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Turkish Delight -- The Istanbul Ottomans Story

Lloyd Carr

Well-Known Member
7 letters in respect. 7th (well, 7 after s) letter from the end of the alphabet is S.

13th letter of the alphabet from the start is M.

S for reSpect
M for Marrero
 

Yankee151

Hot Girl Summer
Re13pect lives on to fight another day as Istanbul climb back from a 2-0 deficit to take a wild card victory and now prepare to host Las Vegas for the start of the 7-game League Shampionship to see who will face the South League's shamp.
 

OU11

Pleighboi
Utopia Moderator
Rat made his own bed with that 6 ER in 3.1 inning start. If i hadn't already extended corbishly he'd be gone too
 

Yankee151

Hot Girl Summer
2050 Istanbul Opening Day Lineup

Despite a couple of years of struggle following two playoff appearances, the 2050 Ottomans have brought in some big names old and new, and at least look prepared to provide quality entertainment to the fans as their rebuild begins. Let's take a look at the opening day lineup including all the new faces.

Starting Lineup
RF Carlos Beltran, L Cuba 2.6 WAR last season, the 24 year old looks to improve.
2B Juan Padilla, S Venezuela 2.0 WAR lat season with Seoul, acquired in a trade that also brought a 3rd rounder in. His veteran presents will look to lead the team, and he provides great defense despite a waning bat.
SS Tomas Gonzales, R USA 28 total HR between AA and AAA, he accumulated 3.8 WAR in Casablanca in just half a season and is ready to prove why he was the #4 overall in one of the most loaded drafts ever.
DH Hugo Yazici, R Germany The 3B with Turkish Origins has been a legend in Moscow, but he is taking his 3.8 WAR down south to provide a mix of offense and defense on the hot corner when necessary.
C Murray Saunders, R USA Saunders, brought over in an exchange for legend Fang Jabiri, got his shot last year and made the most of it, posting a 3.4 WAR with an all-star appearance. One of the league's best young C's will continue again.
LF David Alcarez, R Chile Alcarez was signed as a MLFA late last season, returning home to Istanbul after time spent in Kabul's system. He briefly shone before injury, and will look to recover his form from last year.
1B Ron Cooper, R USA The 25 year old was signed as a MLFA this offseason after putting up 2.6 WAR in AAA, and will look to make the most of his first WBL chance despite a career of relative obscurity.
3B Jefferey 'Grumbles' Eglinton, R USA Despite just 0.9 WAR last year, the Ottoman hierarchy is confident he can still live up to the potential he had early in his career and make an impact in the 8 hole.
CF Ewan Marsham, L Kitts A predominantly defensive player, Marsham gets his shot with Hubcaps and Martinez knocking on the door. He had a brief appearance in AAA last year and makes the jump to WBL to see what he can do.


Bench
2B Pedro Chavez, R Costa Rica A defensive specialist at 2B, he will be relegated to the bench following Padilla's arrival but still looks to show what he can do off the bench.
SS Lucio Lopez, S Mexico Lopez has been a stalwart in Turkey since his arrival in 2045, and will continue to perform defensive duties for the Ottomans across the diamond.
C Noureddine Imarika, R So. Africa Imarika fell off a cliff last season, but he has one year remaining on a 9m/yr deal and will at least warm the bench for Saunders.
CF Bobby Farrell, S USA Farrell is mostly here as a 4th OF, as his -1.9 WAR last year won't be seen very much in the lineup. Still, he could prove useful in the season to come.


Rotation
LHP Abdul-Nasser 'Hercules' Rafiq Egypt Herc makes his return to Istanbul on a nice ST FA deal, he brings 3.0 WAR between two teams from last year and will lead the staff.
RHP Ronnie 'Redbeard' Collins USA Redbeard was the 1-1 last year and his 6.5 WAR in Casablanca is more than enough proof that he's ready to prove himself in the bigs. Still, he will be in the #2 slot for now to keep him a bit humble.
LHP Manuel Olarte Guatemala Olarte was brought over from LV, and he has proved his worth to be considered for the rotation in his own right with a 122 ERA+ in Casa last year. Still 22, he will look to work out any kinks this year.
LHP Tony Roman USA Roman makes his return to the Istanbul rotation following a 2.2 WAR showing last season. Now in the #4 slot, pressure is off and he will look to shine.
RHP Sergio Garcia Venezuela Garcia also returns, bringing a 4.0 WAR from last year. With an improved defense and run support he should be a nice fill in for the #5 role until some of the AAA youngsters start knocking.


Bullpen
LHCL Munemori Takashi, Japan
RHSU Alfredo Fiorelli, Italy
LHSU Xavier 'The Sheriff' Miranda, Nicaragua
RHRP Andl Ebussuud, Istanbul, Turkey
RHRP Nunno Favela, Brazil
LHRP Dean Byford, England
RHRP Alberto Gonzales, Mexico


Let's wish the Ottomans a good year as they transition into competition within the next couple of years.
 

Yankee151

Hot Girl Summer
#JusticeForBanjo

Following another year after the heinous revokation of Istanbul and WBL Legend Daniel 'Banjo' Caine from the Hall of GOATS, GM Yankee Cane made a small press announcement today about the matter.

"This is an outrage. We all know Banjo is one of the all time greats in this league as well as his earlier career in the MPB. The fact that goats like him are kept out while some guy named Oort is in just shows the travesty of this hall."

GM Cane also had some things to say about another potential WBL HoG Snub, San Francisco Minor Leaguer Buffalo's famous Closer, Peder Niklasson. "My heart arches for Peder Niklasson, as well as the people of Buffalo, New York and Sweden. Buffalo is a true world class city and to deny them a HoG member to possibly one of the greatest relivers of our time is a true travesty. My sympathies with GM @Lloyd Carr, and may we see our team's GOATS one day enter their rightful hall." While this journalist cannnot confirm the accuracy of Buffalo's claim to be a world class city, it was very clear that Cane was pouring his emotions out in this speech.

GM @ZackMills and Owner-GM-Liason @Reel expressed their disagreement with Niklasson's potential induction, with the latter saying "I think if he had been seasoned in A-Ball for two more years we would've seen him put up bigger numbers." An event such as this only furthers a heated (albeit one-sided) rivalry between the east and west coast darlings of American WBL baseball. Mills did add, however, that he wouldn't mind seeing the all-time GOAT closer in the Hall, provided he remembers his time spent fondly in Sunnyvale, the AA affiliate of San Fran, with a Comets cap when he gets his bust.

Most other league GMs have scoffed at the plight of Istanbul and Buffalo, but GM Cane has that covered. "I've talked to top scientists in Turkey and Ireland, and GM @Mr. Radpants is very close to finishing a warp drive. Maybe one day Banjo will be remembered as the star he was, as we find a new home for humanity and great baseball." As of this writing this journalist must confess his confusion at GM Cane's statement. In the offseason with a bottom of the barrel team, anything can happen.
 

Lloyd Carr

Well-Known Member
wW1dH66.gif


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Yankee151

Hot Girl Summer
Istanbul welcomes old and new faces

The Istanbul Ottomans are first proud to announce that the city has been staved off from it's siege by the Spider-Peoples of Galaxy X42B-7Z, Thanks again in part by 2052 WBL Rookie of the Year and 2049 Intergalactic Defense Agency MVP, Wesley van Aaken. With this matter dealt with, the Istanbul press office has re-opened and is happy to announce some roster moves in anticipation of the new season.

Dzzet Haktanir is coming home to Turkey. The 7-year vet spent much of his young career with Amsterdam, winning a ring in 2049. He's from Ankara, and said he is very excited to be working with the young core here in Istanbul. "I already have a ring, so now I'm focused on helping this young team along, and I'm excited to work alongside great players like van Aaken and Francisco Martinez in the outfield." While Haktanir has taken a step back since his role on the 2049 Amsterdam team, he can still pack a punch and shore up a question spot for the Istanbul lineup. No more Ewam Marsham or David Alcarez, now there's a famous name in the outfield for Istanbul fans to cheer. "I'm excited to visit Ankara when I have the spare time, both to visit my family at home and to speak with some of the young players there."

In addition, veteran outfielder Lieh Chen is coming out of his 1-year retirement, signing a 1-year deal with Istanbul. He's a 3-time all-star and was one of the best players in the league in 2047, picking up both a stick and glove wizard award at Left Field. The vet will be filling in at 4th OF, bringing his veteran presents for the younger players to benefit from. "I'm excited to be here in Istanbul. Sometimes you just need a winner's touch to take you to the next level. I believe with me, Dzzet, Wesley, and Frankie, we have an outfield corps to be proud of. My 1-year break has me refreshed and ready to take on the world." Lieh had 2.1 WAR in a limited season for Amsterdam in 2051. "I'm also excited to help mentor minor-league player Wan-fu Wei, who I see becoming one of the greats in this league with the mentorship of both me and Special Advisor Al Walker."

As for the younger player, Samuel Jephson has been called up to the majors again. He struggled in 9 games in a 2051 coffee cup, but after a big showing in AAA, he's announced that he'll be moving to Second Base to play alongside Thomas Gonzales. "I was very young in 2051, but the experience has helped a lot. Now I get to usher in a great generation in the infield in Istanbul. I'll be playing second this year, though I may move around as needed. Hopefully Blanks can join us soon and we can really show our stuff." Jephson is one of the fastest players in the WBL, and he'll look to utilize that speed for both infield plays and stolen bases. But don't let that speed fool you, this guy packs a big punch with the bat.

Finally, rumors are circling that Joe Ray, catcher behind Murray Saunders, is making a move for the starting job. "I'm ready for the responbility. I've worked harder this offseason than anyone else out there. I love Murray like a brother and he's been a great mentor, but it's time for the teacher to become the student." Only time will tell if Ray can win the job.

For all of us here at the Istanbul press office, let's hope for a continued exciting offseason free of integalactic invasions.
 

Yankee151

Hot Girl Summer
2058 Istanbul Ottomans Season Preview

Boy does time fly. Two years ago we were celebrating the first WBL title for the Ottomans, and two years later spirits are still bright, albeit now with tempered expectations. Istanbul still has a good amount of familiar faces on the roster, even with 2055 team stars Wesley van Aaken (FA) and Besim Inonu (Trade with HFX) leaving in the offseason. Let's jump right in.

Starting Lineup:

C Esteban Paz(DR): The veteran backstop saw a resurgence last season, putting up his best offensive numbers since he signed with the Ottomans. He briefly tested the FA market before resigning on a 3-year deal. His defense is still among the best in the league, and could remain that way over the course of the contract.

1B Von Sherman(USA): You gotta love Von, no? He's entering his 7th year with the Ottomans, following a 3-year extension where he'll be paid just $3m per season. There's concerns that his career year last year (2.3 WAR doubled his career total) could lead to a falling off, but his contract is small enough not to be an issue. As always, he has heavy platoon splits towards righties, and there's no longer Inonu to allow Wan-Fu Wei to spell the position for him. A hand injury towards the end of the year last year hurt his shot at beating his season best in HR, so he'll look to pass 20 again this year to make up for it.

2B Brady 'Rocky' Thompson(USA): Rocky continues to be one of the league's premier leadoff hitters. He put up his best year since his 2052 Key West title season, and at just 28 with 4 years left on his contract, he should be around for a long time. Initial concerns over his adaptability to 2B when he first came over have been proven wrong, as he and Gonzales are a slick double play threat up the middle.

(C) SS Tomas Gonzales(USA): The captain put up another solid year last year, though it was mirred by injury at times which prevented his statlines from going out of control. He'll look to regroup, energized after signing a 7-year extension which could keep him in Istanbul through age 38. What else can we say that hasn't already been said about him?

3B Samuel Jephson(ENG): Jephson, per usual, remains an Enigma. He posted a very solid year last year, hitting 30 bombs and posting an above average WrC+ for the first time in two years. He remains skewed in his production towards lefties, however, and it makes him feel a bit underwhelming to watch at times. He's a joy to watch at the hot corner, providing many a highlight reel. He's in a contract year, and it's still early to determine what will be done with him in the future.

LF Dante "Toad" Waterman(CAN): Waterman was brought over from the Kings last season, and never really found his footing. With van Aaken gone, he'll be able to hold down a position full time, and we're hoping he shows some of his UK side (2.3 WAR, 125 wRC+) rather than his Istanbul side (-0.7 WAR, 92 wRC+) this year.

CF Brett "Nutball" Johnson(USA): Nutball giveth, and Nutball taketh away. He was brought over two seasons ago to try and push for a second title, but fans at this point are wishing they had never made the deal. That's not to say he hasn't been solid; he posted a 3.4 WAR his first year and managed a 1.8 WAR in his limited time last year. But man are those injuries a pain. If he can stay healthy, he should have a good year as his bat is still very good. Eventually he will need to move to a corner OF spot, but at this point, Istanbul do not have the luxury.

RF Gareth "Mustard Tiger" Mosterd(NED): Mosterd has proved to be quite the fan favorite here. He was hugged as a prospect way back in the day, then he came back to Istanbul and won a title his first year here. He's still a very good defender in RF as most runners won't try and test his arm, and his bat remains very good from the left side. At 34, health will make or break his season.

DH Wan-Fu "Little Al" Wei(NZL): With the BC Brawlers disbanding this offseason, Wan-Fu may be the last to be mentored by the all-time great Al Walker. He hasn't exactly lived up to his namesake yet, of course. He doesn't have a defensive position, and he's played in limited time, splitting with Von and Inonu. With Inonu gone, he'll have a chance to be a full starter and put up the big numbers we dreamed about while he was a prospect.

Bench

C Joe Ray(USA): Joe Ray! He's been the backup for 7 years running now, and he signed a team friendly deal this offseason to remain behind the guy behind the dish for another 3 years. The past two years, he's thrown runners out at a 46.7% rate. Yeah, don't run on this guy. His bat could be better, of course, but if it was, he probably wouldn't be a backup.

2B Sean Blake(NZL): Sean Blake is probably one of the 'sadder' stories on the Ottomans. He's been a solid utility player over these past years, but man, he was something to dream about in 2053, when he put up a 2.5 WAR in over 100 games at 2B during the NL title run. He never picked up Shortstop, and his bat has decreased since, so his utility has fallen off a bit. Were he a weak platooner, we'd be talking about him spelling for Von Sherman, but alas, he's another righty masher on a team full of them.

DH Orlando Aguilar(DOM): Yes, you are reading that correctly! The legend and future HOGer got called up to the team again last year after spending some time in comfort in Casablanca, and in case you think he lost it, He hit 4 home runs in just 8 games. He's by all accounts just a pinch hitter at this point, but he's a joy in the clubhouse so he'll remain around for a while, I think.

CF Ivan "Fiasco" Mora(PR): Fiasco about sums him up. He's yet to show the potential of his bat, as outside of a solid approach at the plate, he can't get the ball to leave the infield. At 27, it's make or break time for him. He should see at-bats as a defensive sub, but he really should be in AAA. He's making a lot of money for a 4th outfielder, and is one of the dark spots on an otherwise solid lineup. If he hits his ceiling, though, he'll be the Center Fielder Istanbul has really never had.


Starting Rotation:

RHP Barney "Sabertooth" Knowles(CAN)
LHP Hsuang-tsung Zhang(CHN)
RHP Guo-quiang Chen(CHN)
RHP Daryl Duce(VI)
RHP Alfredo Gonzales(VEN)

The rotation has been a question mark since the departure of Freek Stevense last year. Sabertooth remains one of the best pitcher in the league, and Zhang is dependable, but the other 3 are very young and are prone to mistakes. Both Chen and Duce have work to do on last year, but sophomore seasons are usually better for pitchers. Gonzales was solid in the pen last year, with a 2.91 ERA in 55 innings, and he'll take over the spot left by Luke Toswell. The rotation will need even more help from the offense this year, though there certainly have been worse rotations in the past.

Pen:
RHCL Grigory Katulsky(RUS)
RHSU Jeffrey Stroo(CUR)
RHSU Brad Martin(CAN)
LHMR Michael Bentham(SKN)
RHMR Jorge Colon(DOM)
RHMR Francis Joseph(CAN)
RHMR Joey Buenpacifico(PHI)

The pen was bolstered by a series of moves in the offseason, the most notable being the signing of 23 year old former Intergalactic Navy member Grigory Katulsky. The Russian can get his fastball up to 100mph, and looked good in most of his ST outings, save one where he gave up 4 ER in .1 innings. Stroo, Bentham, and Buenpacifico came over from Halifax when they were called San Francisco, and each have shown flashes of potential. Brad Martin struggled in Istanbul after being traded mid season, but he's still young and has a full offseason in the books now. Joseph and Colon round it off after having very hot seasons last year, though the two are on opposite ends of the age spectrum.


Other Notables
SP John Winter(AAA)
SP/MR Angel Ronceros(AAA)
RF Juan Cardenas(AAA)
CF Louwe "Calkhovenades" Calkhoven(AAA)
SS Rodney Baldwin(AAA)
SP Zhuo-Cheng Juan(AAA)
CF Falco Ros(AAA)
SP Gannon McThomas(AAA)
CF Trevor "Wall" Scantlebury(AA)

Winter was sent down to Casablanca to stay loose as a potential spot starter, though he was passable in relief last year. Ronceros is in the same boat. Cardenas struggled in ST after coming over from HFX but is still young and will look to get work in in Casablanca. Calkhoven is staying loose in Morocco as well. Rodney Baldwin's bat never developed to match his first round valuation, but he's taken to SS and will provide some flexibility as a utility call up, and he'll continue to get work in. Juan and Ros were the big pieces in the Inonu deal, and both could feature this year though they might be more geared towards the future. Gannon McThomas has improved and will try out AAA this year. Not much more to ask from your #8 Starter. Finally, Scantlebury is the team's top prospect, but his bat has yet to come along. He'll repeat AA this year, at just 21 years old.

With that I hope you all enjoy the season. The Opening Day matchup sees Sabertooth take the mound against the current World Champions, which is always fun. Stay safe and Go Ottomans!
 

Yankee151

Hot Girl Summer
Yeah his rating there got better with time doe. For a while I thought he was going to need to move to 3B

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk
 
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Yankee151

Hot Girl Summer
2060 OPENING DAY

Istanbul Ottomans fans, get your tickets for Opening day as the 2060 WBL season kicks off here in Turkey at 2:05 in the morning! Before the game, there will be a 5-year 2055 World Championship anniversary ceremony with visiting players from the team such as Sean Blake, Wesley van Aaken, and Besim Inonu showing up! Then, feast your eyes on a scintillating blast from the past, as the two aces from the 2055 squad, Barney 'Sabertooth' Knowles of @Mr. Radpants Dublin, and Hsuang-tsung Zhang of Istanbul battle it out in what should be an exciting pitchers duel!

Tomorrow at 9:05pm, we'll be allowing fans into the stadium early to watch the Falklands Rivalry for the South League's opening day between @NML United Kingdom and @osick87 Buenos Aires. Then, catch another exciting Istanbul-Dublin matchup as rookie Roland da Silva, acquired in the Sabertooth deal, makes his major league debut and tries to stifle the power bats of Mortiz Norman and Randy Creswell!
 

Yankee151

Hot Girl Summer
Da Silva No-Hits Dublin while Jephson picks up a cycle as Istanbul win 12-0
May 25, 2060

A historic day in Istanbul and WBL history, as yet another series with Dublin coming into town starts off with a bang. Rookie Roland Da Silva held Dublin hitless, and was just 1 out away from the third perfect game in WBL history. The no hitter is the first in Istanbul history, adding them to the list of teams who have collected a no-hitter (False Bay x3, Moscow x3, Las Vegas x2, Cairo x2, Buffalo x2, Australia, Seoul, Helsignborg, Little Rock). Da Silva's 3 strikeouts is the second lowest of all the no-hitters. He's the youngest pitcher to throw a no-hitter, beating Leandro Moran's mark of 24 by a year, and also the first rookie.

The day becomes even more historic as this is the first (and possibly, the last) game to feature a cycle and a no-hitter in the same game. Samuel Jephson went 5 for 6 with 6 RBI, and ended up grabbing a player of the week award for his troubles, his first since 2054. Jephson's cycle is just the third in team history, following Harry Millburn's in 2046 and Labib bin Haddad's in 2037. His 5 hits tie the Istanbul regular season game record. That the cycle started off against former Istanbul ace Barney Knowles will surely be an extra sweetness for the young squad.

Stay tuned for more Istanbul news. Istanbul are 5-1 against Dublin on the year and their next matchup will be in Ireland next month, and we can't wait to see what happens then.
 
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Karl Hungus

Here to fix the cable
@Yankee151 after you finally stop putting ringers in A ball, maybe consider changing the team name?

The North African World Series (also known as the "GI World Series") was a best two-out-of-three-game baseball championship played on October 3 and 4, 1943, between the Casablanca Yankees and the Algiers Streetwalkers, drawn from the ranks of American soldiers and sailors stationed in North Africa during World War II
 

Yankee151

Hot Girl Summer
BREAKING NEWS
11/19/2065
Istanbul, Turkey


It all seemed to happen so quickly. First one rumor posted on Gal-Net, then another, then another. Some time later, Istanbul Ottomans owner Tursuan Computarius' personal spaceship was seen returning to the city following a brief vacation in Mars. Computarius was making his first appearance in Turkey's largest city in a couple of years, and it was one to behold. He exited his ship sporting a long black-grey mane and matching beard, both reaching down to chest-level and covered in beads and other Martian fetishes. His Enviro-Suit, stylized as a blazer and tie, was covered in red clay, and the Istanbul owner didn't seem interested in changing that for the time being. After briefly greeting his young family, he called for an impromptu press conference on the tarmac. Within minutes, all the Istanbul beat reporters who were of any note showed up.

Following a hasty setup of a podium, Mr. Computarius leaned himself over the setup, immediately getting it dirty with martian dust, and began to speak in a slow manner.

"Truly, there is not a more peaceful place to be in our solar system than an alcove under Olympus Mons. The idle flow of lava under the volcano really shows you what matters in this life. Ten years ago, our great organization finally won its first title, fufilling my late father's wishes. Mere years later, my company began establishing a permanent presence on Mars, helping grow a colony to rival some of the others on our beautiful sister planet. And yet, my good people of Istanbul, I still find myself empty. Since our victory, our team has returned to the past, when I wish to go to the future. Nay, I am in the future, I say." Computarius then sighs, strokes his beard a bit, then resumes speaking.

"Before I leave this planet for good, to finish my days on the red planet, I have but one more wish for the Ottomans. We will bring another championship to our organization. It became clear in my meditations that the current leadership of the organization is no longer capable of fufilling this goal. I have spoken with Mr. Cane and we have agreed to part ways. The future is bright for us all, and so I know Mr. Cane will find his way in these times. When I have found a new captain for our proverbial ship, I will let you know. Until then, may the peace and love of our universe shine upon you all as we push forward." Computarius smiles, almost too happily, and walks away from the podium to speak to his family.

While the ever eccentric Istanbul owner was a bit vague, we can confirm that long-time GM Yankee Cane has left the Istanbul organization. It's unclear what the future holds for Mr. Cane or the Istanbul Ottomans, but we can only hope it's a bright future as Mr. Computarius promised.
 

Yankee151

Hot Girl Summer
My final fan-fic (in case you missed it, ebarws is taking over for me and I'm moving in with Lloyd in Buffalo)
 
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