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Monday, August 25, 2014

2017 Chicago Cubs

Posted on August 25, 2014 at 12:30 PM.

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Chicago Cubs 2017 Depth Chart - 2017

Catcher
Sean Ornelas #98 (84)
J.P. Arencibia #7 (79)

First Base
Armando Molina #29 (84)
Anthony Rizzo #44 (84)

Second Base
Javier Baez #9 (92)

Third Base
Kris Bryant #30 (82)
Michael Serrano #16 (80)

Shortstop
Francisco Lindor #12 (98)

Left Field
Stevie Byrne #72 (85)
Brett Gardner #11 (83)

Center Field
Mike Trout #27 (99)

Right Field
Giancarlo Stanton #28 (99)
*Yu Fukumori #62 (74)

Starting Pitcher
Brandon Beachy #37 (90)
Noah Syndergaard #55 (87)
Michael Anderson #13 (86)
Patrick Corbin #46 (86)
Carlos Mateo #5 (87)

Relief Pitcher
Cody Allen #39 (84)
Jordan Walden #52 (82)
Pedro Strop #47 (80)
Travis Wood #38 (77)

Closer
Darren Griffin #91 (82)

2017 Cubs Roster
#	PITCHERS	POS	B/T	AGE	HT	WT	SALARY
37	Brandon Beachy (90)	SP	R/R	30	6'3"	215lbs	4.4M
55	Noah Syndergaard (87)	SP	L/R	24	6'6"	240lbs	844k
13	Michael Anderson (86)	SP	R/R	20	6'6"	229lbs	96k
46	Patrick Corbin (86)	SP	L/L	27	6'2"	185lbs	6.0M
5	Carlos Mateo (87)	SP	R/R	20	5'11"	215lbs	300k
49	Jake Arrietta (85)	SP	R/R	30	6'4"	225lbs	1.6M
17	*Robert Stephenson (84)	SP	R/R	24	6'3"	195lbs	1.4M
39	Cody Allen (84)	RP	R/R	28	6'1"	210lbs	3.8M
52	Jordan Walden (82)	RP	R/R	29	6'5"	250lbs	3.3M
47	Pedro Strop (80)	RP	R/R	31	6'0"	220lbs	2.8M
38	Travis Wood (78)	RP	R/L	30	5'11"	175lbs	2.8M
9	*Phil Balladares (54)	RP	R/R	19	6'2"	221lbs	70k
91	Darren Griffin (82)	CP	R/R	20	6'5"	233lbs	73k
#	CATCHERS	POS	B/T	AGE	HT	WT	SALARY
98	Sean Ornelas (84)	C	R/R	23	6'4"	211lbs	120k
7	J.P. Arencibia (79)	C	R/R	31	6'0"	205lbs	3.1M
#	INFIELDERS	POS	B/T	AGE	HT	WT	SALARY
29	Armando Molina (85)	1B	L/R	21	6'1"	197lbs	70k
44	Anthony Rizzo (84)	1B	L/L	27	6'3"	240lbs	764k
9	Javier Baez (92)	2B	R/R	24	6'0"	194lbs	3.5M
30	Kris Bryant (82)	3B	R/R	25	6'5"	215lbs	1.2M
16	Michael Serrano (80)	3B/UTI	L/R	20	6'0"	170lbs	93k
12	Francisco Lindor (99)	SS	S/R	23	5'11"	175lbs	751k
#	OUTFIELDERS	POS	B/T	AGE	HT	WT	SALARY
72	Stevie Byrne (85)	LF	S/R	20	6'2"	206lbs	70k
11	Brett Gardner (82)	LF	L/L	33	5'10"	185lbs	1.6M
27	Mike Trout (99)	CF	R/R	25	6'2"	230lbs	2.5M
15	Matt Szczur (75)	CF	R/R	28	6'1"	195lbs	552k
28	Giancarlo Stanton (99)	RF	R/R	27	6'6"	240lbs	19.8M
62	*Yu Fukumori	RF	R/R	18	6'3"	181lbs	76k

Overview of Main MLB Players this season:

Starting Pitchers

Brandon Beachy - Ace of the team, gets every big game that his arm can handle. Uses his slider well to punch out quite a few hitters once he's ahead in the count. Career Record: 50-33, 865 SO, 3.04 ERA

Noah Syndergaard - Brought in a few years ago to fill out the bottom of the rotation, has progressively moved up into the top. Career Record: 20-23, 404 SO, 4.59 ERA

Michael Anderson - The Golden Child himself. Brings the heat more often than not, and much like Beachy likes to use his slider to punch guys out once he's gotten ahead with his 100MPH fastball. Career Record: 22-11, 155 SO, 3.66 ERA

Patrick Corbin - A solid pitcher in the 4th spot of the rotation. Can fill in some bigger games when needed, but isn't near consistent enough to stay there permanently. Changes speeds well, and is the only Lefty in the rotation. Career Record: 68-46, 795 SO, 3.52 ERA

Carlos Mateo - In his Rookie campaign, is pitching the lights out from the 5th spot in the rotation. Mixes speed well, loves using his change up to get some ground ball outs. Career Record: 4-0, 31 SO, 1.32 ERA

Bullpen

Darren Griffin - This youngster has been the Closer ever since Jose Veras blew 4 straight saves in the middle of the 2015 season. Many thought Griffin to be too young, and even too unorthodox for the position, but he has been proving the doubters wrong ever since. Career Record: 4-7, 129 SO, 103 SV, 2.65 ERA

Lineup

C Sean Ornelas - Originally thought to be an offensive liability, only cracking the lineup for his ability to call the game and play defensively, Ornelas has come a long way with his bat. Still, I wouldn't try run on this guy unless you get a great leadoff, with a breaking ball in the dirt, with the sun in his eyes. Career Stats: .230 AVG, 11 HR, 59 RBI

1B Armando Molina - Armando Molina was drafted for one reason, and one reason only: His power. The 21 year old slugger was drafted in the 4th round in 2015, and has been belting homers ever since. This being his first chance to prove he can keep it up at the Major League level, he took over from Anthony Rizzo this Spring Training, after a 4HR game.Career Stats: .301 AVG, 7 HR, 20 RBI

3B Michael Serrano - Serrano only managed to crack the Major League lineup due to his ability to play every position on the field. He has better than average speed, better than average range in the field, with a good arm to go along with it. Haven't even talked about his bat, which would probably have gotten him drafted alone, even if he wasn't a future gold glover. Career Stats: .292AVG, 4 HR, 14 RBI

LF Stevie Byrne - One things come to mind when you think of Stevie Byrne: Speed. Whether on the basepaths or patrolling the outfield, he stands apart. Turning himself into a true leadoff man as well, as he is learning to be more patient and disciplined at the plate. Career Stats: .278 AVG, 6 HR, 38 RBI

RF Yu Fukumori - While Yu is still approx. 2 years away from cracking a major league lineup, his arm is becoming the stuff of Legends in RF.
Career Stats: N/A

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Sheffield United - End of 2014/2015 Season

Posted on January 26, 2014 at 06:25 PM.

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Sheffield United

Welcome back to Bramall Lane for the conclusion of the 2014/2015 season. When we left off, we had 8 games remaining, and although they don't mean a whole lot anymore, we are playing for pride. It's this time of year that we see who has dedication, and who is playing simply for their contract. On another note, Del Piero has stated that this will be his last season (can't blame him there), so he will be getting some playing time, and starting the last few games.

The BIGGEST news, is how we've somehow made the semi-finals of the FA Cup! We got the draw against the Red Devils at Manchester United, while Man City faces Tottenham on the other side. Needless to say, this will not be easy.

Current Roster

4-2-2-2

Here is my current starting XI and key subs after the January window:

GK George Long (65) - England, 21
RB Esteban Cerro (70) - Argentina, 16
CB Luiz Eduardo (71) - Brazil, 21
CB Francesco Perna (74) - Italy, 19
LB Hayden White (63) - England, 19
RDM Callum McFadzean (67) - England, 21
LDM Florent Cuvelier (72) - Belgium, 22
LAM Mohammed Elyounoussi (70) - Norway, 20
RAM Scott Zebroski (63) - England, 17
RS Uwe Perdedaj (66) - Germany, 17
LS Anthony Martial (69) - France, 19

~~ SUBS ~~

CDM Conor Coady (66) - England, 21
RB Darryl Westlake (65) - England, 24
RM Agustin Corulo (67) - Argentina, 20
RM Febian Brandy (64) - England, 25
LM Jake Taylor (62) - Wales, 17
ST Shaun Miller (63) - England, 27
ST Alessandro Del Piero (67) - Italy, 40

League Results to Date:

4/4/15: 4-1 Win vs Coventry
4/7/15: 1-1 Draw @ Wigan
4/11/15: 2-0 Win vs Bournemouth
4/14/15: 2-2 Draw vs Millwall
4/21/15: 1-1 Draw @ Leeds
4/25/15: 1-0 Win vs Nottingham
4/28/15: 1-2 Loss @ Wolverhampton
5/2/15: 2-0 Win vs Crystal Palace

FL Record:

W - D - L
17 - 8 - 21

What a strong finish to the season! With Del Piero's departing goals both coming in the 2-0 victory against Palace. This was quite an up and down season, but with some very strong moments to end the year, (and somehow finishing in 13th) we have much to look forward to next season.

FA Cup Results to Date:

Anthony Martial put us up early on a quick counter attack after United had possession for most of the first half an hour. Fellaini was causing havoc on the set pieces until Perna switched to mark him. After that he was still getting chances, however they weren't near as quality. Rooney, however was causing chaos amongst the other defenders. Twice Cerro got a last second tackle in before the half or it would have been a completely different ball game.

In the second half, Sheffield held the ball and tried to run away from any oncoming attack. Even trusty old Martin Tyler didn't believe this was happening. "Goliath will come slugging back, you KNOW that!" And know that he did. From the 80th minute on, I don't believe the ball crossed the half line. Finally, in stoppage time, Phil Jones headed home a corner, in which Fellaini was triple covered.

Extra time was sloppy, uneducated football, as both teams seemed pleased to just kick it back and forth to each other at midfield.

So to penalties we go. Martial steps up first, and blasts one into the top right corner. Van Persie for united, and Long makes a gorgeous save diving to his left. Perdedaj next, and fires one into the same spot as Martial! Fellaini blasts one into the top left. Making it 2-1. Cuvelier puts one in off the left post as it snuck over the line. Kagawa stepped up, and put it towards the top right corner, but no! George Long with an amazing save!! And it comes down to this, Corulo can win it! He steps up, and rips one into the bottom right corner!!! Sheffield have done it!

4/19/15: 1-1 (4-1) Penalties Win vs Manchester United

As Manchester City defeated Tottenham 2-0, and hadn't conceded a goal all tournament, we knew we'd be in for a heck of a match. Right off the top, Karim Benzema and Mesut Ozil made it look easy cutting past Perna, but Luiz Eduardo (who had just been named to the Best XI of the FL Championship) broke up the play. The entire first half was spent in the Sheffield end. City was all over the place, but couldn't finish.

Finally at half Sheffield was able to regroup, and create some pressure of their own. In the 65th minute Martial broke free and hammered one towards the top corner, before Hart deflected it over the bar for a corner. Cuvelier swung it in, right onto Eduardo's forehead and he headed it home!!! 1-0 Sheffield!

The rest of the way was more of the same thing from City. Constant pressure without the finish.No real chances were had, and Sheffield United were crowned champions!

5/16/15: 1-0 Win vs Manchester City

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Sheffield United - April 2014

Posted on January 25, 2014 at 11:43 AM.

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Sheffield United

Welcome back! The last time we talked, Sheffield United was just entering the January Transfer window in a rather poor run of form. The two biggest issues at hand, were finding a striker to appease the board, and finding a fullback to make sure our keeper George Long didn't get any ideas of going to find one himself.

Completed Transactions

As I mentioned in the last post, my most pressing concern was finding a fullback. And my limited funds do not help that situation one bit. However, I was able to find a promising young Argentian in Fiorentina, who was looking for first team opportunities.

LOAN: Esteban Cerro RB

Cerro is only 16, and is incredibly gifted. Quick feet, quicker mind. Although I was only able to manage a loan deal for now, he will surely be my main target come summer.

Once again, I find myself trying to keep my pessimistic board happy. Easier said than done, really. However, I may have just found a way to do it, this time. Young German striking phenom, Uwe Perdedaj comes to Bramall Lane looking to impress. And boy, did he ever.

IN: Uwe Perdedaj ST (2M + Jamie Murphy)
Out: Jamie Murphy CM

Also in a move to replace the departing Mr. Murphy, I looked to Norwich City. Jake Taylor may not be ready for first team duties as of yet, but I felt he was worth bringing in for a few reasons. One, he brings in a bit of squad depth, giving the first teamers some well needed rest. Two, he shows massive amounts of potential. Even being heralded as the second coming of welsh counterpart Ryan Giggs.

IN: Jake Taylor LM (1.2M)

We have also gotten word that a couple of our players will be leaving the club, come the summer transfer window. Marcus Williams and Lyle Taylor have both signed pre-contract offers with other other teams. While it was not my first choice to let their contracts dwindle towards expiration, allowing these offers to be made, money was needed in other areas for other options. Regardless, we wish them both the best of luck (in finding their names on the first team sheet the rest of this season).

Current Roster

4-2-2-2
Here is my current starting XI and key subs after the January window:

GK George Long (65) - England, 21
RB Esteban Cerro (70) - Argentina, 16
CB Luiz Eduardo (71) - Brazil, 21
CB Francesco Perna (74) - Italy, 19
LB Hayden White (62) - England, 19
RDM Callum McFadzean (66) - England, 21
LDM Florent Cuvelier (72) - Belgium, 22
LAM Mohammed Elyounoussi (70) - Norway, 20
RAM Agustin Corulo (67) - Argentina, 20
RS Uwe Perdedaj (66) - Germany, 17
LS Anthony Martial (69) - France, 19

~~ SUBS ~~

CDM Conor Coady (66) - England, 21
RB Darryl Westlake (65) - England, 24
RM Febian Brandy (64) - England, 25
LM Jake Taylor (62) - Wales, 17
CAM Scott Zebroski (63) - England, 17
ST Shaun Miller (63) - England, 27
ST Alessandro Del Piero (67) - Italy, 40

League Results to Date:

1/3/15: 4-0 Win vs Sheffield Wed
1/6/15: 1-0 Win @ Hull City
1/13/15: 1-1 Draw vs Leicester
1/17/15: 1-1 Draw @ Blackburn
1/24/15: 1-0 Win vs Burnley
2/2/15: 1-3 Loss @ Reading
2/14/15: 4-0 Win vs Barnsley
2/17/15: 2-0 Win @ Derby
2/24/15: 2-0 Win vs Ipswich
3/7/15: 0-1 Loss @ Birmingham
3/10/15: 2-0 Win @ Swansea
3/17/15: 3-0 Win vs Huddersfield
3/28/15: 1-0 Win @ Middlesbrough

FL Record:

W - D - L
13 - 5 - 20

As you can see, we've had quite the turnaround this season. And it quite literally started the day we loaned Esteban Cerro. Once we had our defense locked down, we were able to start focusing more on putting the ball in the back of their net. With only 6 goals allowed in our last 13 games, it's quite obvious we need to find SOME way to bring Cerro back to Bramall Lane for good.

We now find ourselves in 18th place, 12 points clear of relegation and only 8 remaining games to the season. It's quite clear we won't be moving up this season, but that was a lofty goal from the start. Either way, we clearly found something that is working, and are looking forward to finishing off the season strong.

FA Cup Results to Date:

1/10/15: 2-0 Win @ Crewe Alexandra
1/31/15: 3-0 Win @ Bolton
2/21/15: 4-0 Win @ Arsenal
3/14/15: 1-0 Win @ Chelsea

Well then, that was quite unexpected. With our team moving up the table in league play, they seem to have gained some confidence. No further evidence needed than the 4-0 drubbing of one of the best sides in football. We traveled to the Emirates scratching and clawing, and it showed early on as our defense held tight amidst the pressure. Our counter attack got it's legs under it, and we surely played our best game of the season. Also quite clearly, Arsenal played it's worst.

The game against Chelsea was one of fortune, even before the opening kick off. Cech had been sold to Juventus, and Courtois had been previously suspended. In comes Hilario to save the day? Not quite, it seems. In the 40th minute, Anthony Martial broke free on a counter attack, and only had Hilario to beat. Hilario charged out to challenge, and clipped Martial's ankle. The ref charged in and pointed to the spot, but what's this? A RED CARD! Hilario is sent off, with no keeper to replace him! Cahill came on as a makeshift keeper, and was unable to stop the sure footed Alessandro Del Piero from the spot. After that, he never faced another shot, and we were able to pressure the attacking Chelsea side just enough to put them off. A thrilling 1-0 win will surely go down in history, as we have somehow, someway, made it into the FA Cup Semi-finals.

It is now April 2nd, and we have exactly one month left in this season. Will we be able to keep up this amazing Cinderella run? One can only hope...

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Welcome to Sheffield United: 2014 Campaign

Posted on January 23, 2014 at 03:47 PM.

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Sheffield United

Welcome to the Blades. This is my first Dynasty post, and will highlight my Sheffield United career brought to you from January 1st, 2015.

Last season I was able to escape the depths of the English League 1, by placing third in the league, and winning a highly contested playoff battle over Leyton Orient. Sheffield United was also able to win the J Paint Trophy, to bring my first silverware to the club. The team is not made up of any one standout player, but more of a few useful, young, promising players who are trying to make their mark in England.

Completed Transactions

My first move at the club, was a risky one. Whether it be an attempt at a bold ticket sales strategy, or just the fact that I was a fan of this player in my youth, I decided I needed a prolific goal scorer to help lead my way to the EPL.

IN: Alessandro Del Piero ST
OUT: Marlon King ST

Ryan Flynn, and Chris Porter were then sold to make room for some younger players, as well as freeing up some salary.

IN: Hayden White RB (300k), Anthony Martial ST (1.5M)
OUT: Chris Porter ST (300k), Ryan Flynn LM (525k)

A solid left hook to the perception of my managerial skills was shown, when promising young defender Harry Maguire demanded a transfer in January. As he was the centerpiece to my rag tag group of defenders, this was clearly as good a time to be bold as any.

IN: Luiz Eduardo CB (900k + Michael Doyle)
OUT: Michael Doyle CM, Harry Maguire CB (900k)

~~ End of year 1 transactions ~~

To start off my second season as manager of the Blades, I continued my look towards a youth movement.

IN: Augustin Corulo RM (youth), Francesco Perna CB (Free Agent), Mohammed Elyounoussi RM (700k + Stephen Mcginn), Scott Zebroski CM (Youth)
OUT: Stephen McGinn CM, Jose Baxter (3.6M)

Current Roster

Here is my current starting XI and key subs at the beginning of the January window:

GK George Long (65) - England, 21
RB Darryl Westlake (65) - England, 23
CB Luiz Eduardo (71) - Brazil, 21
CB Francesco Perna (73) - Italy, 18
LB Marcus Williams (65) - England, 28
RCM Jamie Murphy (70) - Scotland, 25
CM Florent Cuvelier (72) - Belgium, 22
LCM Mohammed Elyounoussi (69) - Norway, 20
CF Agustin Corulo (67) - Argentina, 20
RS Alessandro Del Piero (67) - Italy, 40
LS Anthony Martial (68) - France, 19

~~ SUBS ~~

CDM Conor Coady (66) - England, 21
LM Callum McFadzean (66) - England, 20
RM Febian Brandy (64) - England, 25
CAM Scott Zebroski (63) - England, 17
ST Shaun Miller (63) - England, 27
ST Lyle Taylor (62) - England, 24
RB Hayden White (62) - England, 18

League Results to Date:

It has been a VERY rough welcome to the FL Championship. The team has thrown some random great games together, but all in all it's been a very poor first half to the season.

8/16/14: 1-0 Win @ Crystal Palace
8/19/14: 1-2 Loss vs Wolverhampton
8/23/14: 5-0 Win @ Coventry
8/26/14: 1-3 Loss vs Middlesbrough
8/30/14: 0-3 Loss @ Huddersfield
9/13/14: 2-3 Loss vs Swansea
9/16/14: 1-2 Loss @ Nottingham Forest
9/20/14: 1-3 Loss vs Leeds United
9/27/14: 1-3 Loss @ Millwall
9/30/14: 2-1 Win @ Bournemouth
10/4/14: 1-3 Loss vs Birmingham
10/7/14: 1-1 Draw @ Ipswich Town
10/18/14: 1-2 Loss vs Reading
10/21/14: 0-4 Loss @ Burnley
10/25/14: 0-2 Loss vs Derby County
11/1/14: 0-2 Loss @ Barnsley
11/4/14: 2-2 Draw vs Blackburn (first point at home)
11/11/14: 1-0 Win @ Leicester
11/22/14: 0-1 Loss vs Watford
11/29/14: 0-2 Loss @ Blackpool
12/2/14: 0-1 Loss @ Hull City
12/13/14: 1-1 Draw @ Sheffield Wed
12/20/14: 1-2 Loss vs Wigan
12/23/14: 1-2 Loss vs Blackpool
12/27/14: 1-2 Loss @ Watford

FL Record:

W - D - L
4 - 3 - 18

As I mentioned, it has been a bit of a rough go as of late. We currently sit 23rd out of 24 teams, and are 8 points behind Coventry City, who occupy the 21st position, and are currently safe from relegation. Having only scored 25 goals in 25 matches, the board is asking me to find us a goal scorer, however my more pressing concern is the 47 goals allowed, which might have more to do with a lack of quality fullback. It will be interesting to see what the new year will bring for us here at Sheffield United. Happy New Year, and hopefully.... Happy signings.