[PC] 1998 Devil Rays Re-do

[RyanLeaf16]

Using OOTP 14 to run a league starting in 1998 using the Devil Rays. What I really want to do is see if I can run the organization a bit better than Vince Naimoli did when he handcuffed Chuck LaMar and asked him to run things.

No fictional players will be used in the league. For those familiar with OOTP I will be using "Ghost" players to fill the minor leagues so that no fictional players make it to the big leagues. Not sure on a format for this, I'm just going to be providing updates and screen caps of my progress.

I will be using the 1-20 scouting system and ratings will be recalculated based off of in-game performance - meaning that just because a guy is a stud IRL during the time, does not mean he will be a stud in the game. I don't know how long I will run this. I really just want to see if I can get the organization to a World Series prior to 2008. I don't even need to win it, I just want see if I can get them there prior to that season. If not, I may just bank this and move on to my next OOTP project which would be starting a league in 1930 (my grandfathers rookie year) or some time later during that "Golden Age" of baseball.

Also, I will be comparing and contrasting what takes place in the OOTP world versus' what really happened.

[RyanLeaf16]

1998 Spring Trades:

A bit small on the print, but, you can see a few deals made throughout the spring. If you look close, you can see 3B Mike Kinkade traded twice in just a few months. First from New York to Chicago and then from the Cubs to the Tigers.


The most surprising deal...Varitek traded away


Boston clearly looking to add a promising prospect in Robert Fick (remember him? Former Devil Ray) and added some pop with veteran Bip Roberts.

We were approached on a trade, that I actually wanted to make, but, I wanted to take a few days (game world days) to think it over. I guess the other organization was a little to impatient and ended up making another deal. The deal was for Alex Arias from Philadelphia. The Phillies wanted Catcher Mike DiFelice in return. I actually should've just made the deal immediately. Arias would have helped the middle infield situation. Right now, we are looking at Aaron Ledesma and Kevin Stocker (former Phillie) as our guys up the middle.

[RyanLeaf16]

4/1/98 to 4/4/98 SIM:

vs Detroit:

4/1: Win 8-4; WP - Rolando Arrojo (1-0); LP - Brian Moehler (0-1); SV - Jim Mecir (1)

Detroit Notes:

BATTING
Doubles: B. Higginson (2, 6th Inning off R. Arrojo, 0 on, 1 out) D. Easley (1, 5th Inning off R. Arrojo, 0 on, 0 outs)
Home Runs: L. Gonzalez (1, 7th Inning off R. Arrojo, 1 on, 2 outs)
Total Bases: J. Randa 2 , B. Higginson 2 , L. Gonzalez 4 , D. Easley 3 , F. Catalanotto
2-out RBI: L. Gonzalez
Runners left in scoring position, 2 outs: J. Randa , L. Gonzalez , F. Catalanotto
GIDP: T. Clark
Team LOB: 7

BASERUNNING
SB: J. Encarnacion 2 (2)

FIELDING
Errors: J. Varitek (1)
Double Plays: 1 (Catalanotto-Varitek-Clark)

TB notes:

a - M. Difelice substituted for J. Flaherty in the 8th

BATTING
Doubles: B. Trammell (1, 4th Inning off B. Moehler, 1 on, 0 outs)
Triples: M. Cairo (1, 5th Inning off B. Moehler, 0 on, 0 outs)
Home Runs: M. Kelly 2 (2, 6th Inning off B. Moehler, 1 on, 2 outs; 8th Inning off T. Worrell, 2 on, 2 outs) J. Flaherty (1, 3rd Inning off B. Moehler, 0 on, 2 outs)
Total Bases: B. Trammell 3 , F. McGriff , D. Martinez , A. Ledesma , M. Kelly 9 , J. Flaherty 4 , M. Cairo 3 , W. Boggs 2
2-out RBI: , M. Kelly 2 , J. Flaherty
GIDP: D. Martinez
Team LOB: 1

FIELDING
Errors: J. Mecir (1) , F. McGriff (1) , J. Flaherty (1)
Double Plays: 1 (Cairo-Ledesma-McGriff)


4/2: Win 7-4; WP - Rick White (1-0); LP - Seth Greisenger (0-1); SV - Roberto Hernandez (1)

Detroit Notes:

BATTING
Doubles: J. Varitek (1, 2nd Inning off D. Eiland, 0 on, 2 outs) B. Hunter (1, 9th Inning off R. White, 0 on, 1 out) J. Encarnacion (1, 5th Inning off D. Eiland, 0 on, 2 outs)
Home Runs: D. Easley (1, 2nd Inning off D. Eiland, 1 on, 2 outs) F. Catalanotto (1, 2nd Inning off D. Eiland, 0 on, 2 outs)
Total Bases: J. Varitek 2 , B. Hunter 2 , B. Higginson 2 , L. Gonzalez , J. Encarnacion 3 , D. Easley 5 , T. Clark , F. Catalanotto 4
2-out RBI: L. Gonzalez , D. Easley , F. Catalanotto
Runners left in scoring position, 2 outs: J. Randa , B. Hunter , D. Easley
Team LOB: 10

TB Notes:

a - P. Sorrento pinch hit for M. Cairo in the 7th
b - K. Stocker substituted for P. Sorrento in the 8th

BATTING
Doubles: F. McGriff (1, 1st Inning off S. Greisinger, 1 on, 1 out) A. Ledesma 2 (2, 1st Inning off S. Greisinger, 0 on, 0 outs; 2nd Inning off S. Greisinger, 1 on, 2 outs) W. Boggs 2 (2, 1st Inning off S. Greisinger, 1 on, 0 outs; 7th Inning off S. Greisinger, 3 on, 1 out)
Total Bases: M. Difelice , F. McGriff 2 , A. Ledesma 5 , M. Kelly , W. Boggs 4 , P. Sorrento
2-out RBI: A. Ledesma
Runners left in scoring position, 2 outs: F. McGriff , M. Kelly , W. Boggs
Sac Fly: B. Trammell
Team LOB: 2

BASERUNNING
SB: M. Cairo (1)
CS: D. Martinez (1) , M. Kelly (1)

FIELDING
Errors: A. Ledesma 2 (3)
Double Plays: 1 (Trammell-Difelice)


4/3: Loss 9-2; WP - Jason Bere (1-0); LP - Tony Saunders (0-1)

Chicago Notes:

a - W. Cordero substituted for A. Belle in the 7th

BATTING
Doubles: M. Caruso (1, 8th Inning off A. Lopez, 1 on, 2 outs)
Home Runs: A. Belle (1, 3rd Inning off T. Saunders, 1 on, 0 outs)
Total Bases: R. Ventura , F. Thomas 3 , G. Norton 3 , R. Durham , M. Cameron 2 , M. Caruso 3 , A. Belle 4
2-out RBI: R. Ventura , F. Thomas , G. Norton 2 , M. Caruso
Runners left in scoring position, 2 outs: C. Kreuter , W. Cordero
Sac Bunt: M. Caruso
Team LOB: 6

BASERUNNING
SB: R. Durham (1) , M. Cameron (1)

FIELDING
Double Plays: 1 (Ventura-Durham-Norton)

TB Notes:

BATTING
Total Bases: Q. McCracken , A. Ledesma , M. Cairo , W. Boggs
2-out RBI: Q. McCracken
Runners left in scoring position, 2 outs: A. Ledesma
GIDP: B. Trammell
Sac Fly: J. Flaherty
Team LOB: 6

BASERUNNING
SB: Q. McCracken (1) , M. Cairo (2)

FIELDING
Errors: M. Cairo (1)


4/4: Loss 4-2; WP - Keith Foulke (1-0); LP - Dennis Springer (0-1); SV Bill Simas (1)

Chicago Notes:

a - W. Cordero substituted for A. Belle in the 8th

BATTING
Home Runs: F. Thomas 2 (3, 3rd Inning off D. Springer, 1 on, 2 outs; 5th Inning off D. Springer, 1 on, 2 outs)
Total Bases: F. Thomas 9 , R. Durham , M. Cameron , M. Caruso , A. Belle
2-out RBI: , F. Thomas 2
Runners left in scoring position, 2 outs: R. Ventura
Team LOB: 3

BASERUNNING
SB: R. Durham (2)
CS: M. Cameron (1) , M. Caruso (1)

FIELDING
Double Plays: 1 (Parque-Durham-Norton)

TB Notes:

BATTING
Doubles: W. Boggs (3, 4th Inning off J. Parque, 1 on, 0 outs)
Total Bases: B. Trammell , F. McGriff , A. Ledesma 2 , W. Boggs 2
2-out RBI: F. McGriff
Runners left in scoring position, 2 outs: , D. Martinez 2
GIDP: W. Boggs
Team LOB: 3

FIELDING
Errors: F. McGriff (2)


After this week, we find out that we have lost Bryan Rekar for 3 months to a torn triceps


We placed Rekar on the 60-day DL and recalled Mike Duvall from AAA as the corresponding move.

[RyanLeaf16]

End of April 1998

We finished the month at 11-16 and surprisingly out of last place! Boston actually sits in last at the moment with a record of 9-18.





Not sure if you can see them real well or not, but, just above is our offensive categories for the month. I may go with a straight list for next month's wrap-up. Fred McGriff and Miguel Cairo are the two regulars getting on base on a consistent basis. LF Bubba Trammell is killing the ball right now. Slugging is right at .500 and his OPS is just below .850 - at .833.




Jim Mecir has been strong out of the 'pen for us. Our best starter thus far has been Dave Eiland. Rolando Arrojo has been impressive as well. The biggest disappointment so far has been Dennis Springer. He's been absolute garbage thus far. He's 0-4 with a WHIP > 1.50 and a 5.81 FIP.


Milestone(s)

Ken Griffey Jr hit career HR #300...



Notable Trade(s)

Ron Gant was dealt to the Montreal Expos in exchange for Marc Valdes and Fernando Seguignol...



1998 Top MLB Minor league systems



Sorry if any of these are hard to read

[RyanLeaf16]

Just got news that SP Tony Saunders (1-5) 12.94 ERA is out for 3 months with a hamstring strain.

We placed him on the 60-day DL and recalled Dan Carlson from AA. Carlson will come out of the 'pen and long-man Jason Johnson (1-0) 5.40 ERA, 1.50 WHIP will take Saunders' spot in the rotation.

1B Fred McGriff is also out for about 3 weeks. DH/1B Paul Sorrento will take over at first while he is out.

[RyanLeaf16]

Mid-May Update

May 1st - May 18th; 5-10 record


Best game was a 7-1 win against the Orioles. SP Rolando Arrojo pitched a complete game with 10K's. OF/DH Mike Kelly hit a triple and a homerun in the game as well.


More injuries...

In addition to losing Fred McGriff, we also lost Bubba Trammell for 3 weeks and Dave Martinez for 5 weeks. Ugh...

Due to injuries, our current daily lineup (with minor changes here and there) looks like this...


League news

Tim Salmon signed a contract extension during this sim for 7 years and $45 million


Cardinals 1B Mark McGwire hit career HR #400 during the sim as well. Big Mac went deep agains the Cubs in a 9-2 victory...

[RyanLeaf16]

May 18-24 1998
Record: 0-7

May 18
TB 0 Bal 2
W - Erickson (4-2); L - Arrojo (4-3); S - Benitez (12)
TB - Arrojo 8IP, 6Ks | Bal - Erickson 8.1IP, 8Ks
TB - Boggs 2-4 w/a 2B

May 19
TB 2 TOR 5
W - Hentgen (2-5); L - Alvarez (1-7); S - Myers (11)
TB - Kelly 2-4 2 RBI | TOR - Green 2-2 3RBI

May 20
TB 3 TOR 13
W - Carpenter (6-2); L - Eiland (2-3)
Alex Gonzalez (TOR) 2-3 4RBI

May 21
TB 5 TOR 6
W - Myers (1-2); L - Hernandez (1-2) BSV (2)
Shannon Stewart (TOR) 3-4 2 RBI, 2 Runs

May 22
TB 2 SEA 9
W - Fassero (3-3); L - Springer (0-7)
Jeff Fassero (SEA) 8.1IP 4 H, 8Ks

May 23
TB 3 SEA 10
W - Cloude (4-2); L - Alvarez (1-8)
Edgar Martinez (SEA) 4-4, 4 RBI, 4 Runs

May 24
TB 1 SEA 4
W - Lorraine (5-2); Arrojo (4-4); SV - Timlin (14)
Andrew Lorraine (SEA) 7 IP, 7 H, 1 ER, 4 Ks

Big injury news as the Mariners will be without ARod for 3+ months...



AL/NL Players of the week...




Amazing Game performance - Cleveland Indians CF Kenny Lofton records 5 hits against the Blue Jays



Trade news...
Texas and the Mets complete a deal swapping player for pitcher. Mark McLemore was sent to the Mets in exchange for veteran reliever Greg McMichael. McLemore is currently starting for the Mets and McMichael is acting in a set-up role for John Wetteland.



Trouble in paradise...
DH/1B Paul Sorrento is already crowing about how he is unhappy in Tampa. Sorrento has formally requested a trade. I'll try to move him. Not sure what I can get for a guy that has decent power but doesn't make contact with the ball...

[Youk]

Getting me back into OOTP again, love to see what you can do with the Devil Rays.

[RyanLeaf16]

May 25th - May 31 1998
Record: 3-3

May 25 @ OAK
WIN, 6-0
D. Eiland W (3-3); K. Rogers L (1-5)
Dave Eiland 8 IP, 1 H, 8K

May 26 @ OAK
LOSS, 2-6
G. Heredia W (3-5), J. Johnson L (2-2); T. Gordon SV (7)
Mike Blowers 2-5, 2 RBI, 2 Runs

May 27 OFF DAY

May 28 Vs SEA
WIN, 3-1
W. Alvarez W (2-8), J. Fassero L (3-4), R. Hernandez SV (9)
Wilson Alvarez 6.1 IP, 1 ER, 7 Ks

May 29 Vs SEA
LOSS, 8-9
K. Cloude W (5-2), D. Springer L (0-8), B. Ayala SV (2)
Rich Butler 5-5, 2 RBI, 4 Runs

May 30 Vs SEA
WIN, 7-4
R. Arrojo W (5-4), J. Moyer L (5-5), R. Hernandez SV (10)
Russ Davis 2-3 2 Runs, RBI

May 31 Vs SEA
LOSS, 3-18
R. Johnson W (8-1), D. Eiland L (3-4)
Glenallen Hill 4-5, 3 Runs, 6 RBI

Contract extension - Frank Thomas re-ups with the White Sox for 6-years and $54 million



2500th hit - Tim Raines recorded his 2500th career hit against the White Sox

[RyanLeaf16]

Tampa native and 1B Fred McGriff sent a formal request to begin talks on a contract extension. It is rumored that McGriff is requesting $18.4 million over the course of 4 years.

[RyanLeaf16]

June 1 - June 7 1998
Record: 3-4

June 1 vs TEX
LOSS, 1-5
J. Burkett W (7-4), J. Johnson L (2-3), T. Crabtree SV (2)
Fernando Tatis 2-4, 3 RBI

June 2 vs TEX
LOSS, 2-11
R. Helling W (8-5), W. Alvarez L (2-9), G. McMichael SV (1)
Roberto Kelly 3-5, 2 RBI

June 3 @ NYY
WIN, 9-8
D. Springer W (1-8), D. Cone L (7-3), R. Hernandez SV (11)
Derek Jeter 3-5, 4 RBI

June 4 @ NYY
WIN, 2-0
R. Arrojo W (6-4), A. Pettitte L (4-7), R. Hernandez SV (12)
Rolando Arrojo 8 IP, 2 H, 5 K

June 5 vs MON
WIN, 4-2
D. Eiland W (4-4), D. Hermanson L (4-6), J. Mecir SV (2)
Dave Eiland 6.1 IP, 2 H, 2 K

June 6 vs MON
LOSS, 3-8
J. Vazquez W (3-2), J. Johnson L (2-4)
Vladimir Guerrero 3-4, 3 R, 3 RBI

June 7 vs MON
LOSS, 5-6
A. Telford W (7-0), R. Hernandez L (1-3)BS (3)
Shane Andrews 2-3, 1 R, 3 RBI

Minnesota/Houston Swap



Trade rumors out of Cleveland...

[RyanLeaf16]

June 8 - June 14 1998

June 8 @ NYM
WIN, 10-3
D. Springer W (2-8), B. Jones L (6-3)
Quinton McCracken 3-5, 3 Runs

June 9 @ NYM
LOSS, 1-4
B. Bohanon W (4-4), R. Arrojo L (6-5), J. Franco SV (18)
Brian Bohanon 7 IP, 1 ER, 2 K

June 10 @ NYM
LOSS, 0-1
R. Reed W (5-8), D. Eiland L (4-5), J. Franco SV (19)
Rick Reed 8 IP, 8 K

June 11 OFF DAY

June 12 @ BOS
LOSS, 0-4
P. Martinez W (3-6), W. Alvarez L (2-10), D. Eckersley SV (2)
Pedro J Martinez 8 IP, 13 K, 0 ER

June 14 @ BOS
LOSS, 4-10
T. Wakefield W (4-4), J. Johnson L (2-5)
Mo Vaughn 3-3, 3 R, 3 RBI

June 15 @ BOS
WIN, 4-1
R. Arrojo W (7-5), B. Saberhagen L (3-8), R. Hernandez SV (13)
Rolando Arrojo 8 IP, 1 ER, 4 K

After this set of games we were able to welcome back Dave Martinez, Bubba Trammell and Mike Kelly. It's not much, but, its all we have at the moment.

Also, we placed Paul Sorrento on waivers and if he clears, he'll be DFA'd. He has a right to refuse assignment and I hope he does. If he doesn't, we'll send him to AAA where he can stew about not being on a "winning" organization.

[RyanLeaf16]

Moving Sorrento...

So moving Sorrento won't be as easy as I anticipated. He cleared waivers (not surprisingly) and he refused his assignment. At this point, I assumed I would release him and eat the rest of his $4 million contract. HOWEVER, I was mistaken in his contract status when I noticed this prick has 2 years left on his deal! Meaning, I can't release this guy because it will be $12 million on the hook...



So...we get into deal making mode and execute a deal with the Expos.


Right after that, our closer Roberto Hernandez sends me this gem...It's no big deal though. We're an expansion team. We don't really need a closer till we start contending. Hernandez closing out 30 games for us doesn't get us closer, at this point in time, to a pennant. We're happy to trade him near the deadline to someone that is willing to overpay for a closer. Maybe even some cash as we aren't as liquid as I would like right now.

[RyanLeaf16]

June 15 - June 30 1998

Game Results:

June 15-17 vs TOR (1-2): WIN, 7-5; LOSS, 2-5; LOSS, 3-8
June 18-21 vs BOS (1-3): LOSS, 6-11; LOSS, 4-8; WIN, 9-8; LOSS, 3-16
June 22-23 vs FLA (0-2): LOSS, 3-12; LOSS, 4-7
June 24-25 @ FLA (0-2): LOSS, 1-4; LOSS, 3-4
June 26-28 @ PHI (1-2): WIN, 5-2; LOSS, 4-7; LOSS, 2-5
June 30 vs ATL (0-1): LOSS, 7-8

Record during stretch: 3-12

Team News:

- CF Quinton McCracken is out for 2-3 weeks with a strained back. Q has pretty much been our only CF'er all year. We called up Randy Winn to take over in center while he is on the shelf. Winn is not yet ready IMHO to be up, but, options are limited right now. Very limited.

- We should get Miguel Cairo back sometime during the next sim. I'm anxious to get him back in the fold as well. At the time he got hurt, he was likely our best overall player in terms of his bat, fielding and base-running.




League News:

Career accomplishments - Dennis Eckersley and "The Big Cat" Andres Galarraga hit some milestones during the month of June...



Trades: - Derek Lowe goes from Boston to Seattle in exchange for Carlos Guillen



June Awards... Awards from June. Mark McGwire and Nomar had great months.

[RyanLeaf16]

All-Star game rosters:

AL All-Star Game Selections announced:
SP Roger Clemens (TOR) - 9-7, 2.71 ERA
SP Chuck Finley (ANA) - 11-3, 2.79 ERA
SP Randy D Johnson (SEA) - 10-2, 3.53 ERA
SP Mike Mussina (BAL) - 10-4, 3.43 ERA
SP Mike Sirotka (CHA) - 11-3, 3.60 ERA
SP David Wells (NYA) - 12-3, 2.82 ERA
CL Dennis Eckersley (BOS) - 7-4, 6 SV, 2.08 ERA
CL Randy Myers (TOR) - 2-2, 21 SV, 2.40 ERA
CL Troy Percival (ANA) - 5-4, 20 SV, 3.83 ERA
CL Mariano Rivera (NYA) - 2-1, 19 SV, 1.21 ERA
CL Mike Timlin (SEA) - 4-3, 22 SV, 2.54 ERA
CL John Wetteland (TEX) - 1-3, 19 SV, 2.17 ERA
C Darrin Fletcher (TOR) - .292/.338/.552, 18 HR, 48 RBI
C Mike Sweeney (KCA) - .289/.339/.523, 15 HR, 54 RBI
1B Carlos Delgado (TOR) - .303/.397/.631, 25 HR, 58 RBI
1B Edgar Martinez (SEA) - .344/.445/.613, 20 HR, 73 RBI
1B Rafael Palmeiro (BAL) - .304/.388/.554, 21 HR, 60 RBI
1B Jim Thome (CLE) - .301/.408/.564, 22 HR, 71 RBI
2B Luis Alicea (TEX) - .298/.397/.471, 7 HR, 32 RBI
3B Dean Palmer (KCA) - .326/.370/.575, 17 HR, 65 RBI
SS Nomar Garciaparra (BOS) - .367/.414/.602, 17 HR, 75 RBI
SS Derek Jeter (NYA) - .379/.450/.540, 11 HR, 58 RBI
LF Albert Belle (CHA) - .302/.364/.556, 21 HR, 76 RBI
LF Brian S Giles (CLE) - .313/.436/.557, 13 HR, 49 RBI
LF Glenallen Hill (SEA) - .360/.385/.632, 15 HR, 65 RBI
CF Brady Anderson (BAL) - .297/.426/.472, 8 HR, 33 RBI
RF Juan Gonzalez (TEX) - .335/.380/.638, 26 HR, 78 RBI
RF Paul O'Neill (NYA) - .314/.374/.494, 13 HR, 66 RBI

NL All-Star Game Selections announced:
SP Kevin Brown (SDN) - 7-4, 2.22 ERA
SP Shawn Estes (SFN) - 8-5, 2.67 ERA
SP Greg Maddux (ATL) - 12-3, 2.46 ERA
SP Carlos Perez (MON) - 13-1, 3.09 ERA
SP John Smoltz (ATL) - 12-2, 2.49 ERA
SP Todd Stottlemyre (SLN) - 9-4, 2.82 ERA
MR Chad Fox (MIL) - 4-0, 1.56 ERA
CL Rod Beck (CHN) - 1-1, 22 SV, 2.33 ERA
CL Trevor Hoffman (SDN) - 4-4, 22 SV, 2.95 ERA
CL Robb Nen (SFN) - 2-4, 22 SV, 4.34 ERA
CL Ugueth Urbina (MON) - 3-2, 22 SV, 2.83 ERA
CL Billy Wagner (HOU) - 2-1, 17 SV, 1.49 ERA
C Javy Lopez (ATL) - .332/.365/.586, 19 HR, 74 RBI
C Mike Piazza (LAN) - .305/.367/.534, 19 HR, 50 RBI
1B Jeff Bagwell (HOU) - .330/.445/.667, 25 HR, 70 RBI
1B Mark McGwire (SLN) - .325/.444/.742, 38 HR, 81 RBI
1B John Olerud (NYN) - .317/.395/.477, 10 HR, 50 RBI
2B Craig Biggio (HOU) - .294/.384/.432, 8 HR, 36 RBI
3B Ken Caminiti (SDN) - .279/.342/.617, 31 HR, 86 RBI
3B Chipper Jones (ATL) - .356/.448/.622, 19 HR, 64 RBI
3B Scott Rolen (PHI) - .277/.381/.481, 12 HR, 48 RBI
SS Barry Larkin (CIN) - .321/.408/.541, 8 HR, 30 RBI
LF Moises Alou (HOU) - .332/.390/.597, 15 HR, 59 RBI
LF Ryan Klesko (ATL) - .336/.417/.597, 13 HR, 45 RBI
CF Carl Everett (HOU) - .278/.366/.471, 16 HR, 77 RBI
RF Vladimir Guerrero (MON) - .329/.372/.646, 27 HR, 73 RBI
RF Tony Gwynn Sr (SDN) - .336/.359/.523, 15 HR, 56 RBI
RF Sammy Sosa (CHN) - .280/.353/.573, 32 HR, 75 RBI