The Gold Master version of Out of the Park Baseball 18 has been sent out to those who pre-ordered, but you can still buy it now for $34.99, a 10% discount, and receive it right away, ahead of the March 24 worldwide launch.

Meanwhile, the Road to Release series concludes with a look at a season sim conducted in OOTP 18. Will the Chicago Cubs repeat as World Series champions? Let’s find out:

Spring is nearing. With that comes the inevitable spring clichés…you know, birds chirping, emotions permeating the atmosphere, all of that. If you’re in New England, as I am, all of that is right out; it won’t stop snowing, freezing, or blowing gale force winds of snow all over the place.

The way I know spring is nearing this year is this: The Season According to Out of the Park.

This year’s version, of course, has several additions and updates. The natural update, given the MLBPA license attached to the game, is the 2017 Opening Day rosters. I am writing this on March 19^th. To give you an idea about how much the team stays on top of updates, forget about Chris Sale and Edwin Encarnacion.

Let’s talk Ernesto Frieri.

Frieri was invited to the Yankees’ Spring Training Camp after signing a minor league deal on March 16^th. Since I am beginning on March 31^st, I cannot simulate camp, so Frieri sits at AAA Scranton Wilkes-Barre. Still, he’s in the system.

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Meanwhile, Pat Venditte, the only amphibious pitcher in Major League Baseball, was traded to the Phillies one week ago. While Out of the Park cannot simulate switch-pitchers, it does list Venditte with his proper team.

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What you see, by the way, are the new player profile pages. They were just installed.

The season predictions, at least in this run, look predictable. The experts love the AL West, believe in Mike Trout, and are bullish on the Minnesota Twins. (As bullish as you can be on an 80-win team.) The other big surprise: Arizona, sitting second in the NL West.

Of course, the games must be won. But this is an interesting development.

 

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One more thing to mention: there is a new Team Chemistry page. Player personalities are more fleshed out in OOTP18, and players can fall into a wider variety of categories. This can change throughout the season, as relationships with coaches can change a player’s disposition. In the case of the Dodgers, it seems as though Dave Roberts is starting in a good place. Hopefully for Dodger fans, he can keep that sailing smooth.

(It should be noted that, by default, player personalities are now hidden. You can change this under Game Settings>Players & Facegen and clicking on “Show Player Personality Ratings on profile page.” It’s the fifth click down on the left.)

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Opening Day

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Some great matchups during the two-day Opening Day. I wonder if the Cubs feel an injustice, having to open their first title defense in over a century in Busch Stadium. (That injustice is justified: Carlos Martinez scattered seven hits over six innings, and the Cards cobbled together a 3-1 win.)

Meanwhile, for Giants fan, the following screen would be a worst nightmare scenario.

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The second, more inclusive, Opening Day looks like this:

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April

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The season began with a milestone. On April 7, Matt Holliday had himself a day, going 3-3 with two bombs. The second of which, a fourth-inning bomb off Vidal Nuno, gave him his 2,000^th hit. He also sat three home runs away from 300 for his career (he would achieve that on April 16^th). The Yanks would also get an effort from Starlin Castro on the 19^th, as he went 6-6 against the White Sox. Oddly, all were singles.

The month saw its share of big injuries, including a crippling blow to the White Sox. In a rebuilding year, the Sox lost their biggest rebuilding chip: Jose Quintana tore his elbow, and would be lost for the year. The Royals lost newly acquired Jorge Soler to a labrum tear, while the Nats lost Jayson Werth to a PCL.

This didn’t seem to affect the Nats, who started off winning 11 of 12. They finished the month 18-7, two games ahead of the Mets. This was the best mark in the National League, and just behind the Astros’ 20-6 record for baseball’s overall best.

The Nats were powered by Bryce Harper’s .298-10-30 mark. He was aided by Daniel Murphy’s .407-5-22 line, along with second-year SS Trea Turner, who went .385-2-13. Turner also hit thirteen doubles and scored a league-leading 31 runs. Their pitching staff is no good at the moment (9^th in runs allowed and staff ERA), and the defense is atrocious (last in the NL in defensive efficiency). It will be interesting to see if they can keep this going.

The Astros are winning just like the Nats: with offense. They are first in the AL in every major hitting category. Jose Altuve hit .370-5-19, while Carlos Correa posted .336-8-24. New RF Josh Reddick posted .385-4-29.

The Cubs, Dodgers, and Red Sox predictably led their divisions. In fact, the only major surprise was the Royals, who were 14-10 at the end of the month. This was despite being thirteenth in the AL in runs scored, and not standing out in any category except their 6-1 record in one-run games.

The Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw doesn’t need the press, but on April 30^th, he tossed a one-hitter, striking out 13 (and oddly walking two) in a 4-0 win over Philadelphia.

The Tigers started the season 1-12, but recovered with a 7-4 record for the rest of the month.

 

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As you can see from the leaderboards, there are some familiar names. There are also many names who make you wonder if they can sustain their output. Aaron Judge has prodigious power, as evidenced by his ten homers. But his .200 batting average will make you think. And the Padres’ Yangervis Solarte posting a .382/.458/.706? Is he the big breakout? Or was that just a hot month?

May

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Don’t look now, but there are a couple of surprises out there. Of course, you have to start with the Minnesota Twins. The Twinkies are winning on the strength of their rotation. Phil Hughes (5-2, 2.29) and Tyler Duffey (5-2, 3.30) have surprisingly anchored a rotation that sits second in the American League in ERA. Add in Brian Dozer’s continued production (.298-18-49) and you have a team that’s doing just enough to keep this up.

Miami, meanwhile, went 18-10 in May. They did so on the strength of Adam Conley’s 7-1, 2.97 mark, as well as some surprising bashing from 2B Derek Dietrich. Through May, Dietrich is hitting .296-10-30. That helps offset Giancarlo Stanton’s .207-11-28 line.

The Reds and Diamondbacks are other teams who are surprisingly; both are in second in their respective divisions, giving the Cubs and Dodgers a run for their considerable money. Of course, Clayton Kershaw (10-1, 1.96) made the difference in the NL West. The Reds were doing it with smoke and mirrors and a bullpen that was second in the NL. Through May, their #2 starter, Brandon Finnegan, was 0-6 with a 5.74 ERA. And they were in second place. Amazing.

May could also be a month for personal milestones. On May 4^th, James Shields gained his 2,000^th strikeout. Kershaw got his on May 15^th. Carl Crawford got his 1,000^th run three days later.

On May 21^st, though, a true accomplishment for a future Hall of Famer happened. And it came on a home run.

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Late in the month, Hanley Ramirez gained his 1,000^th run scored, while Adrian Gonzalez got his 2,000^th hit.

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As far as statistical leaders through this part of the season go, it’s safe to say that the Nationals would be happy if this is the production they got out of Adam Eaton.

Also, Kershaw.

June

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In many ways, this was a separation month in the standings. All of the divisional leaders, save for the Nats, got some breathing room.

It was also the month of Seattle.

The Mariners went 23-4 in June, lunging out to a MLB-best 54-26. That, as of this moment, is six games better than Houston. Felix Hernandez seems to have seen his core workouts pay dividends this offseason, sitting at 10-3, w.98, with 113 K in 121 innings. James Paxton is 8-3 with a 3.54 mark. Edwin Diaz, last year’s big find in the pen, has a 1.76 ERA, an 0.83 WHIP, and 69 K against 21 hits in 41 innings. Robby Cano spearheads an offense that is second in OBP, going .327-12-34. Nelson Cruz continues to mash, going .295-18-55.

While Cincinnati faded, at 38-42, the 41-39 Pirates appear to be the only thing in the way of Chicago steamrolling the NL Central. And Clayton Kershaw, who is somehow besting last season through 18 starts, is looking like the greatest hurler ever.

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The Tigers were dealt a serious blow on June 24^th when Miggy Cabrera went down with torn ankle ligaments. He was hitting .278-15-45, maybe substandard by his bar…but that is still a blow for Detroit, and for his pursuit of historical numbers.

A couple of players reached historical numbers in the month, though one achievement stood out…not just for the achievement, but how it was…well, achieved.

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A clutch pinch-hit job not just to cinch the win, but his 600^th. (I hope this really does happen.)

The statistical rundown for this month…look at Kershaw’s dominance.

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July

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The standings stay the same, with distance between the division leaders and the rest. The Marlins, meanwhile, continued to play the foil to the Nats, staying one game back. You can begin to see the wild card races taking shape.

The trading deadline this year didn’t produce too much in the way of drama. The most active team appeared to be the Cardinals, who acquired Edwin Encarnacion from the Indians. Cleveland received reliever Trevor Rosenthal, along with stud pitching prospect Logan Shore. It’s a move to clear redundancy for Cleveland, who got numbers similar to Encarnacion (.248-14-42) by Carlos Santana. Rosenthal was added to a stacked bullpen. Given what we saw out of Terry Francona’s use out of the bullpen last postseason, this may be one of the smartest moves made this year.

The Cardinals then went and got David Robertson from the ChiSox, filling the hole left by Rosenthal’s departure. Perhaps the Cardinals (nine back in the wild card) sense weakness from the other contenders. We’ll see.

The Dodgers seemingly have no weakness. They’re 73-33 heading into the dog days. Sure, they have Kershaw (who had an awful month, going 3-1, 4.55). But they have depth around him. Kenta Maeda is 10-6 with a 3.49 ERA, while Hyun-jin Ryu is 12-2, 3.01. And the offense is the best in baseball, led by Corey Seager’s .312/.389/.592, 24 HR and 80 RBI. They have mashers up and down the lineup.

A team who had a slow start to this year, the Texas Rangers, had lightning strike twice. Nomar Mazara hit for the cycle on June 3^rd, going 4-4 with 3 RBI against Houston. On July 31^st, he cycled again, this time against Seattle. The Rangers, 39-41 through the first three months, went 17-7 in July to pull them back into the thick of things. Mazara, hitting .293-18-53, has been a big part of that resurgence.

Mazara’s teammate, Adrian Beltre, celebrated his 3,000^th hit earlier this season. On July 29^th, he scored his 1,500^th run. Two days later, Victor Martinez got his 2,000^th hit.

In lieu of stats for this month, here are your 2017 Major League All-Star selections:

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August

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Okay, so the divisional races are now bunk. There is severe intrigue in the wild card races. This is what was figured, though, no? The divisions were always top heavy, especially in the National League. Once you get past the upper tier, there is severe parity. In the NL, everyone but Milwaukee and Atlanta still have chances; however distant the Phillies and Padres may be, they still have an opportunity.

The American League is far more finite, with Houston up considerably on the other four teams realistically involved in the race. There have been bigger collapses, though.

Robby Cano, leading the Seattle Mariners towards the AL West pennant, hit his 300^th home run on August 19^th, off Erasmo Martinez.

It would seem silly to not report on Mike Trout, given that he is generally recognized as the best player in the game. Trout got off to a slow start, going .277-4-19 in April. In May and June, he hit .237-9-26. Since then, he has caught fire, going 55-for-183 (.301) with 14 homers and 29 RBI. He’s still not having a season we’re accustomed to seeing from him, at .269-27-74. But he is second in the league in WAR, with 6.6. Only Kris Bryant has been more valuable by this metric.

Meanwhile, Kershaw has continued to Kershaw.

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September/October

September 5^th: Chicago Cubs win NL Central

September 9^th: LA Dodgers win NL West.

On September 1^st, Seattle enjoyed a six-game lead on Houston. On September 15^th, Houston took first place in the AL West. The Astros, through September 18^th, were 11-4 in the month. Seattle was 3-13. The M’s still had an eight-game lead on the first Wild Card spot, but talk about a reversal of fortunes. Felix’s core gave out, as James Paxton took over as ace of the staff. It was well-deserved…as of 9.18, Paxton was 16-7 with a 3.59 ERA. King Felix was 12-9, 3.49. It is said that the relationship between manager Scott Servais and Robinson Cano has deteriorated over the course of the year, in part due to Cano’s move from third in the lineup to sixth. Perhaps this is having a negative effect on the team.

The Dodgers, meanwhile, were rolling in the NL West. But they suffered a blow on the 13^th, as Adrian Gonzalez went down with a concussion. He won’t play again this season. He hit .259-20-77 on the year.

Also on the 13^th, Cleveland rookie outfielder JaCoby Jones went for the cycle, doing it against Detroit. The next day, Atlanta’s Nick Markakis registered his 2,000^th hit.

The Red Sox were dealt their own injury issues; Jackie Bradley Jr. was lost earlier in the season. On September 10^th, Dustin Pedroia strained his hamstring. He would be considered iffy for the playoffs. It was the third significant injury he suffered this year, as he was held to just 98 games. A herniated disc took out a month and a half earlier this year, and an ankle injury came around the same time. He was productive, going for .306-12-49, and a 2.9 WAR.

Getting back to the Wild Card chase, the Rays held a one-game lead on both the Rangers and Twins on September 18^th. The Blue Jays sat 2.5 back. In the NL, the Mets held a 1.5-game lead on Miami, while Arizona sat just two back of the Mets. The Giants were two back of the Marlins, while Pittsburgh and the Cardinals were holding on, at 5.5 back. Colorado and Cincy were 6.5 back.

It also just so happened that the M’s and Rangers were set to play one another, while the Mets and Marlins would square off in Miami. The Marlins would then face Arizona.

9.18: Miami beats New York, 3-1, to get to within a half-game of the Mets. Arizona beat San Diego, moving to just one game.

Elsewhere, Cleveland clinched the AL Central.

9.19: Houston continues to roll, blanking Chicago 4-0. Meanwhile, Seattle’s Nelson Cruz hit a two-run walk-off job to shock the Rangers, 6-5. This screenshot comes courtesy of Out of the Park 18’s new Highlights feature.

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To continue, Miami beat the Mets once again, taking over the top Wild Card spot in the NL. The Diamondbacks also won, tying them with the Mets for the second Wild Card spot. The Giants remain two out, while everyone else has drifted away from the race.

In the AL, heading into September 20^th, Texas, Toronto, and Minnesota are all one game back of Tampa for the second WC spot.

9.20: Miami swept the Mets, but Arizona also lost. So did the Giants. Miami, down a game and a half entering this series, exit it up a game-and-a-half. Meanwhile, Seattle beat Texas, while Tampa lost and Toronto won. The Twins and Rangers are just a game behind the Rays and Jays, who are now tied for the last spot. Only the Yankees remain playoff-eligible in the AL, but they’re 9.5 games back.

9.21: Seattle, Tampa and Toronto all won, with Seattle beating Texas. Minnesota won as well. The Rangers fell two games behind the Rays and Jays. The Mariners and Astros both qualified for the playoffs.

The Red Sox clinched the AL East.

9.22: Houston won against the Angels, but Seattle split a doubleheader with Cleveland to keep pace. (Yes, Out of the Park 18 has doubleheader support.) Robby Cano hit his 30^th homer of the year. The Jays lost, while the Twins and Rays won. The Rays take over the second WC spot, while the Jays and Twins are a game back. Texas is two back, while the Yanks were eliminated. In the NL, Arizona beat Miami, while the Nats blanked the Mets. The Diamondbacks are now a game up on the Mets for the second WC spot, and sit just a half-game back of the Fish for the top spot. The Giants, meanwhile, won their third straight, and are now three back.

The Nats, meanwhile, clinched the NL East.

9.23: The Mets finally broke out of their slump, and climbed back into a tie for the second WC slot. Miami beat Arizona, and gained some breathing room. The Giants lost, and are now four back. In the AL, Tampa and Texas won, while the Yanks beat Toronto, and Detroit upended Minny. The Rays are two games ahead of the Rangers, Jays, and Twins. In the AL West, Houston won and Seattle lost, giving the Astros a healthy four-game lead.

9.24: Tampa won in Baltimore, and Minny won in Detroit. Texas and Toronto both lost. Going into the final week of the season, Tampa is two ahead of the Twins, and three up on the Jays and Rangers. Seattle beat Cleveland, 4-0, gaining a game on Houston. The Astros fell to the Angels in a wild 8-7 game, despite Carlos Correa’s 46^th home run.

In the NL, Miami beat Arizona, but the Mets lost to the Nats. Status quo for the second spot. The Fish gain a game on both teams, leading by 2.5 games. The Giants won, and now are just two back with six to play. The Diamondbacks host the Giants over the next three days, while the Mets get the cellar dwellers of the NL East, the Braves and Phillies.

Here is the Pennant Chase breakdown:

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9.25: Paul Goldschmidt hit what is called Goldy’s Shot, a solo walk-off in the 13^th, giving Arizona a crazy 6-5 win over the Giants. In New York, hard-luck Steven Matz improved to 7-12 with a 1-0 win over Atlanta. That keeps the Mets and Diamondbacks tied, while the Giants fell to three back. Miami won, keeping their cushion.

In the AL, Houston and Texas split a doubleheader, while Seattle won. The M’s are 2.5 back of the Astros. Tampa and Minny were idle; Texas is three back of the second WC spot. The Rays have to travel to New York, which seems like bad news. The Yanks have won ten straight. The Jays, meanwhile, travel to Boston.

9.26: Houston beat Texas, while Seattle won. Nothing changed there. The Yanks blanked the Rays, 3-0, while Minnesota won. Rick Porcello gave up just a Pedro Alvarez single over eight innings, as Boston beat Toronto, 4-0. The Twins are one back of Tampa, while the Rangers and Jays are on pennant life support.

In the NL, the Mets fell to the Braves, 8-4. Arizona beat the Giants, 4-1, giving them a one-game lead on the Mets. The Giants, now four back, have to win out, and get help, if they want to get to a simple playoff for the second WC spot.

9.27: Tampa won and Minnesota lost, giving the Rays some space. Boston beat Toronto, while Houston took care of the Rangers. Texas is in the same boat the Giants are in, on the brink of golf season. The Jays were eliminated.

Arizona eliminated the Giants by completing the sweep, as Archie Bradley coasted to a 5-1 win. The Mets kept pace, and sit a game out with three to go. The Marlins, by the way, are just a half-game ahead of the D’Backs.

9.28: Minnesota won in Cleveland, 6-4, while the Yanks eked by the Rays, 4-3 in 11. Houston got their 100^th win, while Texas took a 3-0 decision from Oakland. Minnesota sits a game back, while the Rangers still have hope.

The Marlins lost to the Braves, and now sit tied with Arizona. The Mets are one game back.

9.29: Tampa beat Baltimore, 5-2. Detroit won in Minnesota, 4-2, giving the Rays a two-game lead with two to play. Texas lost to Oakland, 5-2, eliminating them.

In the NL, Miami fell at home to Atlanta, 4-3. The Mets beat the Phils, 6-2, pulling those two teams even. Arizona beat KC, giving the Royals a 53-107 record. The Diamondbacks are now one game up for the first WC spot.

The Astros, meanwhile, clinched the AL West. Seattle has the first Wild Card spot.

9.30: Rookie Jake Bauers’ solo homer in the 18^th gave the Rays a 5-4 win over Baltimore. The O’s took a lead in the 10^th, only to see Tampa come back. They did again in the 13^th, only to have Kevin Kiermaier hit a solo shot to tie it up in the bottom half.

The win clinched the second WC spot for the Rays, with a day to go.

In the NL, Atlanta beat Miami again. But the Phils beat the Mets, while KC got one back on Arizona. So, nothing changes, as the final day approaches. Arizona wins, they’re in.

10.1: Arizona, down 6-2 in the 7^th, scored one in the seventh. AJ Pollock’s second homer of the game made it 6-5 in the eighth. David Peralta’s solo shot in the ninth tied it, and Jeff Mathis’ three-run blast in the 11^th highlighted a four-run frame. The Diamondbacks are in, beating the Royals, 10-6.

That leaves Atlanta and New York. The Mets didn’t hold up their end, falling 7-6 in Philly. Miami didn’t get the job done, either; Atlanta staved off a 100-loss season with a 4-3 win in Miami.

So, there will be a 163^rd game.

2017 Final Standings

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The Mets beat the Marlins in the playoff, then promptly lost to the Diamondbacks, 3-0. The Mariners, beating James Paxton’s eight sterling innings (2 H, 8 K), also won by a 3-0 score.

2017 Playoffs

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Divisional Series

The American League Divisional Series were sweeps. Boston took out Cleveland in three straight, while Houston took a thrilling 9-8, 15-inning decision in Seattle, to gain their sweep.

Meanwhile, in the NL, the road teams gained Game 1 wins. The Diamondbacks responded to the Dodgers’ two-run rally in the bottom of the ninth with AJ Pollock’s homer, his second of the game, in the tenth. Trea Turner’s two-run double gave the Nats a 7-5 win in Game 1. The Cubs and Dodgers evened the score in Game 2, gaining home wins.

The Nats took Game 3 at home, 8-3. Trea Turner was 3-4 with a homer, three RBI, and a pair of runs scored. The Dodgers won Game 3, 6-1, behind seven strong innings from Kenta Maeda.

The Cubs rebounded in Game 4, winning 5-3. Unknown rookie Jacob Hannemann continued his hot batting, clubbing his second homer of the series. The 26-year-old CF came up in June, and hit .263-10-46, along with 14 steals (not caught).

Arizona, down 7-5 in the bottom of the ninth, tied the game on Paul Goldschmidt’s two-out, two-run double off Kenley Jansen. Ildemaro Vargas’ double in the tenth scored Oscar Hernandez with the game-winner, sending that series to Game 5.

Game 5: Chicago rolled up Washington, 9-3, as Jacob Hennemann hit his third homer, as part of a 4-for-4 day. He scored three times, and Jake Arrieta shut down the Nats’ offense. Bryce Harper could only watch, as an elbow sprain on the season’s final day sidelined him throughout the entire round.

They would face the Diamondbacks in the NLCS. After spotting the Dodgers an early 1-0 lead, Arizona routed Clayton Kershaw in the fourth, chasing him after four runs. They would add three more in the fifth, and go on to a 7-3 win.

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Championship Series

ALCS, Game 1: Blake Swihart’s pinch-hit home run off Ken Giles in the eighth gave Boston a 5-4 win, and a 1-0 lead. Alex Bregman was 4-5 with a homer for the Astros. Chris Sale, in his ALCS debut, gave up two earned and six hits in five innings, striking out five. Dallas Keuchel scattered nine hits over 6 1/3 innings.

BOS leads 1-0

NLCS, Game 1: There is something magical about Kyle Hendricks. He was 20-3, 2.95 in the regular season. In Game 1, he was sparkling, going 8 1/3 innings, giving up five hits, and striking out six. The Cubs shut out the Diamondbacks, 3-0. Jason Heyward and Anthony Rizzo homered for the Cubs.

CHC leads 1-0

ALCS, Game 2: The Red Sox rallied for three in the ninth, capped by Andrew Benintendi’s two-run shot off Ken Giles, to get a 9-7 win, and a 2-0 lead. Giles, now 0-2 in the series, struck out Sandy Leon and Brock Holt to open the frame. Then Hanley Ramirez singled, and Mookie Betts doubled, scoring Ramirez to tie the game at 7-7. Benintendi then took the first pitch he saw out to left field, hitting his second homer of the game.. Giles could only watch, as the Sox stunned the Astros.

BOS leads 2-0

NLCS Game 2: Arizona used home runs from Goldschmidt and David Peralta, and withstood a rally by the Cubs in the bottom of the ninth, to gain a 7-6 win. Four pitchers worked at least two innings for the Diamondbacks. Arizona got to Jon Lester, who gave up four runs in four innings. But Goldschmidt’s homer off Alec Mills, a three-run shot in the fifth, was the difference.

Series Tied 1-1

ALCS Game 3: Houston broke through at Fenway, as Carlos Correa’s RBI single in the 11^th gave Houston a 5-4 win. Correa was 3-5 on the day. Josh Reddick added a two-run home run, and Houston navigated with its bullpen for ten innings to get the win. Andrew Benintendi, arriving on the national stage as a star in his second year, was 4-5, adding his third homer, and collecting three RBI.

BOS leads 2-1

NLCS Game 3: Jake Lamb’s walk-off walk in the 11^th secured a wild 6-5 win for Arizona. Chicago led 5-4 until the eighth, when Paul Goldschmidt hit another timely home run. Goldschmidt was 2-4 with three RBI.

ARZ leads 2-1

ALCS Game 4: Drew Pomeranz had difficulty through the season, going 7-8 with a 4.02 ERA. (He actually gave up 173 hits in 174 innings, and struck out 197. The 25 homers he gave up were his issue.) He struck out seven in 5 1/3, limiting the potent Houston offense to just two runs, as Boston rolled, 7-2. Andrew Benitendi continued to be amazing, going 2-3 with another home run.

BOS leads 3-1

NLCS Game 4: Jason Heyward’s ninth inning homer answered a five-run rally by Arizona in the eighth, easing Chicago to an 11-7 win. The win evened the series at two wins apiece.

Series Tied 2-2

ALCS Game 5: Boston punched its World Series ticket in typical Red Sox fashion…with Pablo Sandoval playing the role of David Ortiz. After George Springer gave Houston a 4-3 lead with his two-run home run in the top of the ninth, Ken Giles came on to get the save. Giles promptly gave up a single to Xander Bogaerts. Conor Gillaspie sacrificed him to second, and Blake Swihart, who did Giles in in Game 1, struck out looking. That brought up Sandoval, who took a ball. He then took the next pitch onto the top of the Green Monster, sending the crowd into hysterics, and the Sox into the 2017 World Series. Andrew Benitendi was named ALCS MVP.

BOS d. HOU 4-1

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NLCS Game 5: The Cubs scored three in the first. When Arizona got to Kyle Hendricks with two in the second, it seemed like the Diamondbacks could do something against the Cubs’ ace. That was all they would get, though, as the Cubs poured on 18 hits in an 11-2 win. The 2-3-4 for Chicago—Anthony Rizzo, Kyle Schwarber, and Kris Bryant, went a combined 6-13, with three homers (one apiece), six runs, and six RBI.

CHC leads 3-2

NLCS Game 6: Addison Russell had a breakout 2017, going .306-28-93. Still, he had not made his mark on this postseason…until Game 6. His walk-of single scored Jason Heyward for the pennant-clinching run, as Chicago made it to their second straight World Series, beating Arizona 7-6. Heyward, maligned most of last year, was named NLCS MVP. He hit .379, with four homers, eleven runs scored, and seven RBI.

CHC d. ARZ 4-2

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2017 World Series: Boston Red Sox vs Chicago Cubs

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The Cubs and Red Sox faced off in the regular season, with the Cubs taking two of three. The Sox are looking for their fourth world title since the curse was ended; their last world title before 2004 was in 1916, 101 years ago. For the Cubs, they are looking for back-to-back titles, something that hasn’t happened since the 1999-2000 New York Yankees.

Game 1: Sale v. Arrieta. Two things about Jake Arrieta, as observed by the media:

1)     He didn’t take quite the step back in 2016 that many felt. Of course, anything from 2015 would be a step back. But he was still quite excellent last season. And he was good this year, going 13-8 with a 2.97 ERA, 238 K in 230 IP, and a 1.05 WHIP.

2)     He tired in 2015, and was considerably less effective in the playoffs. That held true this year.

The Cubs battered Arrieta to the tune of six runs (five earned) in 3 1/3. He didn’t give up a home run…but he was consistently hit. The Sox scored three in the first, led 6-1 after four, and comfortably rolled to an 8-5 win.

Chris Sale scattered seven hits and struck out six in 6 2/3. The Cubs got to Craig Kimbrel, but Carson Smith came on for his fourth save of the playoffs.

Sandy Leon homered, while Mookie Betts and Xander Bogaerts each had two hits, and two runs scored.

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BOS leads 1-0

Game 2: Porcello v. Hendricks. Kyle Hendricks would be your Cy Young winner in any year not involving Clayton Kershaw. Porcello, the defending AL Cy Young champ, was 15-8, 3.21 (1.14 WHIP, 5.4 WAR). But he has not been effective in the playoffs, to the tune of a 6.30 ERA in two starts.

But maybe these Sox have Team of Destiny written on them.

The Sox ripped Hendricks (5 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 3 ER), and Porcello was good enough (7 2/3 IP, 8 H, 2 ER), as the Sox are halfway to the world championship after a 7-3 win.

The Sox have won nine of ten this postseason.

Sandy Leon homered once again, a solo blast off Hendricks in the fifth. Conor Gillaspie, who the Sox acquired at the beginning of the season, ran The Professor with a solo shot to lead off the sixth.

Andrew Benintendi, who has become the shining star in the playoffs, was 3-5, driving in three.

Kris Bryant was 3-5, with a run scored, to lead Chicago.

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BOS leads 2-0

Game 3: Lester v. Price. The road team continued to hold serve in the World Series, as Jon Lester was brilliant, tossing seven innings of six-hit ball, striking out seven, leading the Cubs to a 7-0 win. Rookie Jeimer Candelario, playing third base while Bryant acted as the DH, drove in three runs to lead the attack. Addison Russell went 2-4 and scored twice.

David Price was not effective, giving up six hits and four runs, all earned, in 3/2 innings. Steven Wright struck out eight in 3 2/3 relief, which was the only bright spot for the Sox.

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BOS leads 2-1

Game 4: Montgomery v. Pomeranz. The wild card game of the series went the Cubs way, as two non-contact plays made the difference in Chicago’s 4-2 win.

With the game tied 2-2 in the eighth, Craig Kimbrel gave up a leadoff double to Addison Russell. Kris Bryant was intentionally walked, and Wilson Contreras walked on four pitches.

Anthony Rizzo followed that with a walk, bringing home Russell, and giving Chicago a 3-2 lead. Carson Smith relieved Kimbrel, and struck out Jeimer Candelario and Kyle Schwarber.

Then he hit Jayson Heyward, bringing home Bryant.

Winning pitcher Justin Grimm and Wade Davis shut down the Red Sox over the last two frames, evening the series.

Mike Montgomery gave up just four hits and a run in his five innings of work. He was nearly matched by Drew Pomeranz, who gave up just three hits in six innings, but walked five, and gave up a pair of runs.

Russell was 2-5 for the Cubs, while Bryant scored two runs and had a RBI without a hit.

Xander Bogaerts tied the game in the sixth with a home run off of Pedro Strop.

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Series Tied 2-2

Game 5: Arrieta v. Sale. This was the kind of edge-of-your-seat game the Series was waiting for. For Boston fans, it ended in bliss, and with the Red Sox heading to Wrigley one win away from a world championship.

Conor Gillaspie’s walk-off single with one out in the tenth scored Blake Swihart, sending the Red Sox to a 2-1 win over the Cubs.

Jake Arrieta and Chris Sale were game in Game 5; Arrieta gave up a first-inning run, but no more in his seven innings. He allowed just three hits. Chris Sale went 6 2/3 scoreless before the Cubs managed to even up on Javier Baez’ double, which scored Anthony Rizzo.

From there, knuckles turned white at Fenway.

With one out in the eighth, Addison Russell doubled off Carson Smith. Kris Bryant was walked intentionally, bringing up Wilson Contreras. The runners took off on a double hit-and-run; Contreras hit a double-play ball, but Xander Bogaerts had no play at second.

With runners at second and third, Smith coaxed Anthony Rizzo to ground out to second.

In the bottom half, Blake Swihart leadoff with a walk off Wade Davis. Mookie Betts got Swihart to second on a chopper to short. Andrew Benintendi singled to left, getting Swihart to third. Hanley Ramirez walked, loading the bases.

Davis buckled down, striking out Gillaspie, before getting Chris Young to fly out to left.

This scenario would play out again.

The Cubs put runners on the corners in the ninth, on singles by Kyle Schwarber and Jacob Hannemann. But Smith got Ben Zobrist to fly out to center. The game stayed quiet until the tenth.

Again, Swihart leadoff with a walk, this time off of Hector Rondon. Betts was hit by a pitch. Benintendi struck out, before Ramirez singled to load the bases.

Gillaspie fouled off the first pitch, before taking a ball. He fouled off the next one, before singling beyond the diving Javier Baez to score the winner, sending the Fenway crowd into bedlam.

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BOS leads 3-2

Game 6: Porcello v. Hendricks. But really, Dustin Pedroia.

In the end, wouldn’t it be fitting to come down to Pedroia? In his first year as The Elder Statesman, the 34-year-old ended a much-maligned 2017 with perhaps his greatest singular triumph.

Pedroia homered off Justin Grimm to lead off the tenth inning, shocking the Cubs, the Wrigley faithful, and the world. He gave Boston a sudden 5-4 lead.

Three hitters latter, Hanley Ramirez added insurance, doubling home Mookie Betts.

Charlie Furbush retired the Cubs in order in the tenth, giving the Boston Red Sox their first World Series championship since 2013, fourth since 2004, and ninth overall.

Starters Rick Porcello and Kyle Hendricks worked like tired warriors on the mound. Porcello went 6 1/3 innings, giving up seven hits and four runs. Hendricks went just four innings, giving up five hits and three runs, before Joe Maddon went to the bullpen.

In the end, the Sox pen of Tyler Thornburg, Craig Kimbrel, and Furbush were the difference. Furbush won the ALCS clincher, as well.

The Sox took a 3-0 lead in the fourth after Conor Gillaspie (who put his fingerprints all over this postseason) doubled home Pedroia and Andrew Benintendi. Chris Young singled home Gillaspie.

The Cubs got one back in the bottom half, when Jon Jay singled home Addison Russell. But Andrew Benintendi’s single in the top of the fifth brought home Porcello, making it 4-1.

In the seventh, Hannemann hit a one-out double. Jason Heyward walked, bringing up Anthony Rizzo. Rizzo took a 1-1 fastball out to right field, tying the score, and sending the Wrigley crowd into rapture.

The Cubs had another chance in the eight, as Albert Almora and Wilson Contreras hit consecutive singles off Kimbrel. With those two on the corners and one out, Kimbrel got Javier Baez to pop up to Pedroia, before getting Miguel Montero to ground out, once again, to Pedroia.

Pedroia was 4-5 with a pair of runs scored. Andrew Benintendi finished 2-5 with a run scored and a RBI; he finished the postseason with 20 runs batted in.

Rizzo was 3-5, with three RBI, to lead the Cubs.

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2017 Team Stats, Statistical Leaders & Award Winners (A Whole Lot of Screenshots)

Team Hitting Stats

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Team Pitching Stats

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Batting Leaders

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Pitching Leaders

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2017 Award Winners

First, I wanted to show you the league newspaper at season’s end. It’s a blend of news and features (Josh Donaldson opening his own winery?). The newspaper continues to evolve, thanks to many, many people working behind the scenes. It has come a long way, and is a fantastic feature that often gets overlooked.

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And now, the award winners, and voting results, for 2017:

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If you made it this far, you deserve an award. This isn’t meant as a pun. This was *long*. And fun. Here’s hoping that the 2017 season is as thrilling as Out of the Park Baseball 18 predicts.