RTTS: RF Guy Cullen

[ryne candy]

Found out there is a 50 image limit per post. I'm going to post past seasons with the images in separate posts, when I start posting for the current season.

[ryne candy]

2013 SEASON

 

OFFSEASON 2013

 

The MLB season ended with the LAA Angels beating the Washing Nationals in the World Series 4-2. In this years game, players don't have to wait 5 years before entering the HOF, which I think is a good idea. The 2 inductees were Yankees; CP Mariano Rivera and SP Andy Pettitte. The Mariners offered me a 1 year deal for $114K to be a Triple-A starter but agreed to my counter offer of 1 year/$124K. Cullen added on 8lbs of muscle during the offseason. Since I was not included in the 40 man roster, I was not invited to Spring Training 2014.


Starting RF for the Tacoma Rainiers.

AUG/SEPT 2013

 

I only played 1 game in the final month of September, so I combined them. I tried Cullen at 1B but quickly remembered how boring fielding at 1B was in last years game, so I put his 2ndary position back to OF. Cullen finished the season on the bench, while the Rainiers were able to get into the playoffs with a (86-58) record. Unfortunately, they lost to the Tucson Padres in 5 games, who ended up winning the Championship. Cullen started Game 1 & 5 and was far from spectacular.


Cullen tries his fielding skills at 1B.


Cullen's 1st taste of MiLB Playoff Baseball.

Monthly Stats:

LEV	G	AB	H	HR	RBI	AVG
AAA	13	53	19	1	12	.358
PLAYOFFS	2	8	1	0	0	.125

JULY 2013

 

Cullen started the month of July in Triple-A with the Tacoma Rainiers. The first 2 games, he was the starting LF but soon was put on the bench, despite hitting .333 with 1 HR and 3 RBI. I've been getting deeper into the count but still get a fair number of AB that result in me getting K. Hoping to improve my discipline and fielding attributes in the near future.


Taking time before his AAA debut to sign autographs.


Cullen's 1st game in AAA.


Cullen celebrates a victory with his teammates (originally threw with his left hand).

Monthly Stats:

LEV	G	AB	H	HR	RBI	AVG
AAA	10	42	10	1	4	.238

JUNE 2013

 

The month of June was a good month for Cullen in the power (5 last month to 9 in June) and rbi #'s (29 in the last 2 months to 29 in 1 month) but his monthly average fell (.360 to .300). He also got to be #1 in the All Star voting for RF. A day before the end of the month, he was traded to the Seattle Mariners organization for SP Hisashi Iwakuma and 3B Alex Liddi. A day after he was called up to AAA Tacoma Rainiers due to an injury on the Mariners roster. Really going to try to work on taking balls and not K so much, while playing in AAA; pretty sure I will be sent back down.


Cullen celebrates a grand slam at homeplate.


Leading RF vote getter for the All Star game.

Monthly Stats:

LEV	G	AB	H	HR	RBI	AVG
AA	21	90	27	9	29	.300

MAY 2013

 

Cullen was put 3rd in the batting order in the middle of the month and has batted no lower than 4th since that time. Having 25 more AB, he has improved all his numbers across the board. Cullen raised his reaction attribute to 50 (highest attribute), which has helped him in the defense department.


Displaying power for the crowd.


2 close 4 comfort (originally threw with his left hand).

Monthly Stats:

LEV	G	AB	H	HR	RBI	AVG
AA	23	100	36	5	16	.360

APRIL 2013

 

This is the 1st year that I played the outfield and it was a struggle to get used to the new camera. In my 3rd game in RF, I committed 3 errors (7 for the month). It's made fielding a challenge unlike the 2 previous years. I still have an itchy finger when it comes to swinging the bat and the pitchers throwing down the middle as their 1st pitch doesn't help any. I was taking out of 1 game in the 9th inning due to injury but was in the lineup the following day.

Cullen makes his AA debut.


Hopefully there are more from where that came from.

Monthly Stats:

LEV	G	AB	H	HR	RBI	AVG
AA	18	75	27	2	13	.360

[ryne candy]

2014 SEASON

 

OFFSEASON 2014

 

Cullen's 2nd season (1st full season) in the Seattle organization was a roller coaster. After being cold one month, he would heat up the following month but couldn't keep it going. The season ended with the Rainiers going 59-85 (.410) and finishing dead last in the PCL. On the MLB side, the Angels were able to repeat as Champions, beating the Atlanta Braves 4-1. The Mariners renewed my contract for 1yr/170K and a starter for the Tacoma Rainiers. Two more players were inducted into the HOF and both of them were Yankees (again). Derek Jeter & Ichiro Suzuki retired and made it in; Ichiro was 71 hits shy of 3000 and 4 SB away from 500 for his career. Jeter finished his career with the following stats: .311 Avg, 3486 hits, 267 HR, 356 SB, and 1321 RBI. Pretty soon, non-Yanks should be making it into the HOF.


LAA dominates the 2015 Playoffs.

AUG/SEPT 2014

 

Cullen was able to end the season on a positive note after struggling in July, while remaining on the bench. Since the team had already been eliminated from making the playoffs, Cullen was put in the starting lineup frequently. In his last 6 games played (all in September), he hit .360, with 3 HR, and 12 RBI.


Cullen was able to make contact throughout the last 2 months.

Monthly Stats:

LEV	G	AB	H	HR	RBI	AVG
AAA	24	102	30	4	19	.294

JULY 2014

 

The groove that Cullen got back in June went out the door in July. His average was a lowly .167 for the month and doesn't look to be getting into the starting lineup any time soon. The team is still doing horrible, we are 30+ games behind the 1st place game. Looking at the Mariners' roster, it looks like there is a lot of young talent (under 25 and A/B potential) but I'm not sure if the game will let them keep the majority of the guys. On a positive note, I was invited to the All Stars Future exhibition game, where we lost and didn't get a hit (0-4). The offseason can't come fast enough.


Cullen BP @ the All Stars Future game.

Monthly Stats:

LEV	G	AB	H	HR	RBI	AVG
AAA	9	36	6	0	4	.167

JUNE 2014

 

Cullen got back into a grove in the month of June. He got a little more than half the amount of AB this month but got better numbers in H, HR, RBI and AVERAGE than last month. He was POTG once this month, going 4-5, 1 HR and 6 RBI. I asked for more playing time toward the end of the month but was denied. I also asked 1 more time to be traded but it was a no-go...guess I'll be in Seattle's farm system this year (at least).


Cullen has a big day at the ballpark.

Monthly Stats:

LEV	G	AB	H	HR	RBI	AVG
AAA	8	36	13	2	10	.361

MAY 2014

 

This month was a horrible month for Cullen.....it was basically a month long cold streak. He was put on the bench (again) after one of the players came off the 60 day DL. I started to ask to be traded but was unsuccessful after asking 3 times. Hopefully he can get a hitting streak going in the month of June.


Not a good month at the plate for Cullen.


Taking over CF.

Monthly Stats:

LEV	G	AB	H	HR	RBI	AVG
AAA	19	79	12	1	7	.152

APRIL 2014

 

Started Cullen's sophomore season as a starter for the Tacoma Rainiers. His defensive skills are improving; he is making better first step reactions to balls being hit. The team, on the otherhand is doing horrible, they had a 2-12 record in April.

Making a diving catch in foul ground.

Monthly Stats:

LEV	G	AB	H	HR	RBI	AVG
AAA	14	57	20	3	12	.351

[ryne candy]

2015 SEASON

 

OFFSEASON 2015

 

Despite not being called up to the Majors, this past year was a good one for Cullen. Unlike previous years, Cullen did not suffer to many set backs in the hitting department. He led the MiLB in triples (9), homeruns (30), and slugging % (.597) for the season. The Rainiers finished the season 64-80 (.431) and missed the playoffs for the 2nd straight season. The Mariners had a winning record (89-73), finishing only above the Houston Astros. The Mariners seem to be stock piling in young talent; 2 players won yearly awards. The AL Batting Title went to SS Brad Miller and the AL Delivery Man of the Year was won by CP Tom Wilhelmsen. The Mariners signed Cullen to a 1yr/$538 million contract as a MLB starter. Hopefully with Cullen joining them next year, they can bring Seattle their first Championship in the near future. This year's champions were the San Diego Padres, who finished the regular season with a (86-77), good enough for a Wild Card spot. They beat the Tampa Bay Rays 4-2.


Cullen signs a 1yr deal with the expectations to be the Mariners starting RF.

AUG/SEPT 2015

 

Cullen spent his remaining time in the minors as an opportunity to work on his clutch and contact against right handed pitching. He went on a hot streak, hitting .413 and had a 16 game hitting streak, the final month and a half to bring his season average to .326. While his hitting seemed to improve, his fielding took a step back. Several balls were able to find the corner of the right field, allowing batters to turn doubles into triples. Cullen expects to sign a new contract and get an invitation to Spring Training to compete for a roster spot in the majors.


Cullen accomplished a couple of milestones in one game; unfortunately, it was a loss.

Monthly Stats:

LEV	G	AB	H	HR	RBI	AVG
AAA	28	126	52	8	24	.413

JULY 2015

 

Cullen's monthly average dipped even further in July, making his season average fall below .300. After getting denied being called up for the 4th time in a row, he asked for a trade. The team told him they will look for any trades that benefit the organization but won't let him go easily. Ratings wise, Cullen is the highest rated RF in the Mariner's organization with a 81 overall. He was recognized as a top tier AAA player by being selected as a starter for the Future's Game and a spot in the Triple-A All Star game but did not get an AB.


Cullen got selected to the Future Game & Triple-A All Star game, but got 0 AB.

Monthly Stats:

LEV	G	AB	H	HR	RBI	AVG
AAA	21	95	23	6	17	.242

JUNE 2015

 

Cullen's hot streak cooled down this month but still his season's average is above .300. His 22 game hitting streak also came to an end in June. Despite his dominance in AAA, he still has not been called up due to the 40 man roster being full. For the past 2 months, the Mariners have told him while his numbers are good enough for the next level, they just don't have room for him. I know he can't wait to join the MLB team because he believes he can help them make a charge to the Division title. The Mariners have a group of very talented young players, including 2014 AL Rookie of the Year, LF Alex Bermudez.


Cullen brings one back into the park.


Farthest (recorded) homerun in Cullen's short career.

Monthly Stats:

LEV	G	AB	H	HR	RBI	AVG
AAA	21	96	28	8	16	.292

MAY 2015

 

Cullen knew he had to make a change after going 1-13 (1 RBI) in the first 3 games of the month, if he wanted to stop the roller coaster cycle from repeating. He took the advice of veteran teammate, Adam LaRoche and changed his look and equipment. He now uses a blue lighter bat, so his swing is faster now. He even gave the bat a name....Blue (creative..isn't it). All his numbers have increased from last month and should be seeing the Big League some time soon. Unfortunately, there still isn't any room in the 40 man roster.


Cullen puts "Blue" to work throughout the month and with power this time.


Makes a catch right before colliding with the wall...he held on.

Monthly Stats:

LEV	G	AB	H	HR	RBI	AVG
AAA	22	95	34	7	32	.358

APRIL 2015

 

The start of the 2015 season has been a good one for Guy Cullen.....overall. He just missed his two goals that included hitting for 32 total bases (got 30) and having 10 RBI (amassed 9). He didn't get a chance to play the last 2 days before the end of the goal period. It was frustrating seeing the manager (game) tell him that he was being warned for his performance, despite having the "on fire" icon for most of the month. Cullen's speed increased during the month and it showed; he totaled 3 triples (2 in back2back PA) for April. His power at the plate has been absent, but hopefully it will come out in the following months. If he continues at this pace, I'm pretty sure Cullen will be called up, when the Mariners are out of contention (late in the season).

2015 starts off well (hitting .308) but for how long?

Monthly Stats:

LEV	G	AB	H	HR	RBI	AVG
AAA	15	65	20	1	10	.308

[ryne candy]

Updated OP with Spring/April 2016.


APRIL 2016

 

Guy's hard work and determination made this day possible; Cullen makes his MLB debut in 2016 for the Seattle Mariners, as the starting RF. It didn't take long to make his presence on the team known to everyone. He got his first hit and rbi on Opening Day against the Bucs at PNC Park. He was only held hitless in 5 games of his 20 games in the month of April. Three of those games came in a series against the Oakland A's, where he went 0-13. Cullen already has made new goals for himself and the team, he hopes to hit at least .280 this season and make the Playoffs with the Mariners.

Cullen's first opening day in the Major League.


Didn't take long for him to get a hit, he hit a double in his 2nd AB.


Hoping to add a WS Banner...soon.

Monthly Stats:

TEA	G	AB	H	HR	RBI	AVG
SEA	20	81	21	3	10	.259

Standings:

TEA	W	L	GB
SEA	15	9	--
TEX	14	11	1.5
LAA	14	11	1.5
HOU	13	13	3.0
OAK	11	13	4.0

SPRING TRAINING 2016

 

Cullen was added to the 40 man roster and invited to Spring Training. Unlike others, who were playing for a spot on the MLB team, Cullen was almost guaranteed to be the starting RF. He took Spring Training as a time to become accustomed to Major League pitching. The regular season is almost here and Cullen's dream is about to be fulfilled this year. Here's to hoping that the 2016 season is a productive one for Cullen and the organization.


Feels rewarding to see this logo along with Cullen's name.


Cullen coming early to the park to get help with his hitting.


Cullen feels confident that his work ethic will help him stay in The Show.

Monthly Stats:

TEA	G	AB	H	HR	RBI	AVG
SEA	24	72	16	3	16	.222

[ryne candy]

Updated OP with May 2016.

MAY 2016

 

Another month has passed by and Cullen is quickly becoming a leader in the clubhouse. Even on games when Cullen fails to get a hit, he can be heard rallying his teams to a victory. The Mariners come to the park expecting to win, which is different from years past. He is among the leaders in the Rookie of the Year award but only cares about whether the team wins its games. While his powers is improving, he hopes to make his average increase as well. As far as the town, Cullen can't get enough of Seattle and loves coming to Safeco Field to play ball.


Unfortunately, Cullen went hitless (0-4) on Mother's Day.

Monthly Stats:

TEA	G	AB	H	HR	RBI	AVG
SEA	24	96	23	4	15	.240

Standings:

TEA	W	L	GB
LAA	29	23	--
SEA	28	25	1.5
TEX	28	25	1.5
HOU	25	27	4.0
OAK	22	30	7.0

[albidnis]

He is staying consistent. What are your plans to raise his average

[ryne candy]

He is staying consistent. What are your plans to raise his average

Whatever they were....it ain't working...lol. I started playing NBA 2K exclusively and just got back into The Show early this week and it showed in my swing timing. I started to put all my points into Contact, instead of Power, hoping it helps in getting my out of this slump. I'm about to update the OP with his June 2013 stats. If it continues, I might start considering a new swing, perhaps a shorter one.

[ryne candy]

I updated the OP with the month of June 2016 stats:

JUNE 2016

 

This month was one to forget for Cullen. It was easily his lowest batting average of any month previous in his rookie year. While his power attributes increased, it did not result in more HR, he hit one less than the month of May. He also had a problem with bringing runners in to score; striking out a lot will have that kind of result. The Mariners also did not perform well as a team going 13-20 during the month and slipping into 3rd position for the Division. He wouldn't be surprised if they send him back to Tacoma to get some of the kinks out. They might let him stay in The Show, if the team fails to improve their record and just let him get experience against big time pitching.


One of Cullen's bombs (3) of the month.

Monthly Stats:

TEA	G	AB	H	HR	RBI	AVG
SEA	22	93	16	3	7	.172

Standings:

TEA	W	L	GB
TEX	49	37	--
LAA	47	39	2.0
SEA	41	45	8.0
OAK	39	47	10.0
HOU	38	47	10.5

[ryne candy]

Updated OP with July/August 2016 stats.

AUGUST 2016

 

The season is coming close to an end and Cullen's power came back to him. He belted out 8 homeruns in the month of August. The team had a winning record (16-12) for the first time since April. The lead the Angels have over the Mariners for 2nd place in the division is down to 1.5 games, while the Rangers' lead was only reduced to 6 games (0.5 fewer than last month). It looks that Cullen, despite his struggles at the plate, will stay in the Majors for the remainder of the season. His power numbers have garnered enough votes to have him 3rd in the AL ROY award. We will have to see if the team can continue the wave of success and overtake the division or earn a wildcard spot (at the least).


Cullen getting in the right state of mind for his next AB after hitting another HR in August.

Monthly Stats:

TEA	G	AB	H	HR	RBI	AVG
SEA	25	103	22	8	19	.214

Standings:

TEA	W	L	GB
TEX	73	59	--
LAA	69	64	4.5
SEA	67	65	6.0
OAK	65	67	8.0
HOU	55	77	18.0

JULY 2016

 

July did not start off well for the Mariners, as they lost the first 7 games in the month. Cullen's performance on the field has yet to bounce back up as his average fell deeper, just above the Mendoza Line (.200). On a side note, the 2014 ROY, LF Alex Bermudez, is trying to rejoin the club since being sent down in the beginning of the year. The Mariners aren't out of winning the division but they will have to start some stretches of wins and hope the Rangers and Angles start to falter.


Cullen diving catch to get the 3rd out. Also signifies how the M's season is continuing during the Summer.

Monthly Stats:

TEA	G	AB	H	HR	RBI	AVG
SEA	21	91	16	3	12	.176

Standings:

TEA	W	L	GB
TEX	58	47	--
LAA	55	51	3.5
SEA	51	53	6.5
OAK	49	55	8.5
HOU	46	59	12.0

[ryne candy]

2016 SEASON

 

OFFSEASON 2016

 

Despite the low batting average, Cullen had a respectful rookie campaign with 24 HR and 72 RBI. CP Tom Wilhelmsen won the AL Delivery Man of the Year for the third straight year. The Mariners signed Cullen to a 3yr/$598 thousands per year contract as a MLB starter. Doesn't seem that Cullen has any competition for starting RF and has already made a name for himself on the team. It won't be long before he is the face of the organization. This year's champions were from the NL (again), the Arizona Diamond Backs They won the NL West with a 100+ wins and #1 seed heading into the playoffs. They beat the Texas Rangers 4-2.


D-Backs make take the Championship relatively easy

SEPT/OCT 2016

 

No Playoffs this year, as the Mariners finished the year at .500 (81-81). After starting the year on the winning end, the Mariners only had 1 other winning month in the season. The Rangers and Angels dominated the division throughout the year and both made it to the Playoffs (Angels as a WC). Cullen was able to raise his average slightly in the last month to end with a .222. Hopefully the following year brings better luck to the team. While Cullen started to hit better in the last 5 weeks, the team kept on losing especially to divisional foes. Cullen finished the year with 24 HR (T-28th) and 72 RBI. He re-signed with the club for 3years, $598K per year. For the 2nd straight season, a NL team won the WS; this time it was the Diamond Backs beating the Rangers 4-2.


Cullen hits this HR to the deepest part of Angel Stadium of Anaheim


Mariners finish the season .500

Monthly Stats:

TEA	G	AB	H	HR	RBI	AVG
SEA	24	99	27	3	9	.273

Standings:

TEA	W	L	GB
TEX	90	72	--
LAA	88	74	2.0
OAK	86	78	5.0
SEA	81	81	9.0
HOU	64	98	26.0

AUGUST 2016

 

The season is coming close to an end and Cullen's power came back to him. He belted out 8 homeruns in the month of August. The team had a winning record (16-12) for the first time since April. The lead the Angels have over the Mariners for 2nd place in the division is down to 1.5 games, while the Rangers' lead was only reduced to 6 games (0.5 fewer than last month). It looks that Cullen, despite his struggles at the plate, will stay in the Majors for the remainder of the season. His power numbers have garnered enough votes to have him 3rd in the AL ROY award. We will have to see if the team can continue the wave of success and overtake the division or earn a wildcard spot (at the least).


Cullen getting in the right state of mind for his next AB after hitting another HR in August.

Monthly Stats:

TEA	G	AB	H	HR	RBI	AVG
SEA	25	103	22	8	19	.214

Standings:

TEA	W	L	GB
TEX	73	59	--
LAA	69	64	4.5
SEA	67	65	6.0
OAK	65	67	8.0
HOU	55	77	18.0

JULY 2016

 

July did not start off well for the Mariners, as they lost the first 7 games in the month. Cullen's performance on the field has yet to bounce back up as his average fell deeper, just above the Mendoza Line (.200). On a side note, the 2014 ROY, LF Alex Bermudez, is trying to rejoin the club since being sent down in the beginning of the year. The Mariners aren't out of winning the division but they will have to start some stretches of wins and hope the Rangers and Angles start to falter.


Cullen diving catch to get the 3rd out. Also signifies how the M's season is continuing during the Summer.

Monthly Stats:

TEA	G	AB	H	HR	RBI	AVG
SEA	21	91	16	3	12	.176

Standings:

TEA	W	L	GB
TEX	58	47	--
LAA	55	51	3.5
SEA	51	53	6.5
OAK	49	55	8.5
HOU	46	59	12.0

JUNE 2016

 

This month was one to forget for Cullen. It was easily his lowest batting average of any month previous in his rookie year. While his power attributes increased, it did not result in more HR, he hit one less than the month of May. He also had a problem with bringing runners in to score; striking out a lot will have that kind of result. The Mariners also did not perform well as a team going 13-20 during the month and slipping into 3rd position for the Division. He wouldn't be surprised if they send him back to Tacoma to get some of the kinks out. They might let him stay in The Show, if the team fails to improve their record and just let him get experience against big time pitching.


One of Cullen's bombs (3) of the month.

Monthly Stats:

TEA	G	AB	H	HR	RBI	AVG
SEA	22	93	16	3	7	.172

Standings:

TEA	W	L	GB
TEX	43	37	--
LAA	43	37	--
SEA	41	39	2.0
OAK	35	44	7.5
HOU	38	43	11.5

MAY 2016

 

Another month has passed by and Cullen is quickly becoming a leader in the clubhouse. Even on games when Cullen fails to get a hit, he can be heard rallying his teams to a victory. The Mariners come to the park expecting to win, which is different from years past. He is among the leaders in the Rookie of the Year award but only cares about whether the team wins its games. While his powers is improving, he hopes to make his average increase as well. As far as the town, Cullen can't get enough of Seattle and loves coming to Safeco Field to play ball.


Unfortunately, Cullen went hitless (0-4) on Mother's Day.

Monthly Stats:

TEA	G	AB	H	HR	RBI	AVG
SEA	24	96	23	4	15	.240

Standings:

TEA	W	L	GB
LAA	29	23	--
SEA	28	25	1.5
TEX	28	25	1.5
HOU	25	27	4.0
OAK	22	30	7.0

APRIL 2016

 

Guy's hard work and determination made this day possible; Cullen makes his MLB debut in 2016 for the Seattle Mariners, as the starting RF. It didn't take long to make his presence on the team known to everyone. He got his first hit and rbi on Opening Day against the Bucs at PNC Park. He was only held hitless in 5 games of his 20 games in the month of April. Three of those games came in a series against the Oakland A's, where he went 0-13. Cullen already has made new goals for himself and the team, he hopes to hit at least .280 this season and make the Playoffs with the Mariners.

Cullen's first opening day in the Major League.


Didn't take long for him to get a hit, he hit a double in his 2nd AB.


Hoping to add a WS Banner...soon.

Monthly Stats:

TEA	G	AB	H	HR	RBI	AVG
SEA	20	81	21	3	10	.259

Standings:

TEA	W	L	GB
SEA	15	9	--
TEX	14	11	1.5
LAA	14	11	1.5
HOU	13	13	3.0
OAK	11	13	4.0

SPRING TRAINING 2016

 

Cullen was added to the 40 man roster and invited to Spring Training. Unlike others, who were playing for a spot on the MLB team, Cullen was almost guaranteed to be the starting RF. He took Spring Training as a time to become accustomed to Major League pitching. The regular season is almost here and Cullen's dream is about to be fulfilled this year. Here's to hoping that the 2016 season is a productive one for Cullen and the organization.


Feels rewarding to see this logo along with Cullen's name.


Cullen coming early to the park to get help with his hitting.


Cullen feels confident that his work ethic will help him stay in The Show.

Monthly Stats:

TEA	G	AB	H	HR	RBI	AVG
SEA	24	72	16	3	16	.222

[ryne candy]

Updated OP with APRIL-MAY 2017 stats.

I had stopped playing the game over a month ago, after finishing the month of April 2017. I had worried that it would take some time to get my timing correct and would make my play suffer. The opposite actually happened because I was more careful with the opposing pitchers 1st pitches and throughout the AB. This helped my AB last longer and even when I did K, I gained more experience points that I put into Vision & Discipline.

[ryne candy]

I updated the OP with June 2017 stats.

[ryne candy]

Updated OP with July 2017 stats/info.

[ryne candy]

Updated OP with Offseason 2017 stats/info.