Post by Ashes on Jul 10, 2013 21:53:53 GMT -5
TMPF Roundtable: The Many Sides of Ashes
[/size]So, I got this idea to interview myself before I leave, but then I figured, why stop there? Let's do a roundtable with the different personas of Ashes that manifest here in BBSBL. Should be fun, right? Well, we'll see how it goes![/center]
1. So, since you enjoy opening with this question for newly interviewed people, how about you tell us about your self...selves?
Well, I'm 24 years old and I've been involved with basketball leagues since 2001 or 2002. This is my first OOTP league and I love it. I enjoy playing basketball, video games, watching stupid movies, and long walks on the beach. I am close to finishing my degree in Political Science, which I will be finishing in the Navy to transition to office. I am going to basic training tomorrow morning, so that will be fun. I'll be in San Diego for the foreseeable future after that. Oh, I'll be back in a few months![/color]
Yeah, I'm a bit of a bad ass. I was a boxer for two years and I've trained a bit in MMA, even had a few amateur fights. I'm a pretty good time, definitely enjoy hitting the bars. Besides that, I've really taken to this OOTP thing. Been killing it here in BBSBL, and the only reason I might slow down is because I'm taking off for a few months for basic training. I expect to still win, and I'll win a title or two in my absence. Then I'll be back to continue my dominance.[/color]
Well, I enjoy reading and writing. I used to write poetry in high school and college, had a few of them published. After that, I became interested in writing a novel. Focused on that for a few years, and after a few scrapped ideas, I finally finished a manuscript. I've gotten interest from a few publishers, but they're small runs and I'm not fully satisfied with my novel to give it a try yet. I own two cats, Captain Awesome and Luffy. I enjoy listening to a good vinyl and cooking. Definitely one of my more enjoyable hobbies. Would love to own a restaurant when I retire.[/color]
2. What do you think about the current state of BBSBL? How do you feel it could be improved?
I think everything is going pretty well. Activity is great (though the offseason lull didn't help) and there's a good mix of tanking and competition. Outside of the draft stuff, erbes has been very consistent with his simming and has stuck to his guns. People still talk shit, but there's no denying it's been a lot better. I think it's one of the better run leagues out there, by far the most active, and it's my favorite sim league. I'll miss it these next few months.[/color]
Erbes needs to get this draft shit together. The past two offseasons have been a nightmare and we can't afford to have that happening anymore. Also, if I hear one more accusation of erbes cheating, I hope whoever throws it out there, whether jokingly or not, gets fired. That shit doesn't help the league in any way, shape or form. At the same time, boy erbes needs to stop antagonizing too. stfu and sim bro[/color]
The league is great, but the bitching is getting old. We get it. You don't like each other. You don't like erbes. Etc. I'm all for the occasional trolling, but damn, it's like every day. It's subsided for the most part, so let's keep it that way. Also, let's let erbes do his thing. As long as he can keep us updated, no sense in bitching and making things worse.[/color]
3. Talk about your Marlins. They sit at 27-21 in a three-way tie for second place in the NL East, 3 games behind first. How do you feel about your postseason chances? World Series chances?
I think I'll end up with the wild card in the NL. It's going to be difficult. I'm not too happy about my team's performance so far, I really feel like we'd be winning the division if it weren't for the slow start. My offense needs to improve big time, and my pitching hasn't been much better. Still, to be sitting at 27-21 and only 3 games off the lead in the best division in BBSBL is awesome. I feel pretty good about things in general surrounding me team. I have a lot of talent and a pretty deep farm system. I should be able to compete for a long time. I'm not sure if we make it to the World Series this year, but I think we a good chance once our offense gets back into form.[/color]
Not even worried. After that bullshit start we're only 3 games back? I'll take that. No faith in styro keeping the Expos on top. At the first sign of trouble, he'll say "fuck it, I'll get another stud" and quit. Even if he didn't, we're chasing him down for the division, but I think he could take the Wild Card if he wanted. I have one of the best organizations in the league. A top team and a top farm system. Going to start a powerhouse down here in South Beach. I hope we play the Giants again in the playoffs so I can sweep Spencer on his farewell from competitive play tour. I'd be worried about the Cubs, but the Astros have that ass on lock, and the Wild Card will come from the NL East. Only team I'm worried about in the AL is broph's A's, but I have a feeling he dumps round to the Yankees or White Sox for some reason. Title season son.[/color]
Eh, it's going to be tough without me being here. I do a lot of work with my lineups, rotation, and I'm always looking to improve, especially around the deadline. I'm hoping my current gameplan is enough to keep me on track, but I wouldn't be surprised if I narrowly miss out. I think this team is good enough to win 100 games, but I don't know if that's enough in the NL East. Here's hoping I come back to see good news![/color]
4. Which teams worry you the most in the NL and why? What do you need to do to compete with them?
The team that worries me the most is the Expos. They're playing out of control right now. Fick is out of his mind. They have a great balance of pitching and hitting, but I don't know if it's going to hold up. They are in a tough division and I think they definitely have the talent to finally make the postseason, but I still feel confident I can catch them. I need my offense to play better and hopefully Sabathia continues to improve this season. If he can play like a true #1, I think we can contend with the best of them.[/color]
I'd be worried about the Cubs if they could get their shit together. They aren't going to win the Wild Card so they need to take the Central. The Astros are playing very well, but I don't think they keep it up, they'll fade. The question is will play get his shit together and take the division like he should. If he does, I'll be worried about the Cubs and their ridiculous pitching. If he doesn't, the NL doesn't worry me at all.[/color]
There are a lot of good teams in the NL, it's very competitive, especially in my own division. [/color]
5. The AL is shaping up pretty much like it usually does, but the Yankees are now back. Are the Yankees the favorites in the East? In the AL? If not, then who is?
I don't know if the Yankees are the favorites, but they're definitely taking over the AL East. The think the AL is a two and a half horse race. Once Oakland gets it together, I think they are still the favorites, and luckily for them, their division isn't too good so they should be able to make the playoffs pretty easily. It's hard to count the White Sox out, but their window is closing fast. I'll still go with Oakland for now.[/color]
They look like it, but I don't buy it yet. Broph is still the favorite until I see him get knocked off the top. He's struggling, so he's probably got to make some moves or fix something, but he still has the top flight talent. Arguably top 1 or 2 hitter and pitcher in the AL, maybe the whole league. No one is going to want to face that in the AL, so he's gotta still be the favorite.[/color]
I have to say, the Yankees might be the real deal. They lead the league in HRs and have one of the highest averages in the league, so naturally they have one of the higher scoring teams in the league. Their pitching seems pretty strong, but they're middle of the pack in opponent average, so I think the other categories will slowly begin to level out. Erbes has assembled a really good team with a bright future, for now, I'll say he has the team to beat in the AL this season.[/color]
6. Which team would you like to take over in the AL and why?
The Indians. After acquiring Helton they had so much promise, but they've fallen off since then. The White Sox are big time, but not unreachable, and I think the Indians are wasting valuable opportunities last season and this season, and I think I could do so much more. Helton is a monster and I'd love to see where he could take me. Sitting on your youth when you have such a good shot right in front of you is too submissive for my tastes. You can't always claim the next season is yours. I'd definitely love to make some moves with that farm and take over the AL Central like the Indians should have done last season.[/color]
The Blue Jays. God they're terrible and Game sucks. Well, they're not terrible, but no way should the Blue Jays still be a .500 or worse team. Game's pitching has finally fixed itself, but he still isn't doing anything noteworthy with that team. The only reason the Yankees have been able to take control over that division again is because their isn't a good GM in Toronto. I'd take the Blue Jays and win the division this season and for the foreseeable future. Step it up Game, your shit's weak.[/color]
I'd take the Rays. They're going to be a big challenge in the AL East. Average market, average stadium, expansion team just starting out. It's going to be tough to compete with the Red Sox and Yankees like that, so I'd love that challenge. I think it'd be a lot of fun to take that kind of task on, so I'm pretty envious of Mark. Hopefully he won't be the new Detroit.[/color]
7. How do you think your team will perform in your absence? Predict the next few seasons for your squad, including the rest of this season.
I think I've set myself up for success. I wish I could have earned some more cash, but oh well. I expect us to be a winning team, and possibly have a shot at winning it all, but it'll be tough to guarantee that without doing everything myself. I'd imagine I win my division/wild card at least once or twice. I'm really hoping to come back to Cabrera/Howard looking amazing. Hopefully Casilla and Noah are ready to go too. Would be awesome to win it all, but like I said, going to be tough.[/color]
One or two titles, easily. Unless I keep getting screwed by injuries and PDs, which would surprise me either. I have the best team healthy with one of the better futures in the league, so I expect good results. Once Vlad stops swinging his dick instead of his bat, we should take over. Plus, I think I have a future stacked lineup, for cheap. Love it.[/color]
I'm pretty worried about injuries and PDs. I don't think I'll have the cash to protect myself, especially if some of my claims get missed. Also sucks I can't proactively improve my players. If the current trend of luck continues, I'll be broke before the end of the season. Really worried about it.[/color]
8. Discuss Padres vs. Rockies. Who has the best talent? The best future? The best GM? Talk about it all.
As much as the Rockies would like to pretend, he and everyone else can see that the Padres are in a better position in terms of talent. He has better players in the majors, a better farm system BY FAR, and tons of youth overall. In terms of the better future, that's a little tougher. San Diego is in a bad place when it comes to market and loyalty. They're filling like what, 1/6th of their stadium? They're going to have a tough road financially, and it looks like they're content with just winning 63 games. They won't win fans back that way, so they won't be making money anytime soon. Eventually they won't be able to afford their own players as they need bigger contracts. I think the Rockies have a big advantage when it comes to finances. They have Very Good fan loyalty and not too bad of a stadium themselves. It's really tough to say who will have more success, but I'd go with San Diego, hesitantly. The better GM? Eh, both have been prone to make so-so decisions at best, but habes isn't too familiar with OOTP. I think now that he's actually active, he's probably learned a lot and should be a better GM himself soon. I'll call it a tie for now.[/color]
Padres, easily. It's not even close on all accounts. The Rockies are terrible and all they have to show for it is David Wright. McGowan and Whitmarsh are pretty solid, but they're not superstars. Padres have a ton more talent, is that even a question? Padres have a rough financial future, but they're going somewhere faster than shale and his Rockies. Plus habes' friends don't rape him. As subpar as habes has been here, it's hard to make a case for shale being a better GM, even though I'm sure he'd LOVE to point out getting swept the one time he made the playoffs as success, but I think his overall body of work isn't much better, considering what he has left to show for all his endeavors. Then again, habes was just tanking, so they both suck. [/color]
Talent has to be a point for habes. The Padres definitely have better talent. Rockies have a LONG way to go before they catch up in that regard. As for better future, I think the Padres have more ground to catch up in terms of being able to sustain a winning team. It's pretty rough how little revenue they generate. I think the Rockies will be able to rebound if shale stops obsessing over things that don't produce wins. I'll say considering the Padre's lack of financial ability, the Rockies have a very slight possibility of better future. Given the fact that the Rockies have a playoff appearance, and habes has had zero success and actually been punished for tanking, I'll give shale the nod for better GM for now.[/color]
9. How is the league going to survive without you?
Haha, who knows? I think they'll be okay, but it won't be the same. I hope they can keep up with the banking and players. I spend a lot of time on the forums and try to keep activity hope. I think the league will be fine, maybe slightly less active in terms of post amount, considering I have the most posts in the league.[/color]
Going to be more boring around here for sure. I bet there will be some banking issues too, it's tough keeping up with it daily. I mean damn, it's gonna just be play and styro running a muck around here. Good luck with that guys! And Spencer too. What a dickhead. Erbes will probably kill the file and I'll come back to a closed down league. Nutsacks.[/color]
Eh, I hope the league doesn't catch another snag like this past offseason. Keep it together erbes! I expect to come back to a league just as active as when I left it. I'm definitely going to miss the league. Spend way too much time on here. I'm going to suffer BBSBL withdrawals probably. Have fun guys, I'll miss you all. Even you Spencer. Maybe Game.[/color]
10. You know the drill, who makes it to the World Series and who wins it all?
I'm going to go with Oakland vs. Florida. I think if my team stays healthy, we'll rebound nicely in my absence and go all the way to the title. Just need my hitters to hit like they should and my younger pitchers to keep improving. I think I can beat Oakland, but if we both rebound like we should, Oakland will probably repeat.[/color]
Oakland vs. Florida. My team will win it all this year. Vlad is going to catch fire and there will be no stopping him. Once my team stops dicking around it'll be pretty clear we have the best team in the league. Money in the bank. Then I can come back and lol at play for probably taking credit.[/color]
I think it'll be New York (A) vs. Chicaco (N). The Yankees have come out firing on all cylinders and erbes seems pretty committed to winning. I think he'll keep improving and get back to the WS. Play will right his ship and get the Cubs back to the series. I think the pitching is too dominant, and if the Cubs get there, they won't lose again. Cubs win it all.[/color]
Well guys, I'm out. I'll see you guys in a few months! Well, actually I'll have my phone tonight and through the trip to Chicago, so chances are I'll be able to post a little longer until I get to Great Lakes for processing.
