2017 Regular Season SIM 3 Complete - Next SIM Thursday 06/23

[BradZ]

Awesome. Haven't seen one of these in a while.

Right? Great callback post.

[Pat]

Seattle Pilots – April in Review<?xml:namespace prefix = "o" ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

Record: 13-7 (.650), 1st<SUP>th</SUP> in Bock

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I've loved every minute of returning to the BLB and somehow leading the Bock after the first month is the cherry on top. Entering the off-season I figured a .500 season would be possible with an outside shot to sneak in as a Wild Card. I never thought we would compete for the division so I'll enjoy my day in the sun...which is rare in Seattle.
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The Good
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I knew we were going to rely on power but I never thought we would lead the league in home runs. Through 20 games, Seattle has mashed 35 dingers, while the 2nd in that department is Indianapolis at 27. There is no way we keep this pace but after all my years at The Capitol in DC, it's to go deep.

-Dave Nelson and T.J. Payette deserve a lot of praise...and they are getting it. Nelson, selected 1st overall in the expansion draft, leads the entire BLB in WAR at 2.1, on pace for 17.4! He took home the IL Player of the Week and the Month, while Payette took home IL Rookie of the Month after hitting at a .950 OPS. Obviously, neither will keep up this hot start but after second guessing the selections of both (Jimmy Burkhead?! William Eddy!? TJ Dunn!?) seeing Nelson and Payette succeed from the jump has kept me sane.
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-Felipe Vega and Dave Dunham have lived up to their Top 20 Pitcher Rankings and their costly contracts. While not nearly as deep as some of the BLB's great rotations, I feel Vega and Dunham can compete with anyone.
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-Despite the early struggles of Closer Robby Scriber (three losses) the bullpen has yet to blow a save and ranks 3rd in the IL in ERA (1.87). Impressive showing for a group of cast-offs, all from the expansion draft.
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The Bad
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-As expected with a power heavy free-swining team, there are going to be off nights. In the seven losses so far, four have been by two runs of less including a shutout by Windy City's 5th starter. The Pilots are 10th in strikeouts and just 7th in average with a lot of hitters over performing. Inconsistency should continue at the plate.
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-Zachary Henne has yet to find his stroke. The left-handed slugger is currently on pace for 170 strikeouts in just 567 PA. The 34-year-old has battled injuries in the past and has been given regular days off regularly, so hopefully he finds his groove when he gets more reps.
-Water will find it's level, and soon. The Pilots positional strength page is not too impressive with rankings of 17th and 21st at C/1B and 18th, 15th, 16th at LF/CF/RF. Only 2B and 3B are Top 8.
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The Farm
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-Without a history of drafts the Pilot's farm system is pretty bare. However, SP Dave Kell currently ranks 67th. The 6'7 24-year-old might look intimidating but he really isn't. The control pitcher rarely strikes batters out but has pitched decently in his return to Double-A. The other Top 100 prospect, CL Tom Murray is currently Kell's teammate in the minors. Murray has yet to give up a run this year and might be on the fast track to Triple-A.
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-Not really the farm but Seattle is spending majority of scouting time looking at the draft. With the #2 overall pick, along with the nine other rounds, the Pilots scouting staff is feeling the pressure. Rumors are swirling that three of the top pitching prospects have all been visited by Seattle's scout Mr. Martines.
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The Acquisitions
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-Seattle made their first waiver claims as a franchise last week brining in pitcher Fernando Ocampo and infielder Dave Hallock from Toronto and Baltimore, respectively. Ocampo, lefty, is a team leader and gets a lot of ground ball outs. Hallock is as impressive with the glove as he is on the base paths. Both are expected to make their Seattle debut's this week.

Looking Ahead
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Seattle finishes a series with Davenport before traveling to Carolina, then the schedule gets very difficult: BAT, DVS, PHI, DEN, NYK, DC, LAM, BAL for the month of May. I just hope we are still north of .500 when I write the May Review. <o:p></o:p>

[Delandis]

Washington Bats – April in Review<?xml:namespace prefix = "o" ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

Old habits die hard.

[Pat]

Old habits die hard.

It has been hard. Harder than I thought it would be. I find myself typing Washington all the time... I also go to the Washington team page in game often instead of Seattle...

I've recently been crying myself to sleep dreaming about JP Lawrence.

I should have never quit you... BLB....

[Sharkn20]

It has been hard. Harder than I thought it would be. I find myself typing Washington all the time... I also go to the Washington team page in game often instead of Seattle...

I've recently been crying myself to sleep dreaming about JP Lawrence.

I should have never quit you... BLB....

Glad you're enjoying Payette :)

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

[Spectre]

Obviously my team isn't going to play like this all year- however I'm gonna enjoy the ride while it lasts. The pitching has just been amazing so far.

[liquidcrash]

When does the draft class get published (and correspondingly, the utility updated)?

[BradZ]

When does the draft class get published (and correspondingly, the utility updated)?

Draft class is available in game now (and has been for a SIM or two).

Utility announcement coming soon.

[nelmsm]

I think all we can do this season is embrace the suck and soldier on.

[liquidcrash]

Draft class is available in game now (and has been for a SIM or two).

Utility announcement coming soon.

Indeed it is. Thanks.

[Matt]

Hey 6-1...back to .500.

[fsquid]

Still not last in the power rankings.