Post by Spencer on Jun 6, 2013 14:36:20 GMT -5
Ten questions with the Oakland Athletics GM!
1. How are OOTP leagues better or worse then FBB leagues?
I think the biggest difference is that baseball lends itself so much more so to a sim type game, which leads to a more entertaining league overall. FBB is dated, and showing, at a certain point, you are just looking at the same thing over and over, tank for assets, build around a guy and deal off the rest. Feel like I'm doing the same thing over and over. Meanwhile, in this league turnover is constant, there are so many players, and things are changing so often, you cannot sit on the team during the season, you have to make moves to improve because you never know if a guy will take a hit, or if that player is gonna stop performing at that level he was at through the first three months. Baseball is an individual sport masquerading as a team game, and its much simpler for a sim engine to sim those one on one match ups. I love PD’s as well, the changing throughout the season is great, lends a bit of unpredictability to the regular season, and offers something to look at when tanking, in FBB, you have a team…and are just kinda stuck, it all happens in TC. Im down on FBB right now, in UOSL because I enjoy the people more than the game, which I feel I‘ve kinda played out at this point, but the move to FBB3 should be a different deal, if/when it happens.
- I agree with most of what you said. The man to man match ups being easier to sim is a great point. Ive always enjoyed OOTP more then FBB. Having rewards makes it even more fun
2. What is the most important lesson you learned about OOTP?
I don’t think there is a huge one Ive learned yet, it seems to be pretty standard in the way you build a team, there is no one way to look at it. Mainly,Walks rating is huge for pitchers, but I kinda got that right away thanks to other GM’s. I don’t feel there is any one thing Ive learned that’s more important than any other…maybe don’t count on youth to contribute for a few years? I don’t know, seems like everything is pretty standard. Maybe that depth is a big deal I guess, I mean, it seems injuries are a pretty consistent issue for teams, and players getting tired is an annoyance (I always turn that off in any sports games, not realistic but I don’t wanna manage the guy day to day). So you have to have guys with versatility.
-For me just like in FBB some ratings are hidden or pointless. A SP can have A duration and BRILL in HITS and K's but can still suck if he gives up HOMERS or WALKS.
3. Do you think you'll try to compete on a regular basis, or do you see yourself trying a huge rebuild at some point? Do you see benefits in tanking in OOTP?
I do see benefits in tanking, but I hate it. Would I rather have Johan right now than Furcal…wait, dealt him, Mulder…no, wait, him too. But yeah, its always nice to land that first overall pick, and get the guy who is considered the best in the class. Regardless of whether he ends up that way, you have the best shot at a stud if that’s the case, a franchise guy. On the other hand, I much prefer competing. I should have years left available to compete, I can support a payroll of about 86 million, and I would like to keep winning through my TV contract expiration at least, so I think I have at least three years of competing at a high level, but, I also always want to try to get younger to extend that window. Not going to take hits on value to get younger, but if I see an opportunity to get younger without hurting the team, its worth doing. Of course, Ill also get older if the value is right and it makes me better, see Kent, Juan, etc. You have so much flexibility, being without your first for a year is not the end of the world at all, even if you miss the playoffs.
- Financials make tanking even more interesting. More reasons to love OOTP.
4. Any players over the next 3-5 years that you must have? Any real like guys that you'll over pay for?
Well, considering I kept saying I was gonna overpay Ichiro, and never did, no, not really. Sure, there are players I really like (and Dennis Dixon better make his way into the 2005 MLB draft Erbes), but Im not going to go crazy and deal away something that would hurt my team just so I can have say a Felix Hernandez on my team. Or a Griffey Jr. If the opportunity is there, sure, but not at the cost of my team. Ill just have guys on my team that I didn’t care about that I like in the league, such as Todd Van Poppel….its more fun to have scrubs become amazing honestly.
- I want Posey, Lincecum, Cain, Pablo and Bumgarner.
5. Juan Gonzalez. Better then Ken Griffey Jr? Yes or no. Why or why not.
Nah, don’t get me wrong, Juan is special, but Griffey makes up for the lack of hitting talent with the addition of stealing ability, walks, and defense, such great D. That doesn’t mean I would trade Juan for Griffey either, Juan fits my park far better, and is currently cheaper, love him, been amazing since he moved across the bay, Its really fun having the guys with ridiculous talent like that, though you may be better off with a team full of Dye types.
-I got Pittsely and Dye for Juan and still regret it. Hes a stud. Better then Griffey. Easy.
6. Who is your current favorite player on your roster? Why?
TVP, easily. I had no idea what I was doing when I first so I had TVP in the starting rotation despite a 3 in runs. He had 5’s across the board, and average talent everywhere, except Homers, where he was Good and 7...then, well, now look at him, G/A/B/B/B is insane, as is the +6 talent, plus he upped duration as well. He’s pitched well when I wanted him too, and even took that second year off when I didn’t want too. So much fun to have a terrible ML scrub become a complete stud, and unlike FBB, it wasn’t designed that way, it just happened.
-He was a huge prospect at one point too. His current BBSBL self is probably what most MLB scouts thought hed be.
7. What are your short term goals? Can you win a WS title with this squad? If no, what do you need?
Yeah, I think I can, though I am uncomfortable with the back half of my lineup, Jeter has only 23 RBI so far, which tells you I have no batting in the back half of the lineup, and I really don’t, Hatteberg has been terrible, though a bit better as of late, but no power, Everett is struggling right now, which isn’t helping, and my depth is based off of Jose Valentin managing to play out of his mind all year, terrible. I am uncomfortable with my pitching, but I fully expect Pavano to turn it around, and Chouinard is playing out of his mind. Probably pulled the plug on Satoru too early, so I may give him a chance at the rotation again, which should settle my pitching. I may still need to make a move there. Zambrano turns out wasn’t quite ready, and may be dealt by the time this is posted for another bat, in which case my D is improved and pitching should be better yet.
-I think you have a legit chance to get out of the AL. Not sure you can take the Cubbies though.
8. If you could have any current BBSBL franchise which would you take? Why?
Id take Tampa, for the sake of they are open, and it would be fun to be going through an expansion draft as a new experience (the new FBB allows for those, and contraction, same goes for the switch there). Id say Florida, but the talent there is just too good, I wouldn’t want to just inherit that kind of talent, would make winning feel meaningless…anybody should win with that kind of talent, getting it is the real Gming job. Id want a team that’s nearing its end, but still with pieces to deal off to make the team mine, a team like…Baltimore I guess, have a nice prospect to settle around, and some guys they could deal off to rebuild.
-This question was designed to give props to a current GM doing a good job. But I kinda agree with Broph in that Id love to manage an expansion team. Sucks I love my Giants.
9. Name the top 5 players in BBSBL. Reasoning.
Hrm, not an easy call. For current production,
#5 Pedro Martinez-His numbers are a bit off on the surface this year, but overall hes been way better than they suggest. Outstanding ratings, big time innings eater, his ERC is just 1.96, yet somehow his ERA is currently a 3.41. Probably overrating him, but right now, I don’t feel there is a Pitcher in the AL I would rather have on the mound for me if I have to win, and that includes TVP. But his stats are meh right now despite that, so he falls at number five.
#4. Kerry Wood. By far more valuable then all but Helton, but he isn’t the best player, just because he is a pitcher, and in the regular season, doesn’t pitch enough games to have the full effect a stud batter can…but in a best of 5/7 series, Wood is the best pitcher right now, and still developing. This is a case of talents outdoing the ratings, but his ratings are still sick. Doesn’t allow hits, ton of strikeouts, A duration so he eats innings. His QS% is poor in relation, but his 2.66 ERA disguises a 1.7 ERC, and he only allows 8 runners per 9 innings. For whatever reason, he cant pitch at home right now, but he is still studly, to the point opposing batters are hitting .152 against him, with about a .524 OPS, insanely low.
Next, Juan Gonzalez. But wait, didn’t I just say Griffey was better? Yeah, but Griffey is hurt, and that’s holding him off this list (cop out to get 2 pitchers on the list tbh). Juan doesn’t take walks, that’s his big weakness, but, he’s leading the AL in Average, Hits, Slugging, Home Runs (by 5), and RBI (by 14), and that’s despite playing the first month in a home stadium that murders hitters. Yes, that also means he did damage in San Fran, so part of his numbers are NL, but still crazy overall. Tack on that he is hitting .400 on the road with a 1.232 OPS, and is still recovering from the home period with SF at .870 OPS, crazy batting.
#2 goes to Manny Ramirez, quietly leading the AL in OPS and runs created. He is just such a great hitter…the only downside ishe is not all that great as a defender, but at this point, you take the offense and the D is acceptable.
Which leaves #1. Helton is still way overrated probably, playing 1B and all, but oh well, the talents are insane, he can hit for power, average, take walks, all so amazing. He’s not the most valuable player in the league, but the best, I can definitely see that.
Guys that will probably be on this list in a short term, or could be now based off stats:
JD Drew is the MVP right now, still franchisable for anybody if they deal for him now, Brilliant in Homers Walks strikeouts, just amazing.
Vladdy, Brilliant in Hits Homers Strikeouts, walks need work, and a PD hit would be a fear, but still a complete stud right now, outside his D.
Johan Santana-only giving play one pitcher. He’ll probably get pissed anyway.
And others Im sure, but Im lazy.
-Juan is #1.
10. Who are the best teams in both leagues and who will win the WS?
I really think this is my year in the AL, I feel I shoulda had it last year, but shit happens I guess. My D in the OF just got an upgrade, as did my lineup overall, cannot believe how poorly my backhalf has been, how does Jeter have only 23 RBI with a .911 OPS…oh right, my batters blow. I have pitching when Pavano pulls his head out of his ass, which Hunter should help with, as he is a flyball pitcher, TVP is dealing but quietly Chouinard has been lights out. The fourth pitcher slot is a clear Q, but Ill run Satoru or Ohka there, and if necessary can afford to make a deal for a fourth. Boston is on the comeback trail, but I feel like I can matchup.
In the NL, its Play, and I feel he is the overall favorite as well, his offense is outstanding with the fixed stadium, and his defense and pitching compliment each other extremely well, A in the OF at LF and CF, Johan, Wood , Wilson is amazing for a playoff series, and Stephenson isn’t bad either. Don’t see anybody beating that
-Cubbies are nasty. No one can beat them. Cake walk for them.
1. How are OOTP leagues better or worse then FBB leagues?
I think the biggest difference is that baseball lends itself so much more so to a sim type game, which leads to a more entertaining league overall. FBB is dated, and showing, at a certain point, you are just looking at the same thing over and over, tank for assets, build around a guy and deal off the rest. Feel like I'm doing the same thing over and over. Meanwhile, in this league turnover is constant, there are so many players, and things are changing so often, you cannot sit on the team during the season, you have to make moves to improve because you never know if a guy will take a hit, or if that player is gonna stop performing at that level he was at through the first three months. Baseball is an individual sport masquerading as a team game, and its much simpler for a sim engine to sim those one on one match ups. I love PD’s as well, the changing throughout the season is great, lends a bit of unpredictability to the regular season, and offers something to look at when tanking, in FBB, you have a team…and are just kinda stuck, it all happens in TC. Im down on FBB right now, in UOSL because I enjoy the people more than the game, which I feel I‘ve kinda played out at this point, but the move to FBB3 should be a different deal, if/when it happens.
- I agree with most of what you said. The man to man match ups being easier to sim is a great point. Ive always enjoyed OOTP more then FBB. Having rewards makes it even more fun
2. What is the most important lesson you learned about OOTP?
I don’t think there is a huge one Ive learned yet, it seems to be pretty standard in the way you build a team, there is no one way to look at it. Mainly,Walks rating is huge for pitchers, but I kinda got that right away thanks to other GM’s. I don’t feel there is any one thing Ive learned that’s more important than any other…maybe don’t count on youth to contribute for a few years? I don’t know, seems like everything is pretty standard. Maybe that depth is a big deal I guess, I mean, it seems injuries are a pretty consistent issue for teams, and players getting tired is an annoyance (I always turn that off in any sports games, not realistic but I don’t wanna manage the guy day to day). So you have to have guys with versatility.
-For me just like in FBB some ratings are hidden or pointless. A SP can have A duration and BRILL in HITS and K's but can still suck if he gives up HOMERS or WALKS.
3. Do you think you'll try to compete on a regular basis, or do you see yourself trying a huge rebuild at some point? Do you see benefits in tanking in OOTP?
I do see benefits in tanking, but I hate it. Would I rather have Johan right now than Furcal…wait, dealt him, Mulder…no, wait, him too. But yeah, its always nice to land that first overall pick, and get the guy who is considered the best in the class. Regardless of whether he ends up that way, you have the best shot at a stud if that’s the case, a franchise guy. On the other hand, I much prefer competing. I should have years left available to compete, I can support a payroll of about 86 million, and I would like to keep winning through my TV contract expiration at least, so I think I have at least three years of competing at a high level, but, I also always want to try to get younger to extend that window. Not going to take hits on value to get younger, but if I see an opportunity to get younger without hurting the team, its worth doing. Of course, Ill also get older if the value is right and it makes me better, see Kent, Juan, etc. You have so much flexibility, being without your first for a year is not the end of the world at all, even if you miss the playoffs.
- Financials make tanking even more interesting. More reasons to love OOTP.
4. Any players over the next 3-5 years that you must have? Any real like guys that you'll over pay for?
Well, considering I kept saying I was gonna overpay Ichiro, and never did, no, not really. Sure, there are players I really like (and Dennis Dixon better make his way into the 2005 MLB draft Erbes), but Im not going to go crazy and deal away something that would hurt my team just so I can have say a Felix Hernandez on my team. Or a Griffey Jr. If the opportunity is there, sure, but not at the cost of my team. Ill just have guys on my team that I didn’t care about that I like in the league, such as Todd Van Poppel….its more fun to have scrubs become amazing honestly.
- I want Posey, Lincecum, Cain, Pablo and Bumgarner.
5. Juan Gonzalez. Better then Ken Griffey Jr? Yes or no. Why or why not.
Nah, don’t get me wrong, Juan is special, but Griffey makes up for the lack of hitting talent with the addition of stealing ability, walks, and defense, such great D. That doesn’t mean I would trade Juan for Griffey either, Juan fits my park far better, and is currently cheaper, love him, been amazing since he moved across the bay, Its really fun having the guys with ridiculous talent like that, though you may be better off with a team full of Dye types.
-I got Pittsely and Dye for Juan and still regret it. Hes a stud. Better then Griffey. Easy.
6. Who is your current favorite player on your roster? Why?
TVP, easily. I had no idea what I was doing when I first so I had TVP in the starting rotation despite a 3 in runs. He had 5’s across the board, and average talent everywhere, except Homers, where he was Good and 7...then, well, now look at him, G/A/B/B/B is insane, as is the +6 talent, plus he upped duration as well. He’s pitched well when I wanted him too, and even took that second year off when I didn’t want too. So much fun to have a terrible ML scrub become a complete stud, and unlike FBB, it wasn’t designed that way, it just happened.
-He was a huge prospect at one point too. His current BBSBL self is probably what most MLB scouts thought hed be.
7. What are your short term goals? Can you win a WS title with this squad? If no, what do you need?
Yeah, I think I can, though I am uncomfortable with the back half of my lineup, Jeter has only 23 RBI so far, which tells you I have no batting in the back half of the lineup, and I really don’t, Hatteberg has been terrible, though a bit better as of late, but no power, Everett is struggling right now, which isn’t helping, and my depth is based off of Jose Valentin managing to play out of his mind all year, terrible. I am uncomfortable with my pitching, but I fully expect Pavano to turn it around, and Chouinard is playing out of his mind. Probably pulled the plug on Satoru too early, so I may give him a chance at the rotation again, which should settle my pitching. I may still need to make a move there. Zambrano turns out wasn’t quite ready, and may be dealt by the time this is posted for another bat, in which case my D is improved and pitching should be better yet.
-I think you have a legit chance to get out of the AL. Not sure you can take the Cubbies though.
8. If you could have any current BBSBL franchise which would you take? Why?
Id take Tampa, for the sake of they are open, and it would be fun to be going through an expansion draft as a new experience (the new FBB allows for those, and contraction, same goes for the switch there). Id say Florida, but the talent there is just too good, I wouldn’t want to just inherit that kind of talent, would make winning feel meaningless…anybody should win with that kind of talent, getting it is the real Gming job. Id want a team that’s nearing its end, but still with pieces to deal off to make the team mine, a team like…Baltimore I guess, have a nice prospect to settle around, and some guys they could deal off to rebuild.
-This question was designed to give props to a current GM doing a good job. But I kinda agree with Broph in that Id love to manage an expansion team. Sucks I love my Giants.
9. Name the top 5 players in BBSBL. Reasoning.
Hrm, not an easy call. For current production,
#5 Pedro Martinez-His numbers are a bit off on the surface this year, but overall hes been way better than they suggest. Outstanding ratings, big time innings eater, his ERC is just 1.96, yet somehow his ERA is currently a 3.41. Probably overrating him, but right now, I don’t feel there is a Pitcher in the AL I would rather have on the mound for me if I have to win, and that includes TVP. But his stats are meh right now despite that, so he falls at number five.
#4. Kerry Wood. By far more valuable then all but Helton, but he isn’t the best player, just because he is a pitcher, and in the regular season, doesn’t pitch enough games to have the full effect a stud batter can…but in a best of 5/7 series, Wood is the best pitcher right now, and still developing. This is a case of talents outdoing the ratings, but his ratings are still sick. Doesn’t allow hits, ton of strikeouts, A duration so he eats innings. His QS% is poor in relation, but his 2.66 ERA disguises a 1.7 ERC, and he only allows 8 runners per 9 innings. For whatever reason, he cant pitch at home right now, but he is still studly, to the point opposing batters are hitting .152 against him, with about a .524 OPS, insanely low.
Next, Juan Gonzalez. But wait, didn’t I just say Griffey was better? Yeah, but Griffey is hurt, and that’s holding him off this list (cop out to get 2 pitchers on the list tbh). Juan doesn’t take walks, that’s his big weakness, but, he’s leading the AL in Average, Hits, Slugging, Home Runs (by 5), and RBI (by 14), and that’s despite playing the first month in a home stadium that murders hitters. Yes, that also means he did damage in San Fran, so part of his numbers are NL, but still crazy overall. Tack on that he is hitting .400 on the road with a 1.232 OPS, and is still recovering from the home period with SF at .870 OPS, crazy batting.
#2 goes to Manny Ramirez, quietly leading the AL in OPS and runs created. He is just such a great hitter…the only downside ishe is not all that great as a defender, but at this point, you take the offense and the D is acceptable.
Which leaves #1. Helton is still way overrated probably, playing 1B and all, but oh well, the talents are insane, he can hit for power, average, take walks, all so amazing. He’s not the most valuable player in the league, but the best, I can definitely see that.
Guys that will probably be on this list in a short term, or could be now based off stats:
JD Drew is the MVP right now, still franchisable for anybody if they deal for him now, Brilliant in Homers Walks strikeouts, just amazing.
Vladdy, Brilliant in Hits Homers Strikeouts, walks need work, and a PD hit would be a fear, but still a complete stud right now, outside his D.
Johan Santana-only giving play one pitcher. He’ll probably get pissed anyway.
And others Im sure, but Im lazy.
-Juan is #1.
10. Who are the best teams in both leagues and who will win the WS?
I really think this is my year in the AL, I feel I shoulda had it last year, but shit happens I guess. My D in the OF just got an upgrade, as did my lineup overall, cannot believe how poorly my backhalf has been, how does Jeter have only 23 RBI with a .911 OPS…oh right, my batters blow. I have pitching when Pavano pulls his head out of his ass, which Hunter should help with, as he is a flyball pitcher, TVP is dealing but quietly Chouinard has been lights out. The fourth pitcher slot is a clear Q, but Ill run Satoru or Ohka there, and if necessary can afford to make a deal for a fourth. Boston is on the comeback trail, but I feel like I can matchup.
In the NL, its Play, and I feel he is the overall favorite as well, his offense is outstanding with the fixed stadium, and his defense and pitching compliment each other extremely well, A in the OF at LF and CF, Johan, Wood , Wilson is amazing for a playoff series, and Stephenson isn’t bad either. Don’t see anybody beating that
-Cubbies are nasty. No one can beat them. Cake walk for them.
