Power Pros Forum

I play all the games on my season log. Maybe you should try that.

I really don't have the patience to play them all. When my team is good, I'll sim the games against bad teams - blowouts are not fun for me. I don't anticipate sliming games against the good teams, but if I fall behind by too many runs, I will probably use fast mode to finish it up

When I'm anxious about a trade, or want to get to the draft, or the post season, I'll sim games, too.

Hopefully that doesn't trigger a loss of interest here.

I'm just playing the games and I'm not gonna update every game. I'll update transactions and at the end of every series. By the way, are you on expert?

I'm on individualized settings. I'm not logged in now, but here's the settings I (think I) remember:

Computer pitching and hitting is 1 level less than the hardest (I think it's "all-star" and the highest is "powerful")
Computer fielding & base running is 2 levels less than the hardest
Pitch speed is "normal"
My batting is all me - no hitting help at all
I see the pitch type and location of the computer's pitches
I control the lead runner (only) in base running, and when the computer handles my trail runners, the setting is either on expert or all-star (I forget)
I control my fielders, and get the little target symbol on the field
I see that target symbol when the computer is fielding, too
Errors, injuries, weather, etc are all on

Umm...that's all I can think of right now. If there's another setting you want to know, please remind me what it's called and I'll check.

Your comment on playing some games and not reporting them is interesting. Writing them up sure takes time, but how do you choose what to write up? I have to write as I play or I'll never remember the details. How do you choose in advance what games to forgo reports?

Meet the new countrymen, selected during yesterday's draft!

6-11-2008

First round draft: McCurdy
Position: catcher
Contact: E7
power: E 96
run speed: F5
Arm: C 10
Fielding: D9
Error: C 10
Abilities: none

Comments: has the defensive abilities to play catcher immediately; hitting must improve. When asked if this is an indicator that the country are not satisfied with their current starting catcher, Huisman, the GM responded: "absolutely not. Huisman is a better defensive catcher and offensive catcher who has been excellent at throwing out runners.. Huisman is a special player who probably has the athleticism to play a number of different positions if we decide that McCurdy should be our starting catcher next season. We thought McCurdy was the best player on the board and that's the sole reason we picked him."

Second round pick: Grindell
Position: pitcher
Top speed: 93
Control: E 111
Stamina: C 104
Pitches: Palmball -3; curveball-2; cutter-3
Abilities: none

comments from the GM: "we were very happy to get Grindell with this pic. We expect him to battle for a starting position right away. We especially like his top speed and his collection of pitches. He has 3 solid off-speed pitches, all thrown at different speeds, which should make things extra difficult for the batters."

Rookie free agent: Stratton
Position: pitcher
Top speed: 85
Control: D 121
Stamina: C 100
Pitches: Forkball-3; curveball-3; slider-2
Abilities: lucky

Comments from the GM: "this is another selection we felt very fortunate to get. We view Stratton as a future starter, although he may start out in the bullpen. We like his forkball – curveball combination, and when he develops his slider, he will have three solid off speed pitches thrown at different speeds."

[SIDE NOTES TO READERS: I probably ran about a dozen drafts, with this being the best, considering all players I got. In another draft, I did pull a catcher with slightly lower offensive stats, but "CCC" defensive stats that was tough to give up, especially because it was a 5-star prospect, and I read on the wiki page that this would mean his improvement would be fast (though I'm not really sure if that's true). Other tough calls were SS with DE offense and DCD defense. This was my best draft in terms of my #2 and the FA selected (pitchers with decent stuff and a realistic shot of getting to a B stamina), and since my current catcher has CCC defense (I'm thinking about moving him to ss or 3rd next season), and my current midfielders have DDD and EDD defemse, I wanted the C-level arm strength. In terms of potential regrets, I might regret forgoing a catcher with DEGCCE - better offense, but lower error resistance. I'm not sure how noticable E v C is, but I didn't want to chance it.]

6-11-2008
Last nights game against the Astros was quite a treat for fans, as the game was started by Stratton, the rookie free agent selected that morning. We are told that none of the regular starting pitchers were available.

Stratton got off to a rough start as the Astros leadoff batter singled, was bunted to second base by Kaz Matsui, who wound up being safe at first, and after getting the next two batters out, Miguel Tejada doubled to right center scoring both runs before retiring Hunter Pence on a short flyball to short

Stratton left the game after pitching 4 complete innings, allowing 2 earned runs, five hits and recording two strikeouts.

The Astros scored again in the fifth, when Wigington singled, was bunted to second with one out by Borne ( who was also safe at first) and then Kaz Matsui singled to center. Lee then singled home borne. Astros 4, Country 0

The country stormed back in the bottom of the fifth, scoring four runs on singles by Merrill, Sweeney, Sanchez, and Erdos, and a double by Johnson. Harris singled Johnson home to give the country 5-4 lead after five innings

Unfortunately, Hunter pence hit a solo homerun to lead off the sixth inning, tying the game.

The Astros took back the lead in the seventh on singles by Berkman, Lee, and Tejada. The country grabbed the lead in the bottom of the 7th on singles by Sanchez, Harris, Huisman, Merrill, Chavez, And Sweeney. Four runs scored, giving the country a 9-6 lead after seven

The side-armer, Sean Green, pitched a scoreless eighth inning, and Dan Johnson hit a two run homerun (Erdos singled prior) to extend the country's lead to 11 – 6 entering the ninth. In the 9th, green retired the first two batters easily, but left the game after giving up a double to right center with Miguel Tejada coming up to the plate. At that point Chamberlain came in and induced a harmless pop fly to short, ending the game.

I really like this log, bro. Keep it going

Anyway, you S/L the draft? Smart move, broski. I don't do that, really, and I don't know why. I just roll with the punches, especially if I don't have first pick, which I never do because I hate the Rays.

Thanks - I appreciate the positive feedback.

As for S/L-ing the draft, when I saw people using that for trades and to get spring training abilities, it just made sense. Analyzing whether to save my new picks or stick with my last-saved picks has become one of my favorite parts of the game.

Country use a "mix" of offense to take 2 of 3 from Astros

6-13-2008

The Country did everything a slow-footed, light-powered offense could to take the series against the Astros. Here it is by the numbers:

1- Grindell pitched his 1st game, notching his 1st win. Grindell, who we are told was feeling blue, tired in the fifth, surrendering one run, but had an impressive debut. He allowed seven hits over five innings with one strike out. Over that five innings, he showed good command of the cut fastball and generally kept the Astros off balance.

2- 2 sacrifice bunts that led to scores IN THE SAME INNING. In the fourth, there were 2 times in this inning when the Country had a runner on 1st and less than 2 out. Both times, the country elected to bunt. Chavez bunted Merrill to second and White bunted Sweeney to second. Both times, the next batter (Sweeney & Milledge) singled to drive in the runs.

3- Number of Country batters who batted before the Country scored their 1st run. After Grindell pitched an uneventful top of the first, the country went ahead 1-0 on singles by milledge, Sanchez, and Harris, who was manning the #3 spot in place of Erdos, who had the day off.

4- 4 for 4 at the plate was Brendan Harris. On a day when Harris was moved to the 3-spot, in front of Dan Johnson, the much-maligned SS, Harris, did let a few singles trickle between him and the 3rd baseman, but he had a fantastic day at the plate. 4-4 with 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored.

5- 5 hits, including extra base hits, in the 3rd and 7th innings led to 4 runs. In the 3rd, Harris singled to right and Johnson hit a double to deep right center, allowing Harris, not known as "fleet footed" to score all the way from 1st. in the bottom of the seventh, when milledge got a one out base hit, Sanchez, who appeared to be swinging for the fences, hit a deep line drive to left center, allowing milledge to score from first base. Sanchez moved to second on the throw home. This brought up Harris, who doubled to left-center, scoring Sanchez easily. Later in that same inning, a Huisman sacrifice fly brought home Harris

6- A moment of calm in the storm, the 6th inning saw Jiang (who relieved Grindell) retire the heart of the Astros lineup in order (Lee, Tejada, Pence).

7- the 7th run of the game, scored in the 7th inning, was the direct result of 2 Astros errors on the same play. With Harris at 2nd base after his double (described in item 5, above), Johnson grounded to the second baseman. The second baseman's throw to first was off-line (error 1), but with more than enough time to step on first or tag Johnson to get the sure out, the first baseman, instead, threw to third in an attempt to get Harris, who easily beat the throw standing up (error 2). The country coach later remarked "looked like standard human error to me. . .if we had computers running these plays, mistakes like that would never happen."

8- the Inning in which the Country chose to walk the bases loaded to avoid Astros slugger Tejada. The Astros threatened in the top of the eighth when, after striking out Bourne and inducing a Matsui ground out to second, Berkman and Lee wound up at second and third when Lee doubled down the right field line. Tejada, who was looking very good at the plate, was intentionally walked by Jiang, bringing up Pence, who looked sluggish all day, with the bases loaded. Said the Country manager after the game "I was nervous about loading the bases with a home run hitter coming up, but I did not feel good about Tejada, and even a grand slam would not have tied the game at that point." The country brought in their closer, Chamberlain, who gave up a two-run single to Pence before closing out the 8th, 7-3

9- the end of the line for the Astros, who were retired in order to end the game.

Country and 'Stros Exchange "Momentos;" Finalize Trade Before Leaving Town

6–14–2008

In an unusual move, the country agreed to a trade with the opponent they just finished playing, the Houston Astros. The Country receive JR Towles (GEEBCC) in exchange for relief pitcher Truby (82 DC CB–3; SL–1; CUT–2).

For the Astros, they receive a young relief pitcher who has a 2.83 ERA so far. For the country, they receive an athletic, solid defender who can probably be successful at other positions in addition to catcher, a trait the country seem to covet. Said country GM, "unless and until Towles is able to upgrade his hitting, we view him as a "super utility player." Someone with the arm and the athleticism to man catcher, third base, shortstop, and the second base positions. If you were to review his footwork on his throws to second base, you would see that he can clearly turn a double play, as needed. As for Truby, he has been successful and we are sorry to see him go, but it is very difficult to trust a pitcher whose fastball is generally thrown in the mid 70s."

Country Swept in 3 Close Games 3-1, 5-3, 5-4

The pessimists will say that a sweep never has a silver lining. Optimists will say that losing 3 games by a total of 4 runs to the NL East-leading Mets is nothing to be ashamed of. The truth is probably somewhere in between.

In all, the Mets pitchers overwhelmed the Country hitters, allowing only 1, 4, & 4 runs. Country's patchwork of starters (can anyone remember when Matt Morris and Chuck James were yellow?!?) could not keep up, but the Country relievers pitched surprisingly well.

RECAPS:

6 –13–2008

Country pitcher Leon (91 EC; CB – 3, Cut – 1, SL – 1), called up from the minor leagues to take Truby's place, faced Mets ace Johan Santana, as none of the Country's regular starters were prepared to start. Both pitched scored on a shallow fly ball to center by Chavez that seemed like it would be caught, but fell in for a single. "We had Dan running the whole way since we did not expect to necessarily drive in that runner with our number eight (Riggins EF - power at 39, filling in for Huisman) or 9 (the pitcher) hitters, with the way Santana had been dominating us."

Leon gave up a leadoff triple to José Reyes in the sixth. Reyes scored on a single against a drawn in infield. Later that inning, the Mets had bases loaded no out, but it looked like furhter damage would be minimized, as Leon induced what should have been a double play right to strong-armed third baseman Chavez. Oddly, Chávez had trouble stepping on 3rd base - he seemed to circle it a few times - and, ultimately, all runners were safe and one run scored. Jiang relieved Leon at that point and allowed another run to score before shutting down the Mets before the damage got any worse than a 3 – 1 lead after six. That would stand as the final score.

6-14-2008

A 3 run 1st inning against Mets starter Maine showed promise, but Deardorf (88 DC; fork – 3, curve – 1, slide –2) promptly gave up the lead on a three run home run to Carlos Delgado and numerous base hits as the Mets batted around the order, and even starting pitcher, Main got an RBI single. End of 1, Mets 5, Country 3.

Free agent rookie pitcher Stratton relieved the country starter and promptly struck out Carlos Delgado & Beltran. In the top of the sixth, Stratton singled, resuting in Stratton getting his first MLB base hit before first round pick McCurdy, who was 0-3 at that time.

6-15-2008

Country pitcher bourgeois seemed to have things under control, retiring the second two batters after giving up a base hit to José Reyes, but the wheels quickly fell off as the Mets got seven more base hits in the inning, pulling ahead 3-0 in the first. The country pulled ahead the game in the top of the second inning, but after pitching a strong second inning, Bourgeois gave up the time home run to Carlos Delado in the3rd

The Mets pulled ahead by a run in the bottom of the 4th inning when their picture reached based on a ball that went right through SS Harris' legs and later scored on several singles. The country appeared on the verge of tying the game in the bottom of the fifth when they had their first round pick and their rookie free agent at second and first base with two outs and milledge (batting 306) at the plate. Milledge hit a sharp liner that appeared would go for a base hit, but the Mets pitcher diverted it with his glove. It still seemed to be diverted too far away from the second baseman (the ball was diverted towards first base and the second baseman and started to move to cover second) such that the Country would end up with the bases loaded, but the Mets Castillo recovered in time to pick up the ball and throw out Milledge by half a step. The country would not challenge again, and lost this game 5 – 4

Notable: the Harris was 0-4. Bourgeois had a shaky start, lasting only 2 1/3 innings and giving up four earned runs. Free agent rookie Stratton had another solid outing giving up one unearned run in 4 2/3 innings, on two hits and four strikeouts.Dan Johnson

NOTABLES: Dan Johnson hit his 19th home run of the season. He continues to be in second place for first baseman on the All-Star balloting, above the Indians Halfner and below the white sox Konerko

In 2 outings, FA rookie Stratton pitched 8-1/3 innings, giving up 1 unearned run on 8 hits with 10 strikeouts

In his 1 game, Country first round pick, McGurty, started at catcher and went 1 for 4 at the plate, with no past balls. He also threw out Castillo, trying to steal second in the fourth. In his 2nd start, the switchhitting catcher went three for four with an RBI and got base hits from both sides of the plate. He also threw outnReyes at 2nd. He was the only country batter to get more than two hits in Game 2.

Dude, these updates are ridiculous!

Really fantastic job on this thus far

Agreed. These are fantastic.

Trade Talk

6–14–2008

Normally, "news" that a team turned down a trade offer is not news, but when the most actively-trading team is involved, it's reassuring to know there are standards! Rumor has it that the country actually turned down a trade request. We are told by an unconfirmed source that the reds inquired about minor league SS Chiaffredo (EFDEDE) for pitcher Fogg (90 CB Slider 2 Drop Curve 2 Change-up 2). We were told by a source who asked to remain anonymous that even though Chiaffredo is not viewed as a competitor for a starting position, the Country were not interested in Fogg, who is playing out the last year of his contract, and is generally known as a flyball pitcher who walks a lot of batters and is particularly vulnerable to left-handed batters.

6–17–2008

Schrager returns!

Previously traded to the nationals in a package for Milledge, the country took back Schrader (EDFDED) and receive Nationals pitcher John Lannan (89 FD; SL – 2, Curve – 4, CHG – 2) for OF Roney (EFEEEE). Said country manager: "the driving force was to pick up a pitcher with decent stuff. Lannan has only been in the majors one year, so he is developing, but his F level control is misleading, as he should upgrade to E level control with just a little coaching. Our pitchers have had trouble being ready to pick up the ball every 5th day, so am extra pitcher with like Lannan is a real asset. That we were able to get Schrager back, too, is a bonus. With his ED hitting and D arm strength, he was someone we pictured growing with the team, either as a starter or a utility player, and he had even DH'd for us earlier in the season. We are very happy with this trade."

I appreciate the comments, guys! The "by the numbers" post sort of jumped out at me, though it was difficult to find a fact for every 1, but I thought it turned out nice, and the post about the Mets series is something I might try doing more of - a single, per series post.