing 4 runs, 5 hits, 2 walks, and striking out 4 in 4.2 innings. Clouse allowed 2 more off 4 hits and a walk while finishing the 5th.

Cole Brannen was 1-for-3 with a sac-fly and a solo homer. Scott Kingery was 1-for-3 with a solo shot, walk, and a total of 2 runs scored. Buehler hit better then he pitched, `1-for-2 with an RBI.

April 21st, 2022: The Dodgers lost free agent acquisition Jake Diekman for the year with a torn labrum. The lefty tossed jsut 4.2 innings with the Dodgers.

We looked to win the series with Jordan Montgomery (!-1, 1.96 ERA, 1.25 WHIP) taking on Daniel Lynch (0-1, 8.56 ERA, 1.98 WHIP) in a southpaw duel. We tried to blow it, but we edged the Cards 4-3 to win three of four in St. Louis.

Montgomery was great, just 2 runs in 8 innings with 5 hits, 2 walks, and 5 strikeouts. Yasukazu Shiotani pitched a shaky 9th, a run and 2 hits with a walk, but he earned his 4th save.

We had 10 hits, all singles, expcet a pinch hit double for Brian Anderson in the 9th. Dustin Fowler was 2-for-4 with a run scored, but the best hitter had to have been Montgomery. He was 2-for-3 with a run scored and driven in. Cole Brannen was 1-for-4 with a walk, run scored, and RBI in the series finale.

Taylor Trammell of the Reds increased his hit streak to 20 games with a 2-for-3 outing in a 7-5 loss to the Mets.

We've got a respectable 10-8 record as he head to Arizona for three with the 10-9 Diamondbacks before an off day. We'd see Eric Carter (0-1, 1.50 ERA), Taijuan Walker (2-2, 2.81 ERA), and Jhoan Duran (1-1, 5.32 ERA). Let's right the ship can continue to win!

[ayaghmour2]

April 22nd, 2022: Jameson Taillon (1-1, 1.29 ERA, 1.00 WHIP) pitched the opener as we looked to beat Eric Carter (0-1, 1.50 ERA, 1.00 WHIP) and the D'Backs. We got the upperhand today, winning 5-2.

Taillon allowed 8 hits and 2 rnus in 6 innings with just 4 strikeouts as he continued his solid start to the season. Joe Jimenez and Victor Arano earned holds and Yasukazu Shiotani got the save.

Cole Brannen was 2-for-5 was a run and a steal. Keston Hiura was 2-for-4 with a run driven in and a walk. Scott Kingery was 3-for-4 with 2 runs scored. Dustin Fowler was 1-for-2 with 2 walks, a run scored, 2 driven in, and a triple.

April 23rd, 2022: We looked to win the series a day early with A.J. Puckett (1-0, 3.31 ERA, 1.29 WHIP) taking on Taijuan Walker (2-2, 2.81 ERA, 0.97 WHIP). Marwin Gonzalez made his first start of the year, starting at 1B and hitting 7th. We allowed 4 in the 9th and dropped the middle game 9-7.

Koda Glover allowed a grand slam to Andrew Toles as the Diamondbacks walked us off. Puckett allowed 3 in 5 innings with 7 hits, 2 walks, and 6 strikeouts. Tanner Rainey allowed 2 more in the 6th while recording just 2 outs.

Dustin Fowler had a great offensive game, 3-for-4 with a run scored, 4 driven in, a steal, and was a triple away from the cycle. Gonzalez was 2-for-3 with a home run, 2 walks, and 3 RBI's. Scott Kingery was 2-for-4 with a walk and run scored.

The Nationals ended Trammel's streak at 21 games win a 9-4 loss.

April 24th, 2022: We looked to win the series with Tyler Mahle (0-1, 3.75 ERA, 1.00 WHIP) taking on Jhoan Duran (1-1, 5.32 ERA, 1.55 WHIP) in the finale. 13 hits and 10 runs were enough to win 10-6 and taken another series on the raod.

Mahle struggled, 4 runs in 3.1 innings with 4 hits and strikeouts. Drew Steckenrider allowed 2 more in 1.2 innings off 3 hits and 2 strikeouts, as his ERA increased to 9.53. I'd likely option him if he keeps up his struggles.

Lewis Brinson was 1-for-6, but came up big with a grand slam in the 8th. Cole Brannen stole his 10th base in a 2-for-6 outing. He scored twice and drove in two. Keston Hiura doubled twice in 6 at bats with a run scored and a run driven in. Scott Kingery was 3-for-4 with a double and a run scored. Ryan Mountcastle was 2-for-4 with a walk and an RBI.

Austin Hays was 5-for-6 as the Orioles fell 8-7 to the Red Sox.

Tomorrow was an off day we'd used to travel to Chicago for three with the White Sox.

April 25th, 2022: The Cardinals signed RP Trevor Rosenthal to a 1-year, $10,000,000 contract. He's returning to where he started his career, after pitching with the Yankees, Marlins, Orioles, and Rockies.

We're back up to 8th in the Power Rankings.

AT 12-9, we're 2.5 back of Philadelphia, but tied for the 2nd Wild Card with the Mets. In Chicago, we'd face the 6-15 Sox and look to take the sweep on the road. We'd see Ian Clarkin (0-1, 4.76 ERA), former Marlin Marcus Stroman (0-3, 7.88 ERA), and Jose Gregorio Castillo (0-0, 1.93 ERA).

April 26th, 2022: Walker Buehler (1-2, 6.06 ERA, 1.53 WHIP) looked to bounce back against Ian Clarkin (0-1, 4.76 ERA, 0.88 WHIP) as we opened the interleague matchup. Carlos Soler played DH as we had the benefit of the DH. The inept Whtie Sox bested us 6-3...

Bueher allowed 3 runs in 5 innings off 5 hits, a walk, and 4 strikeouts. Steckenrider allowed a run in the 6rh, with a hit, 2 walks, and 2 strikeouts, and he'd be optioned. Joe Jimenez allowed 2 hits and 2 runs off a walk and 2 strikeouts in the 7th and 8th.

Andrelton Simmons was 2-for-4 with a run scored, a steal, and a double. Cole Brannen was 2-for-5 with 3 RBI's. Dustin Fowler was 2-for-4 with a solo homer.

We needed to win the next two, but before that, I optioned Steck to AAA and recalled James Farris. Farris tossed 5 scorless innings down in New Orleans and spent all of 2021 in the majors.

April 27th, 2022: Jordan Montgoemry (2-1, 2.05 ERA, 1.14 WHIP) looked to secure the win against former Marlin Marcus Stroman (0-3, 7.88 ERA, 1.50 WHIP). We battled back and won 9-3.

Montgomery went the distance, allowing 3 runs off just 4 hits with 4 strikeouts. He improved to 3-1 on the year.

Lewis Brinson picked up 2 steals and was 2-for-4 with a run scored and driven in. Dustin Fowler was 2-for-5 with a run driven in and two scored. Keston hiura was a perfect 3-for-3 with a 2 run double and then later scored. Andrelton Simmons was 2-for-3 with a walk and scored twice. Cole Brannen scored twice as well, and was 2-for-5. Victor Caratini was 1-for-5 with a three run homer off Stroman. It was a nice way to split the series.

April 28th, 2022: The Angels lossed LHP Dalla Keuchel for the rest of the year with a torn flexor tendon in his elbow. He had a rough 13 games out of the pen, with a 10.19 ERA and 2.04 WHIP.

We looked to win the series with Jameson Taillon (2-1, 1.67 ERA, 1.07 WHIP taking on Jose Gregorio Castillo (0-0, 1.93 ERA, 0.64 WHIP). It was an embarassing 6-2 loss as we turned what should have been a sweep into a series loss.

Taillon allowed 5 runs in 4.2 innings with 8 hits, a walk, and 2 strikeouts. James Farris was charged with the last run, just a single run in 2 innings off 2 hits, 2 walks, and a srikeout.

Scott Kingery was 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored. Dustin Fowler and Marwin Gonzalez both went 2-for-4 with an RBI.

Delino DeShields was 5-for-5 as the Astros beat the A's 8-0.

Up next is another bad, team the 9-16 Natoinals in Miami, but we couldn't beat the Sox, so who says we can beat the Nats? At 13-11, we're 2.5 games out of first adn 0.5 a game behind Atlanta for the 2nd Wild Card. We'd see Frecier Perez (0-4, 5.54 ERA), Sonny Warner (0-3, 6.08 ERA), Miguel Almonte (0-2, 4.91 ERA), and Erling Moreno (2-2, 6.52 ERA). Let's finish April strong!

[ayaghmour2]

April 29th, 2022: A.J. Puckett (1-0, 3.80 ERA, 1.41 WHIP) got the star against Frecier Perez (0-4, 5.54 ERA, 1.65 WHIP) as we hosted the Nationals in Miami for the first of four. We started the series with a 5-3 win.

Puckett pitched 6 innings, allwoing 5 hits, 3 runs, and struck out 4. Joe Jimenez and Victor Arano both got holds and Yasukazu Shiotani got the save.

Keston Hiura was 2-for-5 with a three run homer. Cole Brannen was 2-for-3 with a run scored, a walk, and a double. Andrelton Simmons was 2-for-4 with a double. Dustin Fowler was 1-for-3 with a run scored, a run driven in, 2 walks, and a steal.

April 30th, 2022: Tyler Mahle (0-1, 4.61 ERA, 1.02 WHIP) took on Sonny Warner (0-3, 6.08 ERA, 1.61 WHIP) in game two. We couldn't hit, and the Nats shut us out a depressing 1-0.

Mahle was excellent, 7 innings with just 3 hits, a walk, and 7 strikeouts. Shiotani allowed a run in the 9th and go the loss. He allowed 2 hits, a walk, and got a strikeout.

Cole Brannen was 0-for-2 with 2 walks and his 11th steal of the year. Keston Hiura was 1-for-3 with a double and a walk. Scott Kingery was 1-for-4 with a double, but hit into a double play in the bottom of the 9th to kill our late rally.

May 1st, 2022: The Nationals made a change to their rotation, giving Marco Gonzalez his first start of the year against the struggling Walker Buehler (1-3, 5.91 ERA, 1.45 WHIP). We dropped another at home, this time 4-2, and I didn't know what's wrong with the team.

Buehler allowed 4 runs (2 earned) in 5.2 innings with 4 hits, 4 walks, and 6 strikeouts. Koda Glover, Jimenez, and James Farris pitched hitless 7th, 8th, and 9th innings.

Keston Hiura lead the charge with three singles and an RBI in 4 at bats. Lewis Brinson was 2-for-4 with an RBI and a double. Cole Brannen was 2-for-4 with a run scored, but was caught stealing.s

Young SS Wander Javier went 3-for-4 with three home runs in a 17-5 Giants win over the Rockies. These were the first three homers of his major league career.

May 2nd, 2022: Down in AAA, D.J. Wilson won Player of the Week. He hit .542 in 24 at bats with 6 RBI's.

The Red Sox extended Roberto Osuna to a 3-year, $33,700,000 extension.

The Giants signed CL Corey Knebel to a 1-year, $19.4 million contract.

And the power rankings came out, and we're listed at 16th. We gotta start winning again. And we had our best guy on the mound, Jordan Montgomery (3-1, 2.29 ERA, 0.96 WHIP) who took on Steven Brault (2-1, 3.46 ERA, 1.58 WHIP). We took the finale to earn the split and won 5-2.

Montgomery was great, just 6 hits and 2 runs in 7 innings. He struck out 7 and walked none. Joe Jimenez pitched a perfect 8th and earned his 7th hold. Yasukazu Shiotani pitched a scorless 9th to earn his 7th save.

Scott Kingery and Ryan Mountcastle both went 3-for-4 with a double, run scored, and run driven in. Keston Hiura was 2-for-3 with a triple, run driven in, 2 runs scored, and a walk.

Yu Darvish tossed a 6-0 shutout as the Cubs beat the Padres.

Up next was three more at home against the Braves. They're in first at 17-11, 2 games above us at 15-13. We'd see Joey Wentz (2-1, 2.45 ERA), Luiz Gohara (3-0, 3.96 ERA), and Mike Soroka (3-1, 4.05).

May 3rd, 2022: Ian Clarkin had the worst news a baseball player could receive. Just 27, he found out his career was over after a torn rotator cuff would be too severe to return from. He just got 24 games, 20 relief apperaences and 4 starts, and was 4-1 with 2 saves and a 3.97 ERA. In 47.2 innings, he struck out 38, walked 21, allowed 36 hits, and had a 1.20 WHIP.

Jameson Taillon (2-2, 2.84 ERA, 1.17 WHIP) hosted Wentz and the Braves (2-1, 2.45 ERA, 0.82 WHIP). The Braves came away with the opener 3-1.

Taillon allowed 9 hits and 3 runs in 5 innings with a walk and 3 strikeouts. The rest of the pen combined for 4 scorless innings with just 2 hits, 0 walks, and 7 strikeouts.

Cole Brannen was 1-for-4 and stole his 12th base of the year. He's on pace for 67 this year, despite the slow the start. Dustin Fowler drove in Scott Kingery on a double in the 7th for the only run.

May 4th, 2022: We looked to avoid .500 with A.J. Puckett (2-0, 3.95 ERA, 1.28 WHIP) taking on Luiz Gohara (3-0, 3.96 ERA, 1.40 WHIP). We dropped another one, 4-2, and we're an even 15-15 to start this dreadful season.

Puck allowed 4 runs in 6 innings with 7 hits and 3 strikeouts. The rest of the pen combined for 3 innings, 2 hits and walks, and 6 strikeouts.

Dustin Fowler was the whole offense again, 1-for-3 with a 2 run homer. Scott Kingery was 2-for-3 with a run scored and a stolen base.

May 5th, 2022: Sean Reid-Foley tore his ulnar collateral ligament and the A's will be without him for the rest of the year. He started his first season in Oakland 1-1 with a 4.82 ERA.

We looked to avoid the sweep with Tyler Mahle (0-1, 3.67 ERA, 0.93 WHIP) taking on Mike Soroka (3-1, 4.05 ERA, 1.38 WHIP). We didn't have an offense, but still came away with a 2-1 lead, despite allowing a leadoff homer to Ronald Acuna.

Mahle didn't let that get to him, allowing just 1 more hit in 8 innings, and he struck out an impressive 13 to get his first win for the Marlins. Yasukazu Shiotani earned the save with 2 strikeouts in the 9th.

Mahle himself was 1-for-3 with a double. And Fowler was the offense again today, as he was the whol series, 1-for-3 with a 2 run homer. He's hitting .319 with 6 homers and 23 RBI's to start the season, one of the few players who's actually hit this year. Victor Caratini was 1-for-3 with a double and he scored during Fowler's longball.

But it gets crazier, as today was a pitching masterpiece:

Let's start with the least impressive: Freicer Perez, yes the really bat picher on the Nationals, tossed a 5 hit shutout as the Nats beat St. Louis 4-0.

Next comes a pair of really impressive feats that happened at the same time, so you wouldn't really be able to watch them both on MLB.TV: German Marquez of the Rockies and Jhoan Duran of the Diamondbacks both tossed no-hitters. Marquez's was against the Padres and Duran's against the Red Sox. Marquez walked 5, while Duran just 2. Both pitchers currently have ERA's over 4, with Duran's over 5, so these guys haven't exaclty lit the world on fire this season.

Tomorrow the draft pool would be published, and we'd face the Pirates for three. At 15-17, they're even worse then our 16-15. We'd see Shane Baz (1-2, 4.76 ERA), Christopher A. Reynolds (1-2, 3.43 ERA), and Tyler Glasnow (2-3, 7.12 ERA).

[ayaghmour2]

May 6th, 2022: Today the draft pool was published, and here is who OSA views as the top guys and their star ratings according to my scout and OSA:

1. RHP Nate Dick (2.5/4)
2. SS Cade Doughty (3/4): Selected by Milwaukee in the 1st Round, 13th Overall in 2019
3. RHP Jonathan Chott (3.5/4.5)
4. RHP Sergio Knight (2/5)
5. RHP Jonathan Stephens (3/5)
6. LHP Danny Crabtree (3/4)
7. RHP Nehemiah Adenrian (2/4) For storyline sake, let's say he's the brother of Ken Adeniran, my 1st round selection last year
8. LHP Kevin Addario (0.5/4.5)
9. LF Sergio Ayala (3.5/4): Selected by Atlanta in the 3rd Round, 86th Overall by Atlanta
10. RHP Pat Saitta (4.5/4.5)

After a breif look at the pool, the best player appears to be Pete Alder (5/1.5), but he's a borderline starter. Saitta looks good as well, but he has a useless 6/6 change up as his 4th pitch. RHP Juan "Music Man" Tafoya (4.5/5) seems to be the guy I want, with C Jonathan Carillo (4.5/1.5) a close second, and CF Omari "Lockjaw" Tetteh (4.5/3) a distant third since I don't want consecutive #1 picks to be CF.

As a whole, the pool isn't too special, a bunch of depth playres with very few stars. It's interesting, with a lot of quality right handed arms.

In case you were interested where my Class of 2019 unsigned players are:

9th Round: RF Steve Dieudonne (0.5/1)
12th Round: RF Steve Marbley (1/0.5)
15th Round: CF Mike O'Dell (0.5/0.5): Selected by Boston in the 15th Round of the 2020 draft, later released and now with Cleveland's AZL affiliate.
19th Round: SP Josh Green (0.5/0.5)
22nd Round: C Denim Pennamon (0.5/0.5)
23rd Round: 1B Jeremy Strickland (0.5/0.5)
25th Round: 3B Liam Abraham (0.5/0.5)
27th Round: CF Jorge Gaitan (0.5/0.5)
28th Round: SS Tyshawn Nedrick (0.5/0.5)
32nd Round: SP Juan Acevedo (0.5/0.5)
34th Round: 1B Juan Rivera (1.5/1.5): Selected by Toronto in the 33rd Round of the 2020 draft, was released, and now with teammates with O'Dell.
35th Round: SP Mike McIlravy (0.5/0.5)
36th Round: C Omari Rugle (0.5/0.5)
39th Round: SP Ben Andrews (0.5/0.5)

Doesn't seem like any of these guys got away, although at least Rivera is decent.

Anyways, back to baseball, as Walker Buehler (1-4, 5.33 ERA, 1.44 WHIP) opened the series in Pittsburgh against Shane Baz (1-2, 4.76 ERA, 1.52 WHIP). We continued are little scuffle with a 8-6 loss.

It wasn't all Buehler's falut, as just 3 runs were his. In 4 innings, he allowed 4 hits and struck out 6. Koda Glover tossed a perfect 6th and was the only pitcher today for us to not allow a run. Corbin Clouse allowed 2 in the 5th, Joe Jimenez blew the save and allowed 1 in the 7th, and James Farris picked up the loss with 2 in the 8th.

Dustin Fowler wasn't all the offense, but was 1-for-5 with a three run homer off Hector Rondon in the 7th. Keston Hiura also went deep, a solo shot off Baz in the 5th. Marwin Gonzalez was 2-for-3 with a walk, run scored, and RBI.

May 7th, 2022: Jordan Montgomery (4-1, 2.34 ERA, 0.94 ERA) looked to lead us to a win against Christopher Reynolds (1-2, 3.43 ERA, 1.33 WHIP). He pitched brilliant, and we won 3-1 to push our record back over .500

Montgomery allowed the single run in 7 innings of work with just 3 hits, 2 walks, and 3 strikeouts. Now 29, he's blossoming into the ace I always knew he'd be. Victor Arano picked up a save after striking out the side in the 8th, and Yasukazu Shiotani recorded a save nine with a scorless 9th.

Cole Brannen was 1-for-4 with a 2-run homer off Reynolds in the 5th. Keston Hiura drove in Lewis Brinson on a RBI double in the 4th. Brian Anderson was 1-for-2 with a double, walk, and he scored on the Brannen homer.

We'd look for the series win tomorrow!

Seung-ryong Yoo was 5-for-6 as the Cubs beat the Reds 14-4.

May 8th, 2022: Jameson Taillon (2-3, 3.19 ERA, 1.28 WHIP) got the ball against his former team in the finale against Tyler Glasnow (2-3, 7.12 ERA, 1.88 WHIP). The Pirates got to him early with a run in the 1st, but that's all they'd get as we escaped this one with a 2-1 win.

Taillon allowed 4 hits, walked 2, and struck out 2 in his 6 innings of work. Jimenez and Arano got holds, and Bulldozer Shiotani earned his 10th save of the year, despite 2 hits and a walk, in the final frame.

The struggling Lewis Brinson was 2-for-5 with a double, steal, and RBI. Christian Bethancourt was 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored. Andrelton Simmons scored as well, walked, and singleed in 4 plate appearences as he looked to get back on track.

Next stop, San Francisco, as we'd take on the 16-18 Giants for four. At 18-16, we're 3 games out of first and a game out of the 2nd Wild Card spot. The Giants projected starters are Madison Bumgarner (2-4, 6.42 ERA), Jake Odorizzi (3-1, 4.75 ERA), Jaison Vilera (2-2, 5.40 ERA), and Ricardo Sanchez (2-2, 3.21 ERA).

May 9th, 2022: We're up to 9th in the Power Rankings, so perhaps we can keep on rising and start winning more ballgames.

A.J. Puckett (2-1, 4.32 ERA, 1.26 WHIP) took on MadBum (2-4, 6.42 ERA, 1.40 WHIP) in the opener in AT&T Park. It was a pitcher's duel, and the host Giants came on top 2-1.

Puckett allowed 2 runs in 5 innings off 5 hits, 2 walks, and 3 strikeouts. Tanner Rainey and Joe Jimenez combined for 3 innings with just 1 hit and 4 strikeouts.

We only had 6 hits, but Andrelton Simmons was 2-for-3 with a double and he scored the only run of the game. Brian Anderson drove him in during the 8th with a pinch hit single. Scott Kingery and Ryan Mountcastle both doubled in 1-for-4 outings.

May 10th, 2022: Tyler Mahle (1-1, 3.19 ERA, 0.80 WHIP) battled Jake Odorizzi (3-1, 4.75 ERA, 1.39 WHIP) as we looked to even the series. The icey Lewis Brinson is 3-for-8 against Odorizzi with 3 homers, so this could be his game and he could lead us to a win. Instead, we both are now 18-18 on the season as the Giants won 7-6.

Mahle lasted just 3 innings with 5 hits, 3 runs, 2 walks, and 4 strikeouts. Corbin Clouse was roughed up for 3 run sin 2 innings of relief work with 4 hits, 3 walks, and 3 strikeouts. Koda Glvoer got the loss, allowing a run in the 7th off 2 hits and a walk.

Brinson now has 4 hits against Odorizzi, all homers. He hit a solo shot in the 1st, and was 1-for-4 with 2 runs scored, a walk, and a steal. Keston Hiura was 3-for-5 with a double and two runs scored. Scott Kingery was 3-for-4 with 2 RBI's and a double. Ryan Mountcastle doubled twice in 5 at bats with a run scored and one driven in. Lastly, Victor Caratini was 2-for-3 with a run scored, RBI, and walk. I finally couldn't blame the lack of offense for the loss.

May 11th, 2022: I claimed former Marlin RHP Edward Cabrera off waivers from the Phillies. I traded the now 24-year-old to them in 2019 for LF Adam Haseley and 1B Keegan Maronpot. After today's game, he'd replace James Farris on the active roster.

Walker Buehler (1-4, 5.52 ERA, 1.39 WHIP) took on Jaison Vilera (2-2, 5.40 ERA, 1.84 WHIP) as we looked to avoid another loss and still attempt to split the four game set. Buehler was finally dialed in, as we shut San Fran out 4-0.

Buehler allowed just 2 hits with a walk and 8 strikeouts in 6 innings of work. Tyler Jay and Victor Arano earned holds, and Shiontai pitched the 9th and recorded 2 K's and a BB. We As a team, we allowed just 2 hits and 2 walks.

Ryan Mountcastle was 3-for-4 with 2 more doubles, 2 runs scored, and a steal. Keston Hiura was 1-for-4 with a pair of RBI's on a 9th inning double.

Former #1 Overall Pick Royce Lewis was 5-for-5 in a 7-1 Twins victory over the Houston Astros. The 22-year-old is hitting .368 with 5 homers and 13 RBI's in his 3rd year of major league action.

May 12th, 2022: We looked to earn the split with ace Jordan Montgomery (5-1, 2.19 ERA, 0.91 WHIP) taking on fellow southpaw Ricardo Sanchez (2-2, 3.21 ERA, 1.25 WHIP). The Giants crushed us 8-1 as we fell back to .500.

Montgomery allowed just 3 of the runs in 4.2 innings off 7 hits, a walk, and two strikeouts. Tanner Rainey allowed 5 off 3 hits, 2 walks, and a strikeout in 1.1 innings.

Cole Brannen was 1-for-3 with a walk and a stolen base. Scott Kingery was 2-for-4 while Keston Hiura was 1-for-4 with a run scored and double. He was driven in on an Andrelton Simmons sac fly in the 7th.

It was an awful road trip, and it would continue with a trip to Denver for three with the Rockies before a much needed day off. We've fallen 5.5 games out of first now, and Colorado is a solid team, 21-17. They'd send Enyel De Los Santos (1-0, 6.20 ERA), Eric Lauer (3-2, 3.53 ERA), and Jon Gray (3-2, 2.53 ERA) to the mound as they looked to keep the 2nd Wild Card spot.

[ayaghmour2]

May 13th, 2022: The Rays will be without CL Jamie Schultz who partially tore his unlar collateral liagment. He had 41 saves last year, but just 6 this year to go with a 4.20 ERA and 12 strikeouts in 15 innings.

The Rox tinkered with their rotation and sent Eric Lauer (3-2, 3.53 ERA, 1.57 WHIP) to the mound today to face Jameson Taillon (3-3, 2.95 ERA, 1.24 WHIP) as we looked to win the opener. A rare shutout occured in Coors Field, as we opened the three game set with a 3-0 shutout win.

Taillon went the distance and took a no hitter into the 9th until Desmond Lindsay doubled with two outs. Victor Caratini had an error as well, but Taillon was near perfect, and struck out 6 hitters.

Cole Brannen was 3-for-4 hitting, but 1-for-3 stealing. He doubled, drove in a run, and walked. Andrelton Simmons was 3-for-4 with a run scored. Ryan Mountcastle was 1-for-4 with an RBI double in the first, and Victor Caratini was 2-for-4.

May 14th, 2022: We looked to replicate yesterday's performance with A.J. Puckett (2-2, 4.23 ERA, 1.28 WHIP) taking on Jon Gray (3-2, 2.53 ERA, 1.21 WHIP). The team was tired, with four guys needing rest. Simmons had to tough it out and play short, as I only had three non-catchers on the bench. Colorado came to play today, rallying for 2 in the 7th, 8th, and 10th to win 6-5.

Puckett allowed 2 runs (1 earned) in 6 innings off 4 hits, 2 walks, and 7 strikeouts, which means we should've won this one in regulation... Arano allowed 2 runs and got just 1 out to blow the save in the 7th, and Corbin Clouse was charged with the loss after 2 runs (1 earned) in the 10th with just 1 out. So yes, we should have played more then 9.2 innings...

Tyler Jay and Brian Anderson were charged with the errors.

The bats were working better then the gloves, and we managed 14 hits. Carlos Soler was 2-for-4 with 7th inning 2-run homer. Lewis Brinson had a solo shot in a 2-for-4 outing. Keston Hiura, who was tired, came off the bench and was 2-for-2 with a double. Christian Bethancourt had a pinch hit RBI double in the 10th off Zach Britton.

May 15th, 2022: The Cubs will be without righty Yu Darvish for the rest of the season with a torn ulnar collateral ligament. Now 35, the Osaka native has 2 more years after this on his contract he signed in 2020.

Tyler Mahle (1-1, 3.57 ERA, 0.90 WHIP) got the ball against Darwinzon Hernandez (0-2, 7.71 ERA, 1.93 WHIP) as we looked to take the series. The still tired Simmons got the day off with Cole Brannen playing SS and Carlos Soler manning RF. Brannen actually has a little bit of experience at short and average fielding ratings, but is no Andrelton Simmons. It wouldn't have mattered who played 2nd, as we slaughtered the hometown Rockies 12-2.

Mahle tossed 7 innings with 2 runs, 10 hits, and 8 strikeouts. With another 0 walk performance, he has just 5 on the season in 52.1 innings. Edward Cabrera finished the final two innings with a hit and a pair of strikeouts.

The rain didn't put the flame out in the lineup, as Mahle was the only Marlin without a hit, and all 9 starters scored. Lewis Brinson was 3-for-5 with 2 doubles, 2 runs scored, and an RBI. Scott Kingery was 3-for-5 with a steal, 2 runs scored, 2 driven in, and a triple. Marwin Gonzalez was 2-for-5 with a solo shot and 3 total RBI's. Carlos Soler was 1-for-3 with a pair of walks and a solo shot. Brian Anderson was 1-for-4 with 2 runs scored, and 2 driven in on a 3rd inning homer.

This is exactly the kind of game we needed to end our road trip, as tomorrow would be a much earned day off. But trust me, it doesn't get easier...

May 16th, 2022: 13th is our new spot in the Power Rankings and we have our first off day since April 25th, so I'm hoping that is what caused our struggles.

We're 5 games out at 21-20, and head home to face the Los Angeles Dodgers who are posied to three-peat with a commanding 25-14 record. Our opponents would be Danny Salazar (1-2, 4.93 ERA), Dennis Santana (0-0, 5.14 ERA), and Song-shil Su (2-3, 4.97 ERA). Perhaps we can pull of a surprise sweep?

May 17th, 2022: Walker Buehler (2-4, 4.62 ERA, 1.24 WHIP) looked to build on his last start as he faced Danny Salazar (1-2, 4.93 ERA, 1.25 WHIP) and his former employer. The lineup was all rested and ready to go, which helped us win the opener 6-1. The only runner who scored for LA?/ None other then former Marlin Anthony Alford, who was 2-for-4 with a steal.

Buehler was great, just 3 hits, a walk, and a run, in 6 innings in which he struck out 4. Joe Jimemenz, hoever, got the win with a scorless 7th, followed by holds for Victor Arano and Tyler Jay in the 8th, before we pulled away in the bottom half.

We only had 6 hits, but we made them count. Dustin Fowler was 1-for-3 with a walk and a 2-run homer in the 7th. Lewis Brinson and Victor Caratini both doubled home runs in the 8th. Brinson was 1-for-3 with 2 runs scored, 2 driven in, and a walk, while Caratini was just 1-for-4 with a single RBI. Cole Brannen left today's game with an injury, as he was hit by a pitch. Hopefully it is not serious, but we are still awaiting the diagnosis.

May 18th, 2022: The White Sox lost lefty Jace Fry for the season with shoulder inflammation. He was struggling to start the year, but they wanted to replace him instantly as they offered me a trade for Victor Arano. It was a decent offer, but Arano is too valuable to me.

Brannen was out of the lineup as Carlos Soler hit leadoff while Jordan Montgomery (5-2, 2.50 ERA, 0.98 WHIP) took the mound. Song-shil Su (2-3, 4.97 ERA, 1.21 WHIP) jumped a spot in the rotation and got today's start. We headed to the 9th down 4-1, but we rallied for four, including a pair of bases loaded walks, to take the series a day early with a 5-4 win.

We lost two more players, however, including Arano who I just declined a trade for... The other was Caratini, who was also hit by a pitch, as for some reason the Dodgres are out to get us.

Montgomery wasn't great, 4 runs off 7 hits and a walk with 5 strikeouts in 5 innings, but we still managed to get the win. Shiotani, who pitched a perfect 9th, was awarded with his 2nd of the year.

Carlos Soler was 1-for-4, but lead off the game with a home run, so I'm glad I didn't tinker with the lineup, as I was shocked to see him stay in Brannen's leadoff spot. Lewis Brinson was 2-for-4 and scored a run. Andrelton Simmons was 2-for-4 and drove in a run. Scott Kingery and Dustin Fowler were both 1-for-3 with RBI walks and 2 strikeouts and left 2 on base. They weren't identical, as Kingery scored, but they had really similar game lines.

Freddie Freeman hit his 300th career homer, but luckily, the Braves fell to the Cubs 9-2. The likely hall of famer and just 32-year-old Freeman is a career .290/.386/.512 in 6,053 at bats for the Braves.

May 19th, 2022: My depth will be tested as three players are unavailable to play with injuries, and for some reason Don Mattingly wants Christian Bethancourt to hit lead off. Instead, I moved Fowler to lead off and Bethancourt to 8th, pushing Simmons to 7th. Jameson Taillon (4-3, 2.44 ERA, 1.05 WHIP) was on the mound against Justin Dunn (3-0, 2.35 ERA, 1.12 WHIP) and let's just say the Dodgers stars Seager and Bellinger are not happy to see Taillon. He's got the best of the 5* pair, 1-for-14 for Seager and 1-for-11 for Bellinger. But none of that mattered, as we dropped the finale 5-3.

Taillon allowed 11 hits in 5.1 innings, and was charged with 3 runs, although 2 of them were unearned. He also struck out 4. Tanner Rainey got the loss, allowing 2 hits including a homer, before being replaced for Corbin Clouse. Clouse faired much better, 2 perfect innings with a pair of strikeouts.

With three injuries looming, we'd stay homer for three with Detroit before an off day that could prove quite useful. We'd see Jerad Eickhoff (0-1, 8.04 ERA), Matt Manning (1-4, 4.46 ERA), and Michael Fulmer (3-2, 4.50 ERA) and the 17-26 Tigers. Now just 4 out with a 23-21 record, we're slowly starting to play better.

Thinking about the injuries, I have a more then capable backstop in Nick Feight down in AAA who's mashed 5 homers and 13 RBI's in 25 games with a .287/.346/.489 line. For outfield I could bring up either LF Adam Haseley or CF D.J. Wilson. Wilson is more likely, as he's hitting .353/.419/.498 with 3 homers and 23 RBI's in 38 games for the Baby Cakes. I think James Farris would get the call if I need a pen arm, as he's recorded 3 saves with 6.1 scoreless innings down in AAA and was respectable in the majors. He also struck out 11 and walked just 1 down in New Orleans.

[ayaghmour2]

May 20th, 2022: Crushing news, as Cole Brannen will be out for 4 months with a broken kneecap. This is an awful injury for a speedster like him, and it definitely will have some effect on his speed. The 23-year-old his headed to the DL, and could possibly end his season with a .257/.339/.341 line with 14 steals, 2 homers, and 17 RBI's.

I recalled D.J. Wilson to replace him. The lefty CF is hitting .353/.419/.489 with 3 Homers, 23 RBI's, and 14 steals in New Orleans. He'll function as the 4th OF, and Carlos Soler will play RF and hit leadoff.

I got better news on the Victor Caratini injury, just a bruised finger and he'll miss just 1 more day.

We hosted Detroit today, and A.J. Puckett (2-2, 3.86 ERA, 1.24 WHIP) dueled Jerald Eickhoff (0-1, 8.94 ERA, 1.91 WHIP). We needed to sweep this series, as the Tigers lineup had more half stars then my Single A team. Puck tossed a gem, and we won 5-1.

A.J. went 7 innings, allowing just 5 hits, a run, 2 walks, and he struck out 6. Joe Jimenez and Koda Glover both tossed hitless innings to finish the win.

The offense was firing on all cylinders, as all 8 starters recorded a hit. Lewis Brinson was 2-for-4 with a three run homer and 4 total RBI's. Keston Hiura was 2-for-3 with a double, 2 runs scored, and was also hit by a pitch. Luckily, he was able to continue in the game. Ryan Mountcastle was 1-for-4 with an RBI double and later scored.

This mus be the year of the pitcher, as Luiz Gohara tossed a no-hitter, the 3rd of the season, in a 4-0 win over the Pirates. It's shaping out a lot like the real life year, with 3 no-hitters in a short period of time. He walked 2 and struck out 9.

May 21st, 2022: Victor Arano's diagnosis came back, and he'll miss 5 weeks with a strained shoulder. He's headed to the 10-Day DL with a 1.59 ERA and 0.65 WHIP in 17 innings. He's struck out 23, and walked just 3. I recalled James Farris from New Orleans to replace him.

Game two saw Tyler Mahle (2-1, 3.44 ERA, 0.97 WHIP) and Matt Manning (1-4, 4.46 ERA, 1.40 WHIP) sqaure off as we looked to take the series a day early. Of course, we decided to lose 4-2, and we'd play a rubber match tomorrow.

Mahle was hit hard, 7 hits and 4 runs in 4.2 innings, but he didn't walk any one and struck out 5. Corbin Clouse had an interesting 7th, he struck out the side, but allowed two hits.

Carlos Soler was 2-for-4 with a walk and scored a run. Keston Hiura was 2-for-5. Andrelton Simmons and Lewis Brinson were both 1-for-4 with an RBI, but Brinson also drew a walk.

May 22nd, 2022: Roberto Osuna tore his rotator cuff, and this time he won't be able to return. Just 27, his career will end, after he was pitching really well for Boston. The Mexican righty ended his career with 171 saves, a 2.90 ERA, and 0.99 WHIP in 387.1 innings.

We looked to win the series with Walker Buehler (2-4, 4.19 ERA, 1.16 WHIP) taking on Michael Fulmer (3-2, 4.50 ERA, 1.41 WHIP). This time, we didn't let them score, and won 4-0.

Buehler was dominant, just 3 hits and he didn't walk any, with 9 strikeouts in 7 shutout innings. Yasukazu Shiotani got the save, recording the last out after Farris allowed 2 hits in the 9th.

Buehler also handed the bat well, 2-for-3 and he also scored twice. Carlos Soler was 2-for-3 with 2 doubles, a walk, and an RBI. Keston Hiura was 2-for-4 with a pair of RBI's. Dustin Fowler doubled and singled in four at bats.

Tomorrow was a day off, as well as the start of All-Star voting.

May 23rd, 2022: Power Rankings were announced today and we moved up to 11th. At 25-22, things haven't been how I envisioned them to be when starting the season, but we're still in striking distance.

We'd have a challenge ahead, a road series with the first place Braves. The 30-17 Braves have a 5 game lead over us. We'd see Lucas Sims (2-4, 3.76 ERA), Joey Wentz (5-2, 2.74 ERA), and most recent no hitter pitcher Luiz Gohara (6-0, 3.24 ERA).

May 24th, 2022: Jordan Montgomery (5-2, 2.90 ERA, 1.03 WHIP) took on Lucas Sims (2-4, 3.76 ERA, 1.04 WHIP) as we started a tough divisional series. After a 1-1 tie through 9, we both scored 1 in the 11th, but Austin Jackson took James Farris deep in the 13th, and the Braves escaped with a 3-2 win.

Montgomery went 5.1 inninsg, striking out 6 and allowing 4 hits, 4 walks, and a run. Koda Glover struck out 3 in 1.2 innings, while Tanner Rainey struck out 3 in 1.1. Corbin Clouse allowed the 11th inning run, and finished 2 innings with just a hit, a walk, and 2 strikeouts. Farris got the first 2 outs before the homer to Jackson.

We only had 7 hits all game. Marwin Gonzalez had a pinch hit homer in the 11th and D.J. Wilson had a pinch hit double in the 8th. Lewis Brinson was 2-for-5 with an RBI single that drove in Andrelton Simmons. Ryan Mountcastle singled twice in four at bats.

Andrew Moore tossed a 5-hit shut out as the White Sox beat the Tigers 5-0.

May 25th, 2022: The Rangers lost 35-year-old veteran reliever Kirby Yates for the year with a torn ulnar collateral ligament. His first year with Texas was dreadful, a 9.78 ERA with an 0-2 record.

We looked to bounce back quickly with Jameson Taillon (4-3, 2.37 ERA, 1.14 WHIP) taking on Joey Wentz (5-2, 2.74 ERA, 0.91 WHIP). We needed at least 1 win with our top 2 starters going. Instead, we thought a 9-2 loss sounded better.

Get this: Taillon allowed 6 runs, but all were unearned after a Ryan Mountcastle error in a dreadful 3rd. He couldn't get the last out of the third, as the Braves got 5 hits and a walk, with just 2 strikeouts. Edward Cabrera pitched well in mopu up, 2.1 innings with 2 hits and a strikeout. James Farris allowed 2 in the 6th off 3 hits, but also 3 strikeouts, and will head back to AAA. Koda Glover tossed the last two innings, allowing 3 hits and a run, with a strikeout.

We only had 4 hits, so it's not like we would've won anyways. Simmons was 2-for-4, Brinson was 1-for-3, and Kingery was 1-for-5. That's about all the offense we had...

May 26th, 2022: I purchased the contract of RHP Brett Conine, and while this may not seem like a big deal, he becomes my first draft pick to make the majors. The 26th round pick in 2018, Conine has been dominant in AA and AAA this season. In Jacksonville, 2-0 with a 0.69 ERA, 0.69 WHIP, and 16 strikeouts in 13 innings. In New Orleans, 1-1 with 2 saves and a 1.69 ERA and 1.50 WHIP, with 8 K's in 10.2 innings. The 25-year-old will get his first taste of the majors, and hopefully prove to be a solid middle reliever.

In the first tally of All-Star Votes, Andrelton Simmons ranks 3rd for shortstops and Yasukazu Shiotani ranks 2nd for relievres.

We looked to avoid the sweep, and avoided Gohara, who is instead being skipped by Mike Soroka (3-2, 4.03 ERA, 1.16 WHIP). Tyler Mahle (2-2, 3.79 ERA, 1.02 WHIP) got the start, and the trio of Ronald Acuna, Freddie Freeman, and Dansby Swanson all hit Mahle well. But hey, getting swept and falling to .500 in a 1-0 shutout is much better then winning, right?

Worst part is, the Braves had only 2 hits and we had 7. Mahle was brilliant, although he walked 3, he allowed just the 1 run and a single hit in 7.1 innings with 8 strikeouts. Joe Jimenez allowed the last hit, and walked 2, with just recording 1 out, with Jay striking out the last hitter in the 8th. Jay has tossed 14 scorless innings with 21 strikeouts to start the season. He's been an absolute steal, as we sent the Twins A.J. Cole who we added on a minor league deal for him.

Dustin Fowler did all he could, 3-for-4 with a double, but it wasn't enough. Hiura had 2 hits in 4 at bats, but again, we couldn't score...

Sitting 8 out, we'd face the struggling Rays in Tampa for 2 before returning to Miami for 2 more. In Tampa, we'd see Brendan McKay (3-3, 4.89 ERA) and Brent Honeywell (4-2, 3.99 ERA).

[ayaghmour2]

May 27th, 2022: A.J. Puckett (3-2, 3.51 ERA, 1.21 WHIP) matched up with Brendan McKay (3-3, 4.89 ERA, 1.35 WHIP) to start the quick two game set as we looked to break our losing streak. Tampa put up 11, pushing us below .500, as we fell 11-6 to open the Florida clash.

Puckett was hit hard, 6 runs in 2.2 innings off 8 hits, a walk, and a strikeout. Edward Cabrera allowed 3 more (2 earned) in 1.2 innings off 3 hits, 2 walks, and just 1 strikeout. Tyler Jay allowed 2 in 2 off 3 hits, 1 walk, and 3 strikeouts. We made three errors in the game...

At least we hit, but Brian Anderson left the game with an injury after doubling in the 5th. Lewis Brinson was 2-for-5 with a solo homer. D.J. Wilson was 2-for-4 with a run scored and 1 driven in. Carlos Soler doubled twice and scored in 4 at bats. Kingery, Simmons, and Hiura alos had doubles, but we lost, again...

May 28th, 2022: Anderson is jus day-to-day with a strained hip muscle, and will not need to head to the DL.

We looked to stop the 4 game skid with Walker Buehler (3-4, 3.60 ERA, 1.06 WHIP) finishing the road trip against Brent Honeywell (4-2, 3.99 ERA, 1.23 WHIP). Finally, we won, 5-3, and evened our record at 26-26.

Buehler was the last pitcher to win, and did it again, with 6 quality innings. 7 hits, 1 walk, 2 runs, and 3 strikeouts finished his line for the day. Tanner Rainey and Joe Jimenez earned holds, and Yasukazu Shiotani the save. Rainey allowed an unearned run as well.

Dustin Fowler swiped 2 bags and was 1-for-4 with a run scored. Carlos Soler was 2-for-3 with 2 long balls, a solo shot and 2-run shot, and 2 walks. Ryan Mountcastle was 3-for-5 with a solo homer and was a triple away from the cycle. D.J. Wilson was 2-for-4 with an RBI and Christian Bethancourt was 2-for-4 with a run scored.

We'd finally return home for two more against Tampa. We'd see Frew Strotman (1-4, 3.89 ERA) and Jacob Faria (8-2, 3.12 ERA) as we looked to get back on track. We're only 3 out of the 2nd Wild Card, but we needed wins.

May 29th, 2022: Jordan Montgomery (5-2, 2.80 ERA, 1.07 WHIP) battled Strotman (1-4, 3.89 ERA, 1.27 WHIP) in front of a sold out Marlins Park. We gave the home fans a treat, an 8-3 win.

Montgomery left after 2.1 innings with a sore elbow, but should be able to make his next start. He allowed just 1 hit. Koda Glover struggled in mop up, 2.2 innings with 3 runs and 7 hits, while striking out 2. Brett Conine made his debut and earned a hold, pitching the 6th with 2 walks and a strikeout. He becomes my first draftee to play for my team, although I'd have to look if he's the first to debut. Tanner Rainey tossed 2 perfect innings, struck out 3, and got a hold.

Victor Caratini had an excellent game, 3-for-4 with 2 runs scored, 4 RBI's, and a homer as he raised his average back to .200. Finally... Keston Hiura was 2-for-3 with a double, 3 runs scored, a walk, and an RBI. Lewis Brinson was 2-for-4 with a double, a run scored, and 2 driven in. Scott Kingery was 2-for-3 with a walk and an RBI.

May 30th, 2022: Down in A+ Jupiter, 3B Nolan Gorman was named Player of the Week. He hit .429 with 3 homers and 9 RBI's.

I was afraid to look at the Power Rankings, but we're shockingly 12th. I'm surprised so high, but I'll take it...

We finished the Florida Series (needs a cool name) with Jameson Taillon (4-4, 2.26 ERA, 1.19 WHIP) and Jacon Faria (8-2, 3.12 ERA, 1.25 WHIP) on the mound. We took the finale 3-2 on a walk-off Carlos Soler sacrafice fly.

Taillon was brilliant, allowing another unearned run in 6 innings with 5 hits, 2 walks, and 3 strikeouts. He really can't catch a break from his defense... Conine allowed a run in the 7th off 2 hits, but Shiotani got the win, striking out the side in the 9th.

Caratini kept hitting, 3-for-4 with a run scored. Soler was 1-for-4, scored after doubling in the 3rd, and had the sac-fly to win the game. Keston Hiura drove him in with a double. Andrelton Simmons was 2-for-4 with an RBI single in the 9th and a steal. Mountcastle and Taillon both made errors, so I feel a little less bad for Taillon, but still, bad enough.

Now at 28-26, we're just 6 games out of first, and we'd stay home to face the Nationals for three. They've struggled more then us, 26-28 and in last, but have played us well. We'd see Miguel Almonte (0-2, 3.13 ERA), Sonny Warner (2-3, 3.99 ERA), and Erling Moreno (5-2, 3.92 ERA).

I took a look at my draftees, and so far Conine is the only guy from the 2018 class to reach the majors. No one in 2019, 2020, or 2021 either, but no one from 2021 from any team has debuted yet, as expected. With the Amateur draft approaching, it's a little concerning that Conine is the only one from 2018 to make it.

That doesn't mean the classes have been bad. Looking at 2018, Max Marusak is slowly progressing through the system and looks like a future big leaguer. Same with super utility man Jack Filby, who's rated a 1.5/3* and in AA. J.P. Gates looked promissing, but has taken a step back developmentally. He's now just a 1.5*, but can be called upon if needed. 12th Rounder Ernesto Estrella looks like a really good reliever, rated as a 2/4*, but down in A+ Jupiter and still ways to go with his development. 13th Rounder Gunnar Hoglund also looks like a quality depth starter, a 1.5/2* in Jupiter as well, but the 2018 class looks like a lot more depth then stars.

2019 is a little more promising, although I traded top pick Tyler Callihan to Philadelphia. 2nd Rounder Jaheim Meggett looks like a middle of the rotation starter, but is still in the GCL. I struck out on my 3rd and 5th rounders, but Joe Sheridan at 4th could be a decent lefty pen arm if starting doesn't work out. 17th Rounder Josh Reynolds looks like a potential middle reliever and 6th Rounder Keylan Killgore has a future in the pen if starting doesn't work out for him. He's in Jacksoonville currently, and is having a decent enough 2022. There isn't much else, but at least it's since I traded 3 of my top 5 guys.

It's too early to look at 2020 and 2021, but I may have struck gold with my 2020 1st Rounder Josh Weske, who looks like a future star starter. He's a 1.5/4.5, and dominating A+ Jupiter to star the season. A little more work and he could be in the big leagues soon.

[ayaghmour2]

May 31st, 2022: AAA SP Jairo Solis will have surgery to remove bone chips in his elbow and may miss the rest of the season. The 22-year-old has about 4-5 months of recovery time, but could make a return in September. I'd move him to the 60-Day DL if needed latera, but for now it's just the minor league DL.

Tyler Mahle (2-3, 3.50 ERA, 0.96 WHIP) opened the series with Washington against Migel Almonte (0-2, 3.13 ERA, 1.43 WHIP). It was a pitcher's duel, but we edged the last place Nats 2-1 to take the first game of the series.

Mahle was great, just 5 hits and the single run in 6 innings, and he struck out 10. He has a 10/1 K/BB ratio (80/8) to start the season in 70 innings. Tyler Jay and Joe Jimenez earned holds, and Yasukazu Shiotani got the save. Those three have ERA's of 1.06, 1.07, and 1.05, in an elite back of the pen.

Andrelton Simmons was 2-for-2 with a walk, a double, and run scored. Carlos Soler drove him in during the 3rd with a 1 out double.

Despite our struggles on occasion, we finished May over .500, at just 15-14 and have been over .500 for both months so far.

June 1st, 2022: Baltimore lost RHP Shawn Armstrong for the year with a damaged elboq ligament. After a rough 2021, he looked good in a small 4.1 inning sample size, with 7 strikeouts and a 2.08 ERA.

Down in AAA, SP Nick Neidert was named pitcher of the month after finishing May with a 4-0 record and 1.56 ERA in 6 starts. He struck out 32 in 40.1 innings and held opponents to a .192 average. He's our next man up if we need a replacement starter.

A.J. Puckett (3-3, 4.33 ERA, 1.31 WHIP) took the mound against budding superstar and 22-year-old Sonny Warner (2-3, 3.99 ERA, 1.37 WHIP). After being selected in the 35th Round in 2018 and released on draft day, he's worked his way through the Nationals system and is rated a 2.5/4.5. We got the best of him and the Nats pen, and took the second game 8-4.

Puckett had another shaky start, 6 hits and 4 runs with a walk and 2 strikeouts in 5.2 innings. I might have to trade for a starter and move him back to the pen where he really excelled. Tyler Jay and Tanner Rainey got holds, but we scored 1 in the 8th so no save was needed.

Carlos Soler went deep twice, and was 2-for-4 with a walk, 3 runs scored, and 3 driven in. Scott Kingery, Dustin Fowler, and Ryan Mountcastle were all 2-for-4 with a double, a single, a run scored, and an RBI. Mountcastle, however, was the only one with a steal.

June 2nd, 2022: Fan voting tallies were published again, with just Shiotani in the tops for his position. He leads all relief pitchers with 245,109 votes.

Walker Buehler (4-4, 3.54 ERA, 1.09 WHIP) faced Erling Moreno (5-2, 3.92 ERA, 1.21 WHIP) as we looked to complete the sweep and win our 6th game in a row. Buehler and Soler are both currently red hot, and Buehler stayed hot in an 8-0 sweep clinching victory.

Buehler allowed just 5 hits and a walk in 7.1 innigns, while striking out 10. Edward Cabrera pitched the last 1.2 innings, and was perfect, as he drops his ERA to 1.74.

Lewis Brinson was 2-for-3 with a steal and was also hit by a pitch. He scored twice and drove in a run. D.J. Wilson was 1-for-4 with his first career homer, a 2-run shot off Moreno in the first. Keston Hiura also went deep, and was 2-for-3 with a walk, 2 runs scored, and 2 more driven in. Scott Kingery was 1-for-3 with a walk and a 2 run double in the 1st as well.

We've seem to caught fire, winning 6 straight, and jumping into the 2nd Wild Card spot. Atlanta has one 4 straight, so we're still 7 out, but we'd host the struggling Cardinals for three before the Amateur Draft. St. Louis is 23-35 and a seemingly insurmountable 14.5 games back already. We'd face Carlos Martinez (1-3, 5.40 ERA), Jack Flaherty (2-2, 2.50 ERA), and Nick Pivetta (1-4, 5.54 ERA) as we look to keep rolling.

In other news, Orlando Arcia went 5-for-5 as his Brewers destroyed the Mets 12-1. Ahh, seeing the Mets get clobbered is always great.

June 3rd, 2022: Even though this hurts the Mets, it's never to see this: Noah Syndergaard has shoulder inflammation and will miss the rest of the year. Thor was 5-3 with a 3.27 ERA and 83 strikeouts in 12 starts and 77 innings so far.

The season is also over for Astros' SP Brandon Finnegan. The lefty tore his ulnar collateral ligament and would have a long recovery. He was 2-0 with a 3.38 ERA with 36 strikeouts in 37.1 innings.

Jordan Montgomery (5-2, 2.70 ERA, 1.05 WHIP) was back for his next start, as he'd open this series against the Cards and Carlos Martinez (1-3, 5.40 ERA, 1.61 WHIP). Montgomery has also been hot as of late, but today was different, and we fell 7-2.

6 runs in the 4th was hard to overcome, as in 3.1 innings he allowed 8 hits and 7 (6 earned) runs with a walk and 4 strikeouts. Cabrera tossed 3.2 scorless mop up innings, striking out 2, walking 1, and allowing 3 hits. Shiotani tossed a perfect 9th and his ERA is a nice 1.01.

Scott Kinger was 2-for-4 with a solo shot off Marinez in the 5th. D.J. Wilson had a punch hit double in the 8th, and Carlos Soler hit a sac fly to drive in Simmons for the other run in the 8th. We can't win them all, but let's try to win the final two of the series.

June 4th, 2022: Jameson Taillon (4-4, 2.06 ERA, 1.19 WHIP) duels Jack Flaherty (2-2, 2.50 ERA, 1.17 WHIP) in what would seem like a pitcher's duel. I gave the struggling Ryan Mountcastle a day off in favor of Brian Anderson. All the runs were scored in the 4th inning, 1 for St. Louis, 3 for us.

Taillon earned the win despite allowing 8 hits and 2 walks in 7 innings of pitch. He struck out just 4 and was charged with the only run. Joe Jimenez and Yasukazu Shiotani both tossed perfect frames and struck out 2. Jimenez recorded his 12th hold and Shiotani his 14th save. It's been a tale of two seasons for Jimenez, who struggled so much last year he eventually was optioned to AAA and had an ERA above 5 between innings with Detroit and us.

We only had 4 hits, but we made them count. Scott Kinger was 2-for-3 with 2 RBI's on a 4th inning single. He scored Marwin Gonzalez and Keston Hiura. Hiura drove in Carlos Soler the at bat before with an RBI double, his 20th already this season. He's got a ton of gap power, and is on pace for 55 this season.

June 4th, 2022: A.J. Minter of the Braves is out for the year with shoulder inflammation. The 28-year-old lefty had 8 saves in 18 appearences and carried a 2.70 ERA. Atlanta would push Devan Watts into the closer position, as he already has 5 saves this season.

Interesting enough, after pitching the no-hitter, the Braves moved Luiz Gohara to the pen where he's made 3 scorless relief outings.

We looked to secure the series win before the draft today with Tyler Mahle (3-3, 3.33 ERA, 0.95 WHIP) facing Nick Pivetta (1-4, 5.54 ERA, 1.38 WHIP). It took 12 innings for the first run to be scored, but Brian Anderson hit a pinch-hit homer off Yusermio Petit for the 1-0 win.

Mahle was brilliant, and would've went the distance if we scored in any of the first 9 innings. He allowed jsut 5 hits, walked none, and struck out 4. Shiotani pitched a perfect 10th, and then Joe Jimenez earned the win and pitched the 11th and 12th. He struck out 3 and allowed just 1 hit.

We only had 5 hits, 1 less then St. Louis, but it was just barely enough. Dustin Fowler doubled in the 5th, but that was the only other chance we really had of scoring. The top 5 guys in the lineup did draw walks, but only Victor Caratini was able to record a hit.

Gleyber Torres had the same amount of hits as us, and he only needed 5 at bats, as the Yankees shut out the Rangers 8-0.

We added another series win to the total, and would head to LA to face the insane 39-19 reigning champion Dodgers for a brutal four game road set. But first, the Amateur Draft, which will take place in a special draft day edition:

[ayaghmour2]

Happy Amateur Draft Day as I attempt to not waste all 41 (40 rounds +1 for Zach Davies compensation) picks this year!

The Giants started the draft and made 17-year-old Juan Tafoya the first player selected in the 2022 Amateur Draft. The RHP has 4.5* potential and looks like a future ace. I'd say the Giants got this one right.

I did not like what was available for me at 25th, as the only potential starts were the borderline starter Pete Alder and a pair of catchers. I selected the catcher my scout Stan Meek recommended:

1st Round, 25th Overall: C Jonathan Carrillo (4): This is a case of selecting the best overall player, not a position of need. I'm stacked in the minors with catchers, but his bat is amazingly polished for a 17-year-old. He's not much of a defender, as he lacks the arm, but calls a strong game. He's got significant power and rarley strikes out, just 4 in his senior year of High School at Holyoke in Maryland. I'm not thrilled with this pick, but there's always room for catchers at any level.

1st Round, 36th Overall: SP Joe Kramer (3.5): Consider this a trade for Zach Davies, as this is the pick I recieved for him filing for free agency. Kramer is just 18, but has a higher ceiling then Davies. He's got three plus pitches, is a durable arm that can get you late into games, and is a well rounded pitcher who always keeps the ball on the ground. He's throwing consistently 90-92 at such a young age, and was named Arizona High School Player of the Year with a perfect 10-0 record and 0.98 ERA with 163 K's in 101.1 innings.

2nd Round, 61st Overall: SP Pete Alder (5): This is the gamble pick. He's a little expensive, $2,400,000, but if he can develop his change up, this will be the biggest steal of the draft. He has an unhittable slider, and his worst case is he'll turn into a nasty closer who will save hundreds of games with ease. He's a sidearm hurler and averages mid-90s with his plus-plus fastball. He still has to refine his pitches, but this pick can only be good, as he has the work ethic scouts and coaches drool over.

3rd Round, 95th Overall: SS Jeff Hamrick (3): We're already running out of talent, although Hamrick is an intriguing player. He's got a good contact bat, and will develop into a gold glover. While he only has experience at short, he can pick up any infield poistion with over 70 at all four infield ratings. He could also become an excellent outfielder if I decide to work him out there as well. It's one of the safest high school picks out there, and he's a cheap addition.

4th Round, 125th Overall: SP Whip Mifflen (3): Here might be a steal, as no one noticed his offensive abilities since he's labeled a starter. First on pitching, he's a middle of the rotatio nguys with three plus-plus pitches, but lacks the needed control as of now. He has a serious two-way player potential as a 1B/OF with 61/88/88/61/59 potential that I didn't even realize until after I drafted him. And for once, my scout and OSA relatively agree with both his offense and pitching abilities. He's costly, but worth the approximately $2.5 million I need to convince the Candian to move to South Florida.

5th Round, 155th Overall: SS Arturo Sepulbeda (3): He says he won't sign, and I grabbed him in an effort to save a little money and let him attend college. He's a solid hitter, but strikes out a ton. He can play a little bit of everywhere, so if he doesn't demand too much, I'd consider signing him as well, but chance are he's off to college.

6th Round, 185th Overall: SS Mike Hopkins (2.5): He went to a school I played in baseball, Taft in our shared hometown of Chicago, Illinois. He's more of a third basemen, but can also play a little outfield. He's a bat first guy who will hit a decent amount of homers and still maintain a high average.

7th Round, 215th Overall: SP Mike Seals (2.5): He has the ability to become a middle of the rotation starter, as he's got a plus-plus pitch, a plus pitch, and an average pitch. He's got great control and can pitch deep into games.

8th Round, 245th Overall: RP Greg Walston (3): A college stopper who can shoot up to the big leagues. He's got two solid pitches and can thrown in the upper 90s with his cutter. He's going to be a dependable 6th inning guy, even as soon as next year.

9th Round, 275th Overall: SS Shiloh Lias (2.5): Won't sign. He's got a cannon, so third is probably his final destination. He's got good power and makes good contact, but lacks discipline at the plate. His quick hands makes up for it, as he won't strike out too much, but will chase out of the zone.

10th Round, 305th Overall: SP Joel Duvall (2): The quality is already running low, as Duvall's potential is back of the rotation starter. He can eat up a ton of innings, however, but doesn't really stick out. He does have 4 solid pitches, but not too much movement.

11th Round, 335th Overall: LF Eddie Levine (2): Big bat, no glove. He can play the corners passably, but won't win any awards in the field. He does have big league power, and could hit 40 or so out, but needs to work on making contact first.

12th Round, 365th Overall: 2B Sam Holt (2.5): Won't sign. He's going to be a solid defensive 2B with decent speed and a solid bat. He reminds me a bit like Brandon Lowe who I used to have, but he's headed to college.

13th Round, 395th Overall: SP Steven Bowman (2): He's got back of the rotation potential and can throw a lot of pitches in each start. He doesn't have much speed with his fastball, but changed pitches effectively to get outs.

14th Round, 425th Overall: 3B Steve Thompson (2): Won't sign. Got a cannon at third, but is really slow with turning double plays. Also has no foot speed. Expect a lot of swing and misses, but the occasional longball to make it worth it.

15th Round, 455th Overall: Jonathan Shaw (2): He's got absolutely no power, but a good eye and makes consistent contact. He can play all over the diamond and has the speed to play short and even center, if given the change. His versatility is extremely helpful.

16th Round, 485th Overall: CF Bobby Williamson (2): He's got great foot speed which allows him to stick in center. He's got a good eye and makes solid contact, but will probably never pass 10 or 15 homers in a full season.

17th Round, 515th Overall: C Sam Hodge (2): He's a decent defender at catcher, but doesn't have much of a bat. He's got a good eye, but his average contact isn't enough to stop him from striking out on tough pitches.

18th Round, 545th Overall: C Jeff Bryant (3): He could sign, but wants $1.8 million that I may not want to dish out to a late rounder. He's a bat first guy with a ton of homers and strikeouts.

19th Round, 575th Overall: SP T.J. Aldin (1): We're already out of pitchers, as he's the best available. He's got an interesting 5-pitch arsenal that features a plus change up. The only problem is the other 4 pitches are below average. But, you can never have too much pitching.

20th Round, 605th Overall: 2B Jon Shelton (2.5): He could sign, but wants almost $3 million. He's a solid defensive middle infielder with a solid, yet inconsistent bat. College should do him well.

21st Round, 635th Overall: CF Jorge Gaitan (1.5): I took him in the 27th Round back in 2019, and after three years stateside at UC Irvine, he showed enough to get his name called again. His calling card is his blazing speed that he uses to play elite defense and steal a ton of bases. He's worth the late lottery ticket.

22nd Round, 665th Overall: SS Omarion Meggett (1.5): He's the brother of former 2nd Round selection Jaheim Meggett, but is not nearly as talented as the older brorther Jaheim. Omarion was selected in the 32 round last year by Atlanta, and had a solid freshman year at South Alabama which lead to his selection. He's got great speed and can play all around the diamond. His bat is light, but he's got enough of his own talnet to warrent the pick.

23rd Round, 695th Overall: C Josh Palmer (2): He could sign, but I'd likely let him attend college. He's got a nice arm and a solid bat, but lacks any power. It's a nice birthday gift to be drafted as he turns 19 today.

24th Round, 725th Overall: CF Billy Marshall (0.5): I don't plan on playing him in the outfield, as I plan on trying him out as a pitcher. His rating jumps to 2.5 after the change. The 18-year-old throws mid 90s and throws two plus pitches and a decent third pitch. He doesn't have starter stamina, but his stuff is rated a perfect 100 for potential.

25th Round, 755th Overall: SP Juan Salinas (0.5): This is a pure tool pick, as his 84 stuff potential and 100 stamina is enough to ignore the 20 movement and 47 control. He's a borderline starter with a lot of work to do, but has a good work ethic.

26th Round, 785th Overall: 3B Luis Ramirez (1.5): All bat and no glove is the perfect description for the Puerto Rican native. He's got great power and actually moved stateside to Maryland when he was young, so he won't have trouble adapting to American life.

27th Round, 815th Overall: 2B Harland Jauregui (1.5): Won't sign. Great speed for the secondbasemen, and a decent bat with good tools except power.

28th Round, 845th Overall: C Kevin Kendrick (1.5): Won't sign. Not too good behind the plate, but a interesting bat that looks solid.

29th Round, 875th Overall: SP Hunter Gaddis (1): He's an older draftee, already 24, but he was selected in the 6th round back in 2019 by the Angels. He was a top prospect out of high school, but he's lost a bit of that stock. He's nearly developed, however, and could fill a spot start role, as his ratings are a solid 54/55/56 for his potetnial.

30th Round, 905th Overall: CF J.J. McCowan (1.5): He's got great speed and makes a ton of catchers in center. He's got a passable bat, but strikes out a bit too much and needs to be more disciplined both on and off the field.

31st Round, 935th Overall: SS Jeff Wells (1.5): Solid fielder, but probably more suited for second, although his range his good enough for short. Average speed, but makes a lot of contact to the pull side.

32nd Round, 965th Overall: CF Brad Maynard (1.5): Great speed and an elite defender in the outfield if you forgive him for his weak arm. Great speed and a great eye with a solid, well rounded bat, but is looking foward to attending college, hopefully at his hometown university UCF.

33rd Round, 995th Overall: SP Brad Roberts (0.5): Won't sign. Has a really good circle change, but doesn't throw very hard. Needs to work on his tools to recieve another selection after college.

34th Round, 1,025th Overall: 3B Bobby Wells (1.5): We selected him last year in the 21st round, and called his name again. He's one of those utility players that can play all over, but doesn't really have a position. He didn't have the best year at UCLA, but did hit 7 homers.

35th Round, 1,055th Overall: C Joey Maiden (2): He's got a lot of power, but not too good behind the plate. He also has just 22 gap power, which makes his 5 hitting tools look really weird, almost like he's missing his index finger.

36th Round, 1,085th Overall: SS Alfredo Bethancourt (1.5): He's the last guy really worth drafting. He's a great defender and great base runner. He's got a decent bat and can play almost any position.

37th Round, 1,115th Overall: LF Jon Dye (0.5): Won't sign. Elite power, but lietrally nothing else. Hopefully he'll improve in college.

38th Round, 1,145th Overall: SP Mike Wood (0.5): Won't sign. He's a great sacrafice bunter and will eat up innings in the minors at one point. Hopefully college proves helpful.

39th Round, 1,175th Overall: SS Kevin Charles (0.5): Won't sign, but honestly, better then the star rating suggests. He's got a great glove, solid speed, and good power to go with solid contact. Only problem is he always strikes out.

40th Round, 1,205th Overall: SP Jamie Woods (0.5): He throws a screwball, enough said.

And there you have it, that's our class of 2022 that I really hope turns out to be a good one. We really need a good class...

Here are other guys that we previously drafted and how they fared:

9th Round: RF Steve Dieudonne: Selected by Pittsburgh 8th Round, 244th Overall.
12th Round: RF Steve Marbley: Selected by Tampa 13th Round, 396th Overall.
19th Round: SP Josh Green: Selected by Philadelphia 24th Round, 710th Overall.
22nd Round: C Denim Pennamon: Will return to St. John's for his senior year after not being selected.
23rd Round: 1B Jeremy Strickland: Will return to Northern Illinois for his senior season after being undrafted.
25th Round: 3B Liam Abraham: Will return to Miami FL. for his senior year after being unselected.
28th Round: 1B Tyshawn Nedrick: Selected by Houston in the 16th Round, 490th Overall, but released after draft day.
32nd Round: SP Juan Acevedo: Remained undrafted and will return to Connors State for his senior seaosen.
35th Round: SP Mike McIlravy: Remained undrafted and will return to Iowa for his senior year.
36th Round: C Omari Rugley: Remained undrafted and will return to Norfolk State for his senior year.
39th Round: SP Ben Andrews: Remained undrafted and will return to the University of Illinois-Chicago.

Next up, four against the Dodgers!

[ayaghmour2]

June 6th, 2022: Nolan Gorman won Florida State Player of the League after hitting an impressive .455 with 2 solo homers and 5 runs scored.

Power rankings came out and we're up to 8th, but chances are we'll fall after 4 on the road against the always unbeatable Dodgers.

A.J. Puckett (4-3, 4.53 ERA, 1.31 WHIP) took on Danny Salazar (2-3, 4.68 ERA, 1.21 WHIP) to open this grueling four game set. We shocked the home fans and edged the Dodgers 2-1.

Puckett bounced back with a great start despite only recording strikeouts. Just 4 hits and a run were charged to him and he walked none. Tanner Rainey and Tyler Jay got holds and Koda Glover got the final out of the game to record the save.

We had just 4 hits, like the Dodgers, and Keston Hiura had half of them. He doubled, singled, and scored in four at bats. Lewis Brinson tripled him home and scored after Victor Caratini hit a sac fly.

June 7th, 2022: Walker Buehler (5-4, 3.13 ERA, 1.06 WHIP) faced his former team against Garrett Cole (5-2, 4.79 ERA, 1.28 WHIP) in the second game of the season. Dustin Fowler loves facing Cole, and is 6-for-13 with a homer against him. We stole another game, and will come away with at least a split after winning 7-3.

Buehler pitched fine, 2 runs in 5 innings off 4 hits and a walk, while recording 4 punch outs. Brett Conine pitched 1.2 innings and struck out 3, while Edward Cabrera allowed the final run in 1.1 innings, but struck out 3 as well.

Backup catcher Christian Bethancourt had an exteremely unexpected offensive explosion, giong 3-for-3 with 2 homers, a double, 2 runs scored, 3 driven in, and a walk. Carlos Soler had a pair of solo homers in 5 at bats. Keston Hiura had the 5th homer of the game and was 1-for-4 with 2 runs.

June 8th, 2022: Whip Mifflen, my 4th rounder signed for a $2.4 million dollar bonus, far above slot, and reported to the GCL. I'm working him as a two way player, and he's rated as a 4* for LF and 3* as SP. He might be the best steal I got.

Jordan Montgomery (5-3, 3.34 ERA, 1.13 WHIP) took on Song-shil Su (3-3, 5.12 ERA, 1.21 WHIP) as we tried to win our 3rd straight against Los Angeles. Man, I need to give the guys more credit, and we kept the pounding with a 7-1 win.

Montgomery allowed just 1 unearned run in 6 innings with 5 hits, a walk, and 6 strikeouts. The rest of the pen allowed just 2 hits with 4 strikeouts, but Corbin Clouse walked 3.

Lewis Brinson was a one man wrekcng crew, hitting a two run homer and a 3-run homer before they eventually walked him the next two at bats to finish a dominant 2-for-3 game. Keston Hiura was 2-for-5 and scored a run. Carlos Soler drove in two with a double. Soctt Kingery doubled, singled, and scored in 5 at bats.

June 8th, 2022: All Star Voting update: Tyler Mahle is up to 5th now for starting pitchers, and Shoitani is back down in 2nd for relievers.

We looked to pull of the improbable sweep with the red-hot Jameson Taillon (5-4, 1.98 ERA, 1.21 WHIP) facing Justin Dunn (4-0, 2.81 ERA, 1.23 WHIP). Dodger Stadium was bustling in a sell out, and all 46,000+ left speechless as we left Dodger stadium with four more wins then when we arrived, winning the finale 5-3. A familiar face, John Curtiss, got the loss, with 3 runs and just a single out in the 7th.

Taillon had a weird game, with 2 walks and just 1 strike out in 5 innings. He pitched 5 in the no decision with 7 hits and 3 runs as well. Koda Glover got the win after a scorless 6th. Jay and Joe Jimenez pitched perfect innings with a strike out for the holds, while Shiotani struck out two in his perfect 9th and earned his 15th save.

Rule-5 pick Carlos Soler was 2-for-5 with his 10th homer of the year, a solo shot off Dunn in the 3rd. It looks like I've struck gold with my last two Rule-5 picks, as Soler has filled in quite well for the injured Cole Brannen. Victor Caratini hit a 2-run homer in the 7th.

I'm just going to be totally honest, I can't even begin to believe that we just swept the Dodgers on the road. Especially considering we're still 4.5 games out of first despite being 37-27.

Nick Quintana of the Cardinals was 5-for-5 in a 15-3 win over the Cubs. The former 16th Rounder back in 2018 has came a long way with the Cards, and while he's no star, he's a nice steal for them.

Also in that game, Anthony Rizzo launched his 300th homer. The 32-year-old is a career .262/.368/.485 with 916 RBI's to go with the 300 homers.

I'm still in shock, but we had to keep this road trip going, and couldn't underestimate the upcoming Padres. They may be just 28-35 and in last place, 11.5 games behind the Dodgers, but we have to play them like we did LA. We'll see Bobby Stiles (1-2, 7.08 ERA), Tyler Beede (3-4, 5.37 ERA), and Sam Keating (2-5, 5.98 ERA).

June 10th, 2022: 36th Overall Pick Joe Kramer agreed to a below-slot $480,000 contract and will report to the GCL. He's basically who we got for Zack Davies, a trade as of sort, due to the compensation rule that grants us a sandwich pick. Davies is having a rough season with the Reds, 4-5 with a 5.24 ERA and 1.51 WHIP in 13 starts.

We opened up the series in Petco Park with former Red Tyler Mahle (3-3, 2.95 ERA, 0.91 WHIP) facing Bobby Stiles (1-2, 7.08 ERA, 1.52 WHIP). Remember, don't underestimate...

We scored 2 quick runs in the 1st on a Ryan Mountcastle homer, but then took those 2 runs to the 9th with a 2-1 lead. Shiotani struggled, allowing Michael Brantley to tie up the game with an RBI single, and then a 3-run walkoff homer to Allen Cordoba as we dropped the opener 5-2. Baseball is a crazy game isn't it...

Can't fault Mahle, 7.1 innings with just 4 hits, 2 walks, 4 strikeouts, and a run. Joe Jimenez finished the 8th and earned a hold, but Shiotani just fot one out via strikeout, walked 1, and allowed 3 hits in the loss and his first blown save.

Mountcastle was the only guy with a memorable day, a double to go with the 1st inning homer in four trips. Carlos Soler was 1-for-3 with a walk and double, and scored on Mountcastle's homer after drawing the leadoff walk.

June 11th, 2022: A.J. Puckett (5-3, 4.18 ERA, 1.23 WHIP) took on Tyler Beede (3-4, 5.37 ERA, 1.44 WHIP) as we looked to bounce back and stay hot. It took 10, but we scored 2 in the top to win 3-1. Two really good pitching efforts by the starters.

Puckett almost finished the 9th, recording 8.1 innings with 8 hits, a run, and 5 strikeouts. Tanner Rainey finished the 9th to get the win, and Joe Jimenez shut the door in the 10th to earn his first save of the year.

Carlos Soler was 3-for-5 and scored a run. Victor Caratini had a punch hit RUBI single in the 10th. Brian Anderson was 2-for-3 and scored a run with a double and walk while playing left. He also stole his 1st base of the year.

June 12th, 2022: 3rd Rounder Jeff Hamrick agreed to an affordable $290,000 bonus. The 19-year-old SS is headed to the GCL.

We looked to take the series and finish the road trip with a win. Walker Buehler (6-4, 3.16 ERA, 1.05 WHIP) dueled Sam Keating (2-5, 5.98 ERA, 1.52 WHIP) in the finale. I had to adjust the lineup a bit to give the tired Simmons a day off. I inserted Anderson in the lineup at third, moved Mountcastle to 2B, and shifted Marwin Gonzalez to SS. The Padres took advantage of our fatigue, and won 6-1.

Buehler didn't have his best stuff, but still struck out 4 in 2.2 innings. The problem, however, was that he allowed 4 runs and 6 hits. Edward Cabrera pitched 2.1 mop up innings with 3 hits, a walk, and 2 runs to go with 2 strikeouts. Clouse and Glover had 2 K's as well.

We didn't hit much, just 5 hits. D.J. Wilson drove in the only run with a pinch hit single in the 8th, scoring Dustin Fowler. Wilson is hitting .393 with a homer and 7 RBI's since his callup.

Tomorrow we got to rest before returning home to face the currently 33-31 Giants. We hold the 2nd Wild Card spot with a half game lead on Philly. We're 2.5 back of New York, and 5 back of the Mets. The East is a crazy competitive division, although all 6 division leaders are withing 5 wins (39-44).

[ayaghmour2]

June 13th, 2022: 2nd Rounder Pete Alder signed a $2,400,000 bonus and will report to the GCL. He's going to start as a starter, as we work to develop his changeup into a legitimate pitch. If it can be boosted from 26 potential to maybe 40 or 50, he'll be a legit ace.

We fell one spot to 9th in the Power Rankings, which doesn't make sense considering we swept the Dodgers, but it is what it is.

Tomorrow we open a three game set hosting the Giants. At 34-31, they're 5 games out of first and 3 games behind us for the 2nd Wild Card. We'd see Tanner Houck (3-4, 5.59 ERA), Jaison Vilera (3-4, 4.24 ERA), and Kyle Freeland (4-2, 3.53 ERA) as we start a nice homestand.

Andrew McCutchen hit his 2,000th hit as the Indians lost to the Red Sox 3-2. The 35-year-old is a career .282/.371/.472 with 283 homers and 960 RBI's.

June 14th, 2022: Our 1st rounder C Jonathan Carillo signed a below slot $750,000 signing bonus, as we signed our top 5 picks. He's headed to the GCL as he works on sharpening up his skills behind the plate.

Jordan Montgomery (6-3, 3.08 ERA, 1.12 WHIP) took on Tanner Houck (3-4, 5.59 ERA, 1.59 WHIP) in the first of three. We scored 3 in the 1st, 2 in the 2nd, and 1 in the 3rd, but that was it. Luckily, San Fran only got 5, and we won the opener 6-5.

Montgomery allowed 10 hits, but just 3 runs in 6 innings while striking out 8 and walking none. Tanner Rainey allowed 2 in the 7th, but got a hold. Joe Jimenez got a hold as well after striking out the side in the 8th, with 2 hits scattered in the inning as well. Yasukazu Shiotani shut the door in the 9th and earned his 16th save with a perfect frame.

Dustin Fowler picked up a steal and was 2-for-4 with a double, a run scored, and 2 RBI's. Ryan Mountcastle swiped a bag as well, and was 2-for-4 with a run scored. Carlos Soler was 1-for-3 with an RBI triple, a walk, and a run scored. Montgomery himself was 1-for-2 and scored a run.

June 15th, 2022: Jameson Taillon (5-4, 2.20 ERA, 1.25 WHIP) looked to turn 1 win into 2 against Jaison Vilera (3-4, 4.24 ERA, 1.69 WHIP). 4 runs in the 5th lead us to a series winning 7-3 victory as we looked to pull of the sweep tomorrow.

Taillon almost went the distance, 8.1 innings with 5 hits, 2 runs, a walk, and 10 strikeouts. Edward Cabrera finished the 9th, but a llowed a run on 2 hits with a strikeout.

Dustin Dowler was 2-for-4 with a 2 run homer in the 2nd off the starter Vilera. Lewis Brinson also went deep, a grand slam in the 5th. Ryan Mountcastle was 1-for-3 with a double, run scored, RBI, and walk.

Jose Adolis Garcia was 5-for-6 as the Cardinals edged the Dodgers 10-9.

June 16th, 2022: Tyler Mahle maintained the 5th spot and Shiotani the 2nd spot in their respecitve positions for All-Star voting. The Mets trio of Marrero, deGrom, and the injured Syndergaard hold the top 3 SP spots, and there is no love for Taillon, who's pitching better then everyone except Marrero. And it's not a popularity problem, considering he's well known.

Tyler Mahle (3-3, 2.80 ERA, 0.90 WHIP) looked to boost his All-Star resume and took on Ricardo Sanchez (6-3, 2.79 ERA, 1.13 WHIP) as we looked to complete the sweep. The bats showed up all series, and put up 9 runs on 11 hits to pull off the 9-4 win and series sweep.

Mahle wasn't sharp, but still struck out 6 batters in just 2.2 innings with a walk, 5 hits, and 4 runs. Cabrera earned the win, tossing 2.1 scorless with 2 strikeouts, a walk, and 4 hits allowed. Koda Glover and Tanner Rainey earned holds, and Shiotani got a strike out with a the bases loaded in the 9th to earn his 17th save.

While Mahle may not have pitched how he wanted, he did have an 2 run double in the 2nd inning during his only at bat. Lewis Brinson and Keston Hiura were both 2-for-4 with 2 runs scored, 2 runs driven in, and 2 run homers. The slumping Andrelton Simmons was 1-for-3 with a walk and 2 runs scored. The also cold Scott Kingery was 2-for-4 with an RBI and a steal.

As are record improved to 41-29, we're now just 3.5 games behind our next opponent, the Atlanta Braves. In a series that can change the whole complexion of the NL East, we'd face the Braves for four games in Marlins park. Win all four, we jump them in the standings, lose all four it may be impossible to recover. We'd face Mike Soroka (7-2, 3.27 ERA), Sean Newcomb (5-2, 2.70 ERA), Patrick Weigel (2-3, 5.84 ERA), and Lucas Sims (2-7, 4.04 ERA).

June 17th, 2022: We looked to stay hot with A.J. Puckett (5-3, 3.84 ERA, 1.20 WHIP) taking on Mike Soroka (7-2, 3.27 ERA, 1.10 WHIP). The pitching was strong, and we won the opener 5-1 to keep our hot streak going.

Puck was great, just the single run and 6 hits in 7 innings. He walked and struck out 2. Joe Jimenez allowed 2 hits and got just 1 out in the 8th, but Tyler Jay finished the inning with 3 pitched and got a hold. Brett Conine pitched a perfect 9th with a strikeout to lower his ERA to 1.93. A nice pick that I made just because of his last name, but I can say it's because of the excellent control potential I noticed on draft day.

Offensively we hit a trio of solo homers from Victor Caratini, Ryan Mountcastle, and Keston Hiura. Hiura also had a n RBi single, and Mountcastle scored another time after a single. Him and Lewis Brinson picked up steals as well.

June 18th, 2022: Walker Buehler (6-5, 3.55 ERA, 1.10 WHIP) took on Sean Newcomb (5-2, 2.70 ERA, 1.36 WHIP) as we looked to stay perfect on the homestand against an injured and fatigued Braves team. We took advantage, and pulled away with an 8-4 win, securing at worst a split in the important four game set.

Buehler couldn't finish the 5th, as three errors (including 1 by him) in 4.2 innings that caused 3 runs (1 earned) while walking 3, allowing 5 hits, and striking out 6. Corbin Clouse got a strike out to finish the 5th, and earned his 4th win. Glover and Rainey got holds with scoreless 6th and 7th. Conine allowed a solo homer in the 9th, but struck out 2 to finish the game.

We kept hitting the long ball, with four today including two by former braves. The first former Brave, Andrelton Simmons was 2-for-4 with a solo shot, and the second, Christian Bethancourt, was 2-for-3 with a solo shot and an extra RBI via the sacrafice fly. Keston Hiura also went deep, and was 3-for-5 with 3 RBI's and a run scored. The final homer was a pinch hit solo homer by Brian Anderson in the 8th. Ryan Mountcastle was 2-for-4 and scored twice while drawing the only walk for us today. Him and Hiura picked up steals.

Jacob deGrom tossed a 1 hit shutout as the Mets destroyed the Nationals 11-0. With the win, they took first place from Atlanta, and the stupid Mets are back on top. Luckily, we're just 2 games back, and have a 3.5 game cushion over Philadelphia for the 2nd Wild Card. Remember, if we finish the sweep, we leap frog Atlanta.

June has been out month, already 14-3, after winning 14 in April and 15 in May.

June 19th, 2022: Jordan Montgomery (7-3, 3.18 ERA, 1.16 WHIP) took on Patrick Weigel (2-3, 5.84 ERA, 1.38 WHIP) as we looked to get 1 step closer to another four game sweep. All good things come to an end, as we were shut out 3-0.

Montgomery still pitched well, going 7 strong with 6 hits, 3 runs, a walk, and 5 strikeouts. Tyler Jay and Yasukazu Shiotani pitched an inning a piece with no hits or walks, and 2 strikeouts.

Andrelton Simmons had half our hits, a pair of singles in 3 trips. Keston Hiura doubled in the 1st, and Brian Anderson had a pinch hit single in the 8th. That and a pair of walks was our offensive production for the day.

June 20th, 2022: The White Sox just asked me if I wanted C.J. Abrams... Yes, I really wanted him 3 years ago when you took him right before me in the draft... Luckily, he's no star, but still a respectable 3.5* potential with gold glove winning abilities at short.

Down in Greensboro, 2B Andrew Vaughn won player of the week. The 24-year-old hit .455 with 3 homers and 10 RBI's. We acquired him in the offseason for RF D.J. Peters, and he's hit really well this year, .331/.392/.550 with 5 homers and 31 RBI's in 201 plate appearences.

We're up to 7th in the Power Rankings, with the Braves right above us.

I sent Victor Arano to A+ Jupiter to begin his rehab assignment. Hopefully he can get back on track quickly, after starting this season so well. Our pen doesn't really need too much help, as we do have a 2.66 pen ERA, good for 1st in the league (our starters ERA of 3.11 and total of 2.95 is also best).

We looked to win this curcial four game series with the steaming hot Jameson Taillon (6-4, 2.20 ERA, 1.20 WHIP) taking on Lucas Sims (2-7, 4.04 ERA, 1.06 WHIP). Taillon's toughest task will be limiting Freddie Freeman who's really had his number, 9-for-22 with 4 hoemrs. Today was a copy of yesterday, so after a strong start, we ended up splitting the series after the 3-0 shutout.

Taillon allowed just 2 runs off 7 hits with a walk and 6 strikeouts. The last run was charged to Koda Glover, who pitched 0.2 innings with 2 hits and a strikeout.

We only had two hits, a pair of singles for Carlos Soler and Scott Kingery. Hiura and Caratini also drew walks, but it was tough.

Sung-hoon Bak added a 5-for-6 in his impressive rookie season in America after dominating the KBO as the Cubsbeat the Reds 9-8 in 11 innings.

Before continuing, I have to cut 41 of the 81 players on my GCL roster, as this always comes up at this time. Even after cutting all the guys with less then 1.5 potential, I still had 63 players on the roster, and swung a few trades. None of the prospects I got back were worth much, but it was better then just pure release.

First came SS Jose Conlon, a Dominican shortstop with good defenseive ability and great speed. Next comes C Roberto A. Espinosa, a solid defensive catcher who is still waiting on his bat to devleop. Third came SP Juan "Cooter" Magallon and his killer stuff. Rated 98 as a reliever, as he is a bordernline starter, and 82 as a starter, he actually has decent potential. His curveball is devestating and at 19, he's got a lot of potential. Jorge Talmantes came next, a 19-year-older who needs to work on his changeup if he wants to start. He's got two plus-plus pitches, so he can be a devestating reliever, but has nice upside as a starter. That's the last, as I finally got the roster down to 40 with a lot of overpays.

Up next is three with Milwaukee before a day off. The Brewers are 29-43nd 16.5 games out of first. We're 3.5 behind Atlanta and the Mets at 43-31, but still have a 3 game cushion between being in the playoffs and being left out. The Brew Crew's projected starters are Marcos Diplan (1-1, 3.63 ERA), Felix Jorge (4-6, 5.25 ERA), and Jimmy Nelson (3-5, 4.26 ERA).

[ayaghmour2]

June 21st, 2022: We opened a must win three game series at Miller Park with Felix Jorge (4-6, 5.25 ERA, 1.47 WHIP) jumping Marcos Diplan in the rotation. Tyler Mahle (3-3, 3.12 ERA, 0.94 WHIP) took the mound for us, and would really have to tread carefully against former Malrin Christian Yelich who's 9-for-24 with a homer against him. I had to give Victor Caratini a day off and move Bethancourt from RF to C and add D.J. Wilson to the lineup and have him man right. I'm hoping fatigue doesn't set in during this series, as we needed these wins. A five run 5th propelled the hosts to a 6-2 win as our losing streak is now at three.

Mahle allowed 5 runs in 4.2 innings off 8 hits, a walk, but struck out 7 to give him 101 in 84 innings. He's on pace for 218, but has never struck out more then 146 as he's really flourished in Miami like most pitchers I've acquired have. The last run was charged to Cabrera who pitched 1.1 innings while striking out 3, walking 1, and allowing a solo homer to C Cal Raleigh.

Ryan Mountcastle was 2-for-4 with an RBI double off Jorge in the 3rd. Wilson and former Brewer Lewis Brinson both were 2-for-4, with the latter scoring.

June 22nd, 2022: A.J. Puckett (6-3, 3.62 ERA, 1.20 WHIP) looked to help the team right the ship against Marcos Diplan (1-1, 3.63 ERA, 1.44 WHIP). We really needed a win here, but again fell 5-2. We're way too streaky of a teak for my liking.

Puck allowed 4 runs in 5 innings, with 6 hits, 2 walks, and 3 strikeouts. Brett Conine allowed a run in the 6th off 2 hits, while recording a strike out. He's probably going to be optioned after Arano proves he's ready to return. Koda Glover struck out the side in the 7th.

Carlos Soler hit his team leading 11th home run, a solo shot off Diplan in the 2nd. D.J. Wilson hit a pinch hit homer in the 8th with 2 outs for the last of our 2 runs. We only had one other hit, a single by Dustin Fowler.

I took a quick look at my park factors, it's really hard to hit a home run (.876 overall, .850 LHB, .890 RHB) which must contribute to why a lot of pitchers find success in Miami in this universe. Ironically, 3 of my 5 pitchers are groundballers, with Taillon extreme, and the other two are neutural. As a team, we've allowed just 67 homers and hit only 70.

June 23rd, 2022: Mahle and Shiotani maintain 5th and 2nd in the All-Star fan vote.

We looked to avoid the sweep with Walker Buehler (6-5, 3.45 ERA, 1.14 WHIP) facing Jimmy Nelson (3-5, 4.26 ERA, 1.41 WHIP). Our lead over Colorado is also down to just 1 game, so we really needed this win. Buehler didn't take any chances, allowing just 1 hit and we scored 4 runs for a 7-0 shutout to avoid the sweep.

As mentioned, Buehler allowed just 1 hit and it came in the 2nd of 7 innings. He walked 3 and struck out 5 to pick up his 7th win. Edward Cabrera pitched the last 2 innings of the game and didn't allow a hit or walk, while setriking out 2.

Ryan Mountcastle had a great game, scoring twice and hitting a double and 2 solo shots in a 3-for-5 game. The homers came late, in the 8th and 9th innings. Carlos Soler was 2-for-3 with a double, 2 runs, an RBI, and 2 walks. Scott Kingery was 2-for-5 with a run scored, one driven in, and a double. Andrelton Simmons made an error, but doubled home two off Adrian Houser in the 2nd. Lewis Brinson was 2-for-4 with a walk.

We got tomorrow off to heal our wounds, and increased our lead to 2. I might bring Arano back for the two game series in Cleveland, but that is still to be determined.

June 24th, 2022: Today was a nice off day to recover before heading to Cleveland for a quick two game set. We've fallen to 6 out, but are 2.5 games ahead of Colorado. Cleveland is having a great year, leading the Central with an impressive 47-28 record. Our opposition would be Mike Shawaryn (2-4, 3.95 ERA) and John Bergara (7-5, 3.69 ERA).

Arano has only tossed 2 innings, so I didn't think he was ready to return to the big league club.

June 25th, 2022: Jordan Montgomery (7-4, 3.24 ERA, 1.15 WHIP) dueled Mike Shawaryn (2-4, 3.95 ERA, 1.25 WHIP) in the opener. Montgomery didn't have to hit, with D.J. Wilson DH'ing in the AL game. The Central leaders got the best of us, a 4-0 shutout in front of the home fans.

Montgomery had a shaky start, 7 hits and 4 runs in 4.2 innings. He did strike out 5 and walk just 1, but was hit hard. The rest of the pen combined for 3.1 innings with 2 hits, a walk, and 6 strikeouts.

We had just 3 hits. Keston Hiura doubled and Brinson and Soler had singles. Soler also picked up his 4th steal of the year.

Speaking of steals, obviously the main culprit in our organization was Cole Brannen, but he's been out for over a month with three more still left. Even without him, we're still leading the league with 77 steals. None of our guys are in the top three, and he still leads the team with 14, but we have three guys in double digits, and three more with 5 or more. It's not the assault we're used to, but the steals are still a main part of our arsenal.

June 26th, 2022: We finished the quick two game set with Jameson Taillon (7-5, 3.69 ERA, 1.10 WHIP) facing John Vergara (7-5, 3.69 ERA, 1.10 WHIP). The bats needed to wake up for today's match. They didn't, but we still won 2-1 since Taillon was excellent.

Taillon allowed just 2 hits and 3 walks in 7 innings while allowing the single run. He also struck out 5. Joe Jimenez allowed 2 hits in the 8th, but struck out two as well and earned his 16th hold. His ERA is a sparkling 0.76. Yasukazu Shiotnai earned his 18th save with 2 K's in a perfect 9th.

Keston Hiura was 2-for-4 with a double and his 6th steal. Dustin Fowler was 2-for-4 with a run scored. Ryan Mountcastle took Cody Allen deep in the 8th for a solo shot, his 8th homer of the year. Lewis Brinson was 1-for-4 with his 14th steal to tie Brannen for the team lead.

Tomorrow was an off day before we returned home to face the Rockies. It'll be a crucial three game series, as they are right behind us in the Wild Card race. We'll look to end June on a high note, as it is our final series of the month.

Interesting stat to note: We can't win against left handed starters. Despite a predominately right handed lineup, we're just 6-13 when facing left handed starters. This is slightly concerning considering the Mets and Braves both have two lefty starters, and the pitcher who eliminated us from the playoffs, James Paxton, is also a lefty.

[ayaghmour2]

June 27th, 2022: The A's lost LHP Jacob Lindgren to the year with a torn labrum. The now 29-year-old has had a bright career plagued by countless injuries, and little by little his ratings decline more and more. He's no longer the "Strikeout Factory" he once used to be.

The new Power Rankings dropped us to 9th, a still respectable spot on the list.

The Rox are coming to town and they are just 2 games behind us. We'd face southpaw Eric Lauer (4-4, 4.38 ERA) in the opener followed by righties Enyel De Los Santos (5-2, 5.52 ERA) and German Marquez (6-5, 4.42 ERA).

June 28th, 2022: Tyler Mahle (3-4, 3.45 ERA, 0.99 WHIP) opened the series against Eric Lauer (4-4, 4.38 ERA, 1.50 WHIP) as we hosted the visiting Rockies. We treated the visitors to some nice Miami heat on a beautiful night that ended in a 3-1 victory to open the series.

Mahle's pitch count was high and only lasted 5 innings, but didn't allow a run or walk with 5 hits and 6 strikeouts. Koda Glover got a 2 inning hold and Joe Jimenez earned a hold in the 8th. Yasukazu Shiotani allowed a run and 2 hits in the 9th, but still earned the save.

Ryan Mountcastle is 3-for-4 with a double, a solo homer, and a steal. Keston Hiura was 1-for-3 with a solo homer and a sac fly. Lewis Brinson and Victor Caratini both finished 1-for-4 with a double.

Down in the DSL, 2B Luis Puerta went 5-for-5 as we beat one of the Pirates DSL teams. The 18-year-old is a 4.5* prospect I signed back in 2020 to a $600,000 bonus which defintely looks like a steal.

June 29th, 2022: The red hot Walker Buehler (7-5, 3.16 ERA, 1.09 WHIP) took on Enyel De Los Santos (5-2, 5.52 ERA, 1.51 WHIP) in the middle game. We limited the Rockies offense to 1 run through 7 innings, but couldn't score our self. A bases loaded walk and then three run homer in the bottom of the 7th gave us enough to get a 4-1 dub.

Buehler was fantastic, just a single run and 6 hits in 7 innings. He didn't walk a batter and struck out 9. Joe Jimenez struck out 2 in the 8th to earn his 8th save and Shiotani tossed a perfect 9th to record his 20th save.

Scott Kingery was 1-for-3 with the big three run blast off De Los Santos who was near perfect through the first 6. Ryan Mountcastle was 2-for-4 with a run scored. Victor Caratini was 2-for-3 with a run scored and a walk.

June 30th, 2022: I extended all my personnel with expiring contracts who would re-sign.

Mahle and Shiotani maintained their spots in the All Star Voting.

We looked to finish the sweep in front of a sold out crowd with A.J. Puckett (6-4, 3.83 ERA, 1.22 WHIP) facing German Marquez (6-5, 4.42 ERA, 1.15 WHIP). We scored 2 in the 8th and limited the Rox to a single run in the 2nd to finish the sweep and put a lot of distance between us and the pack for the 2nd Wild Card spot.

Puckett was brilliant, but recorded a no decision. He went 7 innings with 4 hits, a run, 2 walks, and 8 strikeouts. Tyler Jay earned his 2nd win of the year and Bulldozer Shiotani got his 21st save.

Lewis Brinson's 8th inning 2 run homer proved to be the only necessary offensive output for the game. Andrelton Simmons was 2-for-3 and scored on the blast off the starter Marquez. Carlos Soler was 1-for-2 with a walk.

We got tomorrow off before the Phillies came to town. We also ended June with a 19-8 record for the month of June, as when the weather heated up, so did we.

July 1st, 2022: I just have to point out the incredible season Chris DeVito is having. He's hit 35 homers and drove in 101 runs. That's not for a full season: that's after 80 games. He's on pace for 60 homers and 200 RBI's. 200! The Royals 1B has lead the team to 48 wins and has double the RBI's of anyone else on his team. He has a legitimate chance to break Hack Wilson's record of 191 RBI's in 1930. DeVito has almost 80 more RBI's then Vlad Jr (66) who's second in the AL. Cody Bellinger has an impressive 78 in the NL, but it pales in comparison to DeVito.

No one on my team has more then 50 RBI's...

Seth Beer won the American Confrence Player of the Month, hitting .306 with 10 homers, 27 RBI's, and 27 runs scored.

3B Josh Smith in Greensboro was also the Player of the Month, hitting .302 with 6 homers, 25 RBI's and 22 runs scored.

Jake Bauers was 5-for-6 as the Rays crushed the White Sox 13-6 at Tropicana Field.

Tomorrow the International Amateur Pool is published, and we'll welcome the Phillies to town. The Phillies are 42-40 while we are 48-34. We have a 6 game lead over them and are just 3.5 games out of first and 2 games behind Atlanta for the Top Wild Card. We'd see Mike Clevinger (4-5, 3.99 ERA), Marcos Molina (4-3, 2.30 ERA), and Adbert Alzolay (5-6, 4.21 ERA) for the three game series.

July 2nd, 2022: The International Pool isn't too exciting, but of course, I made a few offers.

Jordan Montgomery (7-5, 3.46 ERA, 1.17 WHIP) hosted Mike Clevinger (4-5, 3.99 ERA, 1.34 WHIP) to start the inter-divisional series. It was a pitchers duel, as the Phillies carried a 1-0 lead to the 9th. Ryan Mountcastle didn't like the idea of being shut out, and took Matt Bowman deep and hit a walkoff 2 run homer.

Montgomery was brilliant, but came away with a no decision, tossing 7.1 innings with just 3 hits, a run, and he struk out 6. We used four relievers for 1.2 innings that included 4 strikeouts and no hits or walk. Koda Glover got the win after throwing 1 pitch and inducing a ground out, to improve his record to 4-2.

Keston Hiura was 2-for-4 with a run scored and a double. Lewis Brinson was 1-for-4 with a triple to start the game. Mountcastle was 1-for-4 with the previously mentioned homer.

Down in AAA, Jeremy Eierman launched 3 homers in a 9-5 win over Colorado Springs. He's got 16 homers and 62 RBI's, and is on pace to make his debut this season, as he takes up a 40-man spot.

The Reds Taylor Trammell bsahed 5 hits in 5 trips as his Reds beat the Astros 11-7. The 24-year-old has steadily improved the past three seasons and has turned into a really solid regular.

July 3rd, 2022: Jameson Taillon (7-5, 2.18 ERA, 1.17 WHIP) toed the rubber in game two against Marcos Molina (4-3, 2.30 ERA, 1.24 WHIP) in what one would assume to be a pitcher's duel. Taillon has the rare distinction of being able to limit Bryce Harper's production, as his average entering the game is below .220. The game did not cease to amaze, as the first 8 innings were scorless. Matt Bowman replaced Molina in the 9th, and allowed 2 hits including a Victor Caratini walkoff single as we won just 1-0.

Taillon wasn't as great as Molina, allowing 8 hits in 6 innings, while walking 2 and striking out 4. Brett Conine pitched a real good game, 1.1 scorless innings with 3 strikeouts. Yasukazu ****ani got the win, tossing just 6 pitches in a perfect 9th.

Carantini was 2-for-4 with the game winning RBI. He drove in Keston Hiura, who was 2-for-4 with a double in the 1st inning. Ryan Mountcastle was 1-for-3 with a walk.

Nick Senzel was 5-for-5 as the Reds have had consecutive 5-for-5 outings in wins over the now 50-35 Astros. Today was a 8-4 win, as the struggling Reds have now won 8 of their last 10 to improve their poor record to a middling 40-44.

In no slight to himself, I optioned Conine to AAA since Victor Arano was ready to rejoin the club. It took him a bit to find the grove, but after 6 innings and a 3-0 record with 2 saves, he finished strong. He had a 1.50 ERA and 0.33 WHIP, and didn't allow a base runner after his 2nd appearence.

July 4th, 2022: Our perfect week pushed us all the way up to 3rd in the latest edition of the Power Rankings.

We looked to push our win streak to 7 with Tyler Mahle (4-4, 3.27 ERA, 0.99 WHIP) on the mound against Adbert Alzolay (5-6, 4.21 ERA, 1.24 WHIP). A win here and a Braves loss would mean we'd have sole posession of the top Wild Card spot. I don't know how we did it, but we continued to freeze offenses, winning the finale 4-1.

Mahle was brilliant, just 2 hits and 2 walks in 6 innings. He allowed a single run and struck out 4. Joe Jimenez and the newly activated Victor Arano earned holds and Yasukazu Shiotani recorded the save. Arano didn't skip a beat, a strike out and no hits or walks with just 9 pitches needed to finish the 8th.

Scott Kingery was 1-for-3 with a walk and a steal, as well as a run scored. Victor Caratini drove in two with a double in the 6th. Ryan Mountcastle was 1-for-4 with a double and a run scored. Atlanta won as well, so we both sit at 51-34 with a tie for the #1 Wild Card spot.

Former Marlin Zach Davies has improved since draft day, and tossed a 7-hit shutout as the Reds beat the Astros 2-0 as Cincy completed a three game sweep in Houston.

The Mets 1B Dominic Smith went 1-for-4 to increase his hitting streak to 20 games, despite the 6-3 loss to St. Louis. I don't think his hit streak will last too much longer, considering he'd have to face our pitching next.

Before I look ahead to the Mets series in New York, I really have to give a shout out to the pitching. As you'll see in the screenshots, we're top 3 in every pitching category, but the last few games have been nothing short of amazing.

During out 7 game win streak, we've allowed only 6 runs and in no game we allowed more then 1 run. It's extremely hard to lose games when your pitching staff allows just 1 run per game. During the 7 game win streak, we have a staff ERA of 0.86. 0.86!

And it's not like they're pitching with run support: During the streak, we haven't scored more then 4 runs and haven't had more then 9 hits in a single game. We're averaging just 2.57 runs per game, and the staff has just been extordinary, picking up the slack of our bottom 2 offense in most categories. The only categories we aren't attorcious in for offense is steals (1st) and strikeouts (6), where our Average is 13th. The Pitching is top in every category except opponent AVG (2nd), BABIP (3rd), and Strikeouts (3rd). We've only allowed 260 runs all year, and no other team has allowed less then 300 (Cleveland has 300, next best in the NL is 314). Offensively, we've scored just 337, with only the Pirates (316) scoring less. No AL team has less then 341 runs (Detroit, who is 35-50) and 6 teams have more then 400.

Another way to show how bad we are at scoring runs, Chris DeVito of the Royals by himself is responsible for 130 runs (RBI+R-HR). That's nearly 40% of the total runs we've scored as a team and he's just one player.

And to show how good the pitching has been at preventing runs, no Marlin with more then 10 innings has an ERA above 3.70 (A.J. Puckett has a 3.64, the highest of those that meet the innings requirement). His 40 runs allowed (38 earned) is the most of any pitcher on the staff. Four of our five starters have ERA's of 3.30 or below, and only 2 of our relievers with more then 10 innings have ERA's above 3.00. 4 more have ERA's below 2, and both Joe Jimenez (0.69) and Tyler Jay (0.72) are below 1.

Looking at WHIP, all pitchers with more then 10 innings have WHIP's below 1.30. Edward Cabrera (1.29) and Jameson Taillon (1.20) are the only guys at 1.20 or higher. 5 guys, including SP Tyler Mahle (0.97) are below 1.00. Joe Jimenez (0.92) and Yasukazu Shiotani (0.86) are both below 0.50 and Victor Arano (0.61) sits below 0.65. The most impressive is Tyler Jay, who in 25 innings has a WHIP of 0.44! He's walked just 4 and allowed only 7 hits! It's still early, but best pitching staff of all time?

Note: The innings minimum don't count Drew Steckenrider (9.45 ERA, 2.50 WHIP, 6.2 IP), James Farris (6.75 ERA, 1.73 WHIP, 8 IP), and Brett Conine (3.38 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 8 IP).

Anyways, our next series is a true test, as we face another elite staff, the 54-32 Mets, who hold a 2.5 game lead. At home, they're an impressive 27-10, even better then our 28-14 record. And we're facing the best of the best on the mound, Jacob deGrom (12-4, 2.88 ERA), Chris Sale (4-2, 3.57 ERA), and Luis Marrero (4-1, 1.94 ERA). It's going to be a tough test of grit, and we're going to be pushed to the limit, although the team seems to excel against the toughest competition. Remember, we went to LA and swept the defending champions in 4 games.

[ayaghmour2]

July 5th, 2022: There were a pair of season ending injuries and a trade to account for before the highly anticipated matchup in the Big Apple.

The Rays will be without 25-year-old righty Drew Strotman for the rest of the year after he suffered bone chips in his elbow. He hasn't had the best year, and has split time in the rotation and pen with a 2-8 record, 5.14 ERA, and 1.42 WHIP in 61.1 innings. They also lost rookie and former 41st overall pick CF Travis Swaggerty to the year with a torn PCL. The top prospect appeared in 18 big league games, hitting .286/.403/.444 with a homer and 6 RBI's.

The Cubs traded former Marlins farmhand RHP Brett Graves to Detroit for LF Austin Jackson. I have no idea how the Cubs thought this trade had any value for them, as Jackson is just not a good player.

Anyways, two top arms in Walker Buehler (8-5, 3.01 ERA, 1.07 WHIP) and Jacob deGrom (12-4, 2.88 ERA, 1.07 WHIP) battled in the opener. I extremely envy the Mets lineup, especially young superstar 2B Gregorio Alvarenga who's an elite contact hitter with elite speed and can play literally all over the diamond. I don't know what happened, honestly, but we somehowe managed to win 9-1. Yes, we scored 9 runs, and again allowed just 1!

I feel like every pitching recap is the same now: are guys were dominant. Buehler tossed 6.2 innnings with 6 hits, a run scored, 0 walks, and 4 strikeouts. Edward Cabrera finished the final 2.1 innings, allowing just 2 hits, a walk, and striking out 2.

We made the most of 11 hits, and Ryan Mountcastle was especially excellent. He was 3-for-5 with a grand slam and he scored twice. Carlos Soler was 3-for-5 with a run scored. Dustin Fowler was 1-for-5 with a 2 run shot off Joe Kelly. Buehler himself was 1-for-3 with a 2 run double off former Marlin farmhand Luke Heimlich. We acquired Heimlich from the Orioles along with Ryan Mountcastle and Martin Cevenka for Jeff Hoffman and Igor Baez back in the 2019 offseason, and then shipped him to New York in the 2021 preseason with Chris Joyce for Matt Purke. He's been roughed up in 12 innings, allowing 14 runs and 21 hits.

We're just 1.5 games back!

July 6th, 2022: The injuries keep piling up, as Strotman's replacement and former Marlin LHP Braxton Garrett tore his rotator cuff in his MLB debut and will miss the rest of this year and most likely, the start of next season. He allowed a hit and struck out a batter before leaving the game hurt.

I also found out where all my unsigned draft picks will attend college and when they will become eligible to be drafted again:

5th Rounder: SS Arturo Sepulbeda (Boston College 2025)
9th Rounder: SS Shiloh Lias (Pitt-Greensburg 2023)
12th Rounder: 2B Sam Holt (Stanford 2025)
14th Rounder: 3B Steve Thompson (North Carolina 2023)
18th Rounder: C Jeff Bryant (Virginia 2025)
20th Rounder: 2B Jon Shelton (Oregon State 2023)
23rd Rounder: C Josh Palmer (Mississippi State 2025)
27th Rounder: 2B Harland Jauregui (Coppin State 2025)
28th Rounder: C Kevin Kendrick (San Diego State 2023)
32nd Rounder: CF Brad Maynard (Oregon State 2025)
33rd Rounder: SP Brad Roberts (Michigan 2025)
37th Rounder: LF Jon Dye (Wichita State 2023)
38th Rounder: SP Mike Wood (Yale 2025)
39th Rounder: SS Kevin Charles (UCLA 2025).

Game two would be a tough one, A.J. Puckett (6-4, 3.64 ERA, 1.19 WHIP) against Chris Sale (4-2, 3.57 ERA, 0.91 WHIP) as our win streak approaches double digits. Lewis Brinson loves sale, 10-for-27 with 5 homers, and he'd leadoff the game, and eventually walked. Again, I'm in utter disbelief, as we won 9-1, and this time did it was only 9 hits.

Puckett was great, 5.2 innings with 4 hits, an unearned run, 3 walks, and 3 strikeouts. That means our ERA during this win streak has dropped to 0.78. If we can keep hitting like this, look out! Tanner Rainey, Joe Jimenez, and Tyler Jay earned holds, but no save was needed as we scored 2 in the 8th and 3 more in the 9th.

Brinson may not have taken Sale deep, but Dustin Fowler and Keston Hiura did. Fowler was 2-for-5 with a 2 run shot and he scored twice in total. Hiura was 3-for-5 with a solo shot, a double, and two total runs and RBI's. Brinson did, however double off Sale, and finished 1-for-3 with 2 walks, 2 runs scored, an RBI, and a steal. Scott Kingery was charged with the error, but was 1-for-5 with a pair of RBI's, so I'd say it made up for it.

Ryan McMahon had the bat working for the Rockies, going 5-for-5 in a 10-7 win over the Diamondbacks.

July 7th, 2022: Our entire rotation deserves to go to the All-Star game, but just Tyler Mahle ranks in the top 5, and sits at 5th still. Shiotani remains 2nd for relievers.

Arizona will lose veteran Oliver Drake for the year with a torn flexor tendon. The 35-year-old righty had 8 saves and a 3.38 ERA this year.

The Yankees lost closer Tommy Kahnle for the year with a torn labrum. He was 1-2 with 17 saves and a 2.31 ERA as the Yankees 9th inning guy.

A really interesting trade was made between the Reds and the Pirates as the teams swapped minor leaguers. SP Ryan Weiss is headed to Cincy and CF Quentin Holmes is headed to the Pirates. Not too sure what to make of this trade, but I prefer Holmes.

Can we make it 10 straight? And sweep the Mets to take 1st place? It would be tough, as we'd face the untouchable Luis Marrero (4-1, 1.94 ERA, 0.83 WHIP). We had a lefty of our own, Jordan Montgomery (7-5, 3.30 ERA, 1.12 WHIP) looking to shutdown another offense. All good things must come to an end, as we dropped the finale 4-2. I can't be mad, a sweep in New York would be insane.

Montgomery was our first starter roughed up in a while, 4 runs off 6 hits in 6.2 innings. His stuff was still good, just 1 walk and 9 strikeouts. Corbin Clouse finished the game, 1.1 perfect innings with 2 strikeouts.

Montgomery did double, and was 1-for-3 with a run scored. Ryan Mountcastle drove him in on a 2-run homer in a 2-for-4 effort. Keston Hiura was 2-for-4 with a steal.

We're still tied with Atlanta, as they copied us the entire series. and 1.5 games out with our beautiful 53-35 record. We're off to Philly to face the Phillies who have dropped all the way back under .500 to 43-45 and are now 11.5 games out of first. We were looking at former Met Marcos Molina (4-3, 2.08 ERA), Adbert Alzolay (5-7, 4.38 ERA), and Sixto Sanchez (4-5, 4.74 ERA).

July 8th, 2022: The Diamondbacks lost RF Eduardo Diaz for the season with a broken kneecap. The rookie was struggling enough to start with, hitting .189/.267/.245 in 53 at bats.

We started the Philly series with Jameson Taillon (7-5, 2.06 ERA, 1.20 WHIP) facing Marcos Molina (4-3, 2.08 ERA, 1.17 WHIP). Imagine the Mets rotation if he was still there... Brinson, however, loves facing Molina and is 13-for-26 against him. We couldn't hit, and fell 3-2, although both teams had just 4 hits. I was hoping we wouldn't begin a long losing streak...

Worst part, we should've won, as 2 of Taillon's 3 runs were uneared after a Victor Caratini error. Taillon went 7 strong, 4 hits, a walk, and 6 strikeouts. Victor Arano tossed a perfect 8th against his former team and struck out 2.

Keston Hiura was 2-for-3 with his 30th double of the season. Carlos Soler accounted for the entirety of the offense, 1-for-3 with a 2 run homer in the 6th. He drove in Jameson Taillon, who drew a walk.

The Pirates SP Mitch Keller tossed a 7-hit shutout as they beat the Brewers 4-0.

July 9th, 2022: The Dodgers will be without RHP Chase Whitely for the year with shoulder inflammation as the serious injuries pile up. He's had a rough year, but is 6-3 despite his 5.06 ERA.

We're a game behind Atlanta and 2.5 behind the Mets as we try to start winning again. Tyler Mahle (5-4, 3.17 ERA, 0.97 WHIP) will face Adbert Alzolay (5-7, 4.38 ERA, 1.27 WHIP) as we looked to bounce back. We couldn't score again, and fell 3-1.

Mahle allowed 6 hits and 3 runs with a walk and 7 strikeouts in 4.1 innings. The rest of the pen combined for 3.2 hitless innings with just a single walk and 6 strikeouts.

Again, just 4 hits, but all singles. Hiura was 2-for-4, Fowler was 1-for-3 with an RBI, and Lewis Brinson was 1-for-4 with a run scored.

The Mets SP Brady Singer tossed a 2-hit shutout in a 14-0 win over the Nationals. In the same game, Dominic Smith extended his hit streak to 25, so I guess I was wrong about it ending soon. He's hitting .292 with 19 homrs and 55 RBI's so far.

The Brewers and SP Jimmy Nelson tossed a 5-0 shutout against the Pirates.

July 10th, 2022: We looked to avoid the sweep with Walker Buehler (9-5, 2.90 ERA, 1.06 WHIP) taking on Sixto Sanchez (4-5, 4.74 ERA, 1.27 WHIP). No Bryce Harper in the lineup to day for the Phillies, so we gotta take advanage of that. And we couldn't score, losing 1-0 on a walkoff homer by Kyle Seager off Yasukazu Shiotani.

Buehler was excellent, 6 innings with 4 hits, 2 walks, and 7 strikeouts. Shiotani allowed the homer on the 2nd pitch of the inning.

We actually outhit them 6-5. Caratini was 1-for-4 with a double. Soler, Brinson, Kingery, Buehler, and Wilson all had singles. We got swept by the Phillies, however, and I'm am beyond angry. I hate how streaky we are, and now we're 3 out of the 1st Wild Card and 4.5 out of first.

Smith's hit streak was stopped, but they won 10-2, so I doubt he cares too much.

We got to return home to host the 44-48 Pirates in the last series before the All-Star Break. I'm spending the All-Star break looking to find a way to improve the offense, but I really don't know what to do. I don't want to give up on anyone, but at the same time, nothing is working. I think the one thing I can do is add another OF, and deal with the crowded situation later when Brannen is healthy. Losing him hurt a lot more then I thought for our offense, as having him on the basepaths made things happened.

Anyways, we were looking at Gage Hinsz (5-2, 2.09 ERA), Christopher A. Reynolds (2-6, 3.64 ERA), Mitch Keller (5-7, 4.61 ERA), and Nathan Eovaldi (4-10, 3.20 ERA) as we looked to turn things around.

[ayaghmour2]

July 11th, 2022: The Braves will be without LHP Max Fried for the remainder of the year after he damaged his elbow ligament. He was 1-2 with 2 saves and a 3.92 ERA in 39 innings that saw 53 strikeouts.

We dropped to 10th in the Power Rankings after a rough 4 game skid.

Let's repalce it with 4 more wins, as A.J. Puckett (7-4, 3.43 ERA, 1.19 WHIP) took on Gage Hinsz (5-2, 2.09 ERA, 1.41 WHIP) as we hosted Pittsburgh in the final series of the first half. We have three cold players, LF Lewis Brinson, 2B Scott Kingery, and SS Andrelton Simmons. Let's just say today was beautiful,a nd we scored 4 in the 1st to win 7-0.

Puckett was brilliant, 7 innings wiht 5 hits, a walk, and 3 strikeouts. Edward Cabrera struck out 2 in the 8th and Tanner Rainey 1 in the 9th.

We tallied 15 hits, and for the first time in who knows win, all 8 starters had hits, with most having more then 1. Ryan Mountcastle, one of our few productive hitters, was 3-for-5 with 2 doubles and a homer, while scoring twice and driving in 2. Andrelton Simmons heated up with a 3-for-4 day with a double and 2 runs scored. Victor Caratini was 2-for-4 with a triple and run scored. Lewis Brinson and Dustin Fowler were both 2-for-4 with an RBI, although the latter doubled. Both Kingery and Keston Hiura committed errors, but we worked around them in the win.

Three more to go!

Alex Verdugo improved his hit streak to 20 games in a 5-1 Dodgers victory over the D'Backs.

July 12th, 2022: Christopher Reynolds (2-6, 3.64 ERA, 1.31 WHIP) took on Jordan Montgomery (7-6, 3.43 ERA, 1.11 WHIP) as we looked to pick up the 2nd of 4. We took a 1-0 lead to the 9th, but Shiotani blew the save as the Pirates tied it up at 1. In the 10th, Victor Caratini launched a pinch-hit 2-run homer off Nick Burdi as we walked off winners.

Montgomery was brilliant, and it really sucks he didn't go out for the 9th. He finished 8 innings with 3 hits, a walk, and 6 strikeouts. Victor Arano earned the win, tossing a perfect 10th with a pair of strikeouts.

We only managed 5 hits, the homer and 4 singles. Andrelton Simmons singled and scored on the longball. Carlos Soler singled and walked, and was driven in on a Keston Hiura single.

July 13th, 2022: The Reds and Padres worked out a minor trade, with C Tyler Stephenson heading to San Diego in return for RHP Bobby Stiles. Pretty even deal here.

Jameson Taillon (7-6, 2.01 ERA, 1.17 WHIP) faced his former team and teammate Mitch Keller (5-7, 4.67 ERA, 1.18 WHIP) as we looked to win the series a game early. Taillon has been hot as of late, but will have to watch out for Yasiel Puig, who's 6-for-16 against him iwth a home run. Taillon was brilliant, as we edged Pittsburgh 1-0.

Taillon tossed 8 innings with 8 strikeouts. He walked just 2 and allowed only 3 hits. Shiotani bounced back, and bulldozed his way through the 9th with 2 strikeouts and a ground out to earn the save.

We only managed 3 hits, with two of them courtesy of Andrelton Simmons. He was 2-for-3 with an RBI double in the 8th that scored Dustin Fowler. Fowler was hit by a pitch and stole second before scoring. Keston Hiura had the last hit, a double of his own all the way back in the 1st.

July 14th, 2022: The All-Star rosters were announced, and for the first time in my tenure, we had more then 1. While the whole staff definitely earned it, five of my pitchers were named to the game. Walker Buehler, Tyler Mahle, Jameson Taillon, Joe Jimenez, and Yasukazu Shiotani will represent us in the game. It's Taillon's 3rd (2nd with Miami) and the rest of their's first.

But we had more baseball to deal with, and we needed to finish off the 4 game sweep, especially considering we didn't gain any ground in the division. The new All-Star Tyler Mahle (5-5, 3.29 ERA, 1.00 WHIP) took on Nathan Eovaldi (4-10, 3.20 ERA, 1.42 WHIP) to finish the 2nd half. Simmons was tired, but it wasn't worth replacing him with the All-Star break next. We scored three in the first, but let the Pirates get 5 striaght. We got three more in the bottom of the 7th, and won 6-5 to end the series sweep.

Mahle was shaky, 4 runs off 7 hits in 4.2 innings with a walk and 5 strikeouts. He's walked just 16 hitters so far this season with 123 strikeouts in 114 innings. Jimenez alloewd the final run, getting just 1 out and a hit. Tanner Rainey earned the win despite allowing 2 hits in an inning of work. Victor Arano got the final 2 outs of the 8th for the hold, and Shiotani tossed a perfect 9th with 2 strikeouts for the save.

Carlos Soler was 2-for-5 with a double and a triple. Brian Anderson was 1-for-2 with a double, 2 RBI's, and 2 walks. Marwin Gonzalez was 2-for-4 with a pair of singles and a pair of RBI's. Ryan Mountcastle had a pair of singles as well, but scored twice.

Francisco Lindor was a perfect 5-for-5 as the Indians beat the Royals 8-2. He's hitting an impressive .360/.413/.589, and like always in an OOTP sim, Lindor is an absolute monster. He's making $40.5 million per season as well, and definitely earned it with his .313/.380/.527 batting line with 205 HR's, 722 RBI's, and an impressive 52.0 WAR in 1,137 games.

We end the second half 57-38, 3.5 games out of first and 1.5 games behind Atlanta for the top Wild Card spot. We do, however, have a 6.5 game lead over San Diego and Colorado.

It's worth noting that Taillon is leading the majors with an outstanding 1.88 ERA and Shoitani is tied for 2nd in saves with 24. We've allowed just 279 runs, which equates to just 2.94 runs per game and we lead every pitching category except strikeotus (t-2nd) and BABIP (3rd).

Time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the All-Star break!

July 15th, 2022: I took today off to relax and just browse thorugh rebuilding teams. I wouldn't make any offers, yet, but that is eventually happening. My target might be Brett Phillips, but salary could possibly get in the way...

July 16th, 2022: I've been in an insane bidding war for 3B Artuto Lira and signed him to a $2,000,000 bonus as my first splash on the International Front. He's got 91 power potential, which definitely makes him an intriguing prospect.

Luis Marrero (5-1, 1.97 ERA, 0.84 WHIP) of the Mets represented the NL and Jacob Faria (9-6, 3.63 ERA, 1.24 WHIP) of the Rays represented the AL in the Mid-Summer Classic. Both lineips are stacked, but the most intriguing players is the Orioles CF Benni Vogl. Just 21, the former 5th overall pick in 2019 as blossomed into a superstar. And I passed on him for Tyler Fricken Callihan...

Chris DeVito currently has 122 RBI's, and the All-Star slugger is now on pace for 208.

The NL won 7-6, and none other then Walker Buehler earned the win. He pitched the 2nd inning and allowed a hit, a run, and recorded a strikeout. Tyler Mahle pitched the 8th and allowed a hit, but struck out the side to earn a hold. Shiotani, Taillon, and Jimenez did not pitch. I'm a little upset Mahle pitched, continuing he threw 78 pitches 2 days ago, but I guess it's like a bullpen session.

July 17th, 2022: Let's just say a Brett Phillips deal is impossible, as he makes too much money and they want way, way too much. I also tried for Austin Hayes, but it wasn't worth it either, although I had a deal in place.

I found out RF prospect Art Bryant was loved around the game, so I shopped around the youngster. I could get All-Star LF Jake Bauers straight up for him, but I thought perhaps I could get someone even better then him.

I found a much better deal, and I shipped Bryant to Colorado for 2B Brendan Rogers. Yes, the former 3rd overall pick who's rated a 4.5* at just 25-years-old and a legitimate superstar. Now I know you might be thinking, um, he's not an outfielder? Well, you would be right, but when you can acquire a star for just one 3.5* prospect, you pounce. Especially factoring in the fact that Scott Kingery can play in the outfield. My fans were estatic and shocked that we brought in such a good player.

For his career, the Florida native is a .273/.340/.450 hitter with 78 HR's and 179 RBI's. Rogers will slide into the 2 hole and play second, pushing Kingery to left and Brinson to right. D.J. Wilson was optioned to AAA to make room.

And don't expect this to be the last move, as I might have a few more tricks up my sleeve, although I think I'm done for the break.

June 18th, 2022: The power rankings list us at 6th as we'll start the 2nd half of the season tomorrow. We're off to Minnesota to start a 7 game road trip. The 54-40 Twins are also in 3rd, but 4 games out as opposed to 3.5. They'd send Jose Berrios (4-4, 4.67 ERA), Dallas Woolfolk (4-4, 4.69 ERA), and Ross Stripling (7-6, 3.61 ERA) to the mound, although with the break, everything is subject to change.

We'd look to build off the strong first half and hopefully have it propell us into 1st. We're on pace for 97 wins, which would be extremely impressive. Technically, if we play like we did in June and the beginning of July, we could win 46 games which would give us 103 for the season. As unlikely as that seems, I wouldn't be too surprised if that happened. I just hope we can win the division, as I think we can best anyone in a series, especially with how important pitching is in the playoffs. Remember, this might be the best staff ever, although I'm most certainly biased. This team is stacked with talent all through the organization, and I can smell a Miami dynasty brewing. That is, however, if our owner decides to open his pocketbook, since young stars get expensive real quickly...