Post by Spencer on Sept 6, 2013 16:29:16 GMT -5
Here is a look at the Best things about BBSBL!
1. In your opinion which of BBSBLs unique rules is the best? Why is it better then how other leagues handle the same situation?
Stutter - I like the tank rule. I'm in danger of it but hey ill find a way to avoid it and losing my draft pick.
To the best of my knowledge Long Baller didn't address it, and its BORING...gotta compete a little.
Shale - I like the board cash a lot because it's fun to earn through articles and you can really get to see the full potential of OOTP stats. The pace of this league is good and it keeps people active and wanting to do more to get better. The PD reversals are my favorite because you don't get completely screwed over automatically if you have the board cash to fix it. It's really nice to have and in other leagues, your team will just get fucked and there is nothing you'll be able to do about it.
Steve - Reversing PD...easily, and by far the best rule...rebuilding in any other typical league is nearly impossible. In the past 2 leagues (prior to BBSBL), they didn't do this. So for instance, you have 3-6 core guys for your future, and then within a matter of a few sims...that could be nearly wiped in half. There goes your rebuild, and you're back to square one...that's frustrating. Meanwhile, in BBSBL, it's a lot easier to rebuild.
Me - All 3 things mentioned are awesome. Tank rule is so important. Hate when teams just don't even try. Board cash makes boar activity imperative. Which makes GMs way more available. Which makes for more trading and a fun atmosphere. The reversal of bad PDs is huge. Really does allow rebuilding slowly. OOTP is so flawed in its mindless poor PDs and when your rebuilding and your best spect dies its so discouraging. Overall Id have to say the board cash aspect is the best though. Board activity, drawing people to the boards is so important. You want to make the league addictive. You want guys coming back for more. Its a must for any league in my opinion.
2. Who is the most enjoyable and interesting board poster? Why do you like them? What do they do specifically do thats enjoyable?
Stutter - Spencer is the most enjoyable...sometimes i wonder what idiocracy he posts next. some of this conversations with himself are more interesting then Shale defending his Integrity as a man.
Shale - James has always been one of most fascinating board posters imo. He's funny. He cracks jokes, but doesn't take them too far. And his timing is pretty good as well. He doesn't post that often, but when he does, it's worth seeing. It's like he makes light of a situation then adds some random shit to it, which is usually funny to me.
Steve - There are a few great, informative posters, but I'd say Styro...he tells it like it is...that's my personality in a nutshell. I always enjoy him trolling the shit out of Shale when he deserves it...that's good stuff. Otherwise, that's it.
Me - To a certain degree I agree with all 3. Im obviously amazing. No argument from anyone there. James is fun. Pretty mild funny guy. Just lets stuff roll off him. Does a good job too. Good ole George. Too much of a troll to be the best but someone I love and will always want in any league Im in. Id say the best poster is actually Shale. Its like a dramedy. I mean so much goes on in all of his posts. Love and hate. Fear and loathing. Its amazing. He cares so much and yet says some very random things that are pretty obviously not thought out. Love the kid. Plus he starts so many discussions. Love it.
3. Which franchise is currently the best in BBSBL? Please consider GM ability and activity. Major league roster. Minor league roster. Fan interest. Revenue.
Stutter - Chicago is the best franchise, will they win? haaaa...we all wonder. when your only hiccup is Paul Wilson with a 3.73 era you are in good shape. 91 fan interest and its only gonna stay above 90 for a good decade.
Shale - I'd have to say the Cubs. The Cubs are successful right now, they got good prospects. They got a big market, good fan interest and revenue. There really isn't any glaring holes in the organization except for an actual championship, which Play eventually will win. Play knows what he's doing and he's obviously very active. Minus some of the trolling, Play is basically everything you'd want out of a GM in a league like this, and his Cubbies are just like that as well.
Steve - I would say the Florida Marlins IF Ashes was definitely always going to be around...he has 2 of the best hitting prospects coming up...including the best one we've seen in this league. With his future unknown...I'll go with the Chicago Cubs.
His Major League roster is obviously very good...he's obviously got great core guys like Berkman/Ramirez/Wood/Santana/Wilson. Play knows how to replenish his system, and always has a solid system. His financials are fine as well as his Fan Interest...The only thing left for Play is to get a ring. That should happen very soon.
I got my work cut out for me to dethrone Play from atop the NL Central.
Me - Cubs with the sweep. I could go Montreal. Or Florida. Or even Oakland. Seattle looks good too. But ya, Chicago it is. Those 2 SPs are nasty. The Santana Wood combo is nuts. And they have elite hitters. And spects. Crazy. Might have the best future catcher in their minor leagues as well. Play has done a great job of assembling so much talent. Not sure hell ever put it all together though and win a title.
4. Who is the best Catcher in BBSBL? Please consider salary, age, ratings and production.
Robert Fick MTL
Mike Piazza HOU
Javy Lopez ATL
Jorge Posada CHI(N)
David Ross SEA
Mike Sweeney FLA
Other?
Stutter - Javy Lopez, its easy really. look at the production...he may be aging but solid for any franchise
Shale - No love for Todd Hundley, the NL leader in home runs? I'm kidding. Hundley is an honorable mention. Right now, Piazza is still the best catcher around. His career has been great. His production from 2000-2001 was as good as anyone else, regardless of position. He's 33, but he still has at least a good 3-4 seasons left in him after this.
I'd say Fick has the best long-term future among catchers right now, but at this moment, Piazza is still the best backstop in this league.
Steve - I will say David Ross...he's got Brilliants in 2 of the most important categories...just a matter of time before he starts his reign of domination. Yes, his production isn't in line with some of these guys right now, but I am answering all of these questions as if I'm getting asked who would I take for the next 5 years. The only chink in the armor for Ross might be his defense.
Me - I love Fick. Hes my favorite. So much power. Love the OBP. So many elite Catchers though. Ross is gonna be a stud. BRILL BRILL is nasty. Amazing for a C.Piazza is a stud. Been the best C thus far in BBSBL. Posada is good. Javy Lopez too. So good. Im sticking with Fick though. Just amazing elite talents.
5. Who is the best First Baseman in BBSBL? Please consider salary, age, ratings and production.
David Ortiz OAK
Derek Lee MTL
Lance Berkman CHI(N)
Todd Helton CLE
Albert Pujols TOR
Jim Thome PHI
Other?
Stutter - Todd Helton, although i am a little higher on Derrek Lee and his salary.
Shale - I was actually going to say Frank Thomas, but he's fallen off this year and the 5 week injury he had didn't help. So I'll go with Helton for this. B/G/G for hits, homers and walks, respectively. He's got the best career average in BBSBL history already at just 28. His power right now has fallen off a bit, compared to 2001, but he's everything you want from a hitter and a first baseman. He hit .361 last season and is batting .365 right now. There is just no comparison to that. As much as I like Berkman, Helton has to be the best 1B around.
Steve - Todd Helton...he's been the best all around hitter for quite some time. Big Papi was close, but one of the main differences here was Helton's contract. Just great value for the production he provides every single year. I'd probably put Berkman in 3rd here...he has the best contract of the bunch.
Me - Berkman is fun. Such a immensely talented player. Shouldve never been dealt out of Cincy. Was a veto trade btw. But whatever. Pujols looks fun for the future. Ortiz is gonna have a sick career in Oakland. I gotta go with Todd Helton though. Wow at those ratings. Wow at those numbers. How did Shale ever let him go. Wouldve had a legit shot at MLB records had he stayed in Coors. Amazing player. Meh at not seeing Walker and Helton for a decade together in Coors. Sad stuff.
6. Who is the best Second Baseman in BBSBL? Please consider salary, age, ratings and production.
Chuck Knoblauch SF
Alfonso Soriano MTL
Will Cordero HOU
Rafael Furcal NY(A)
Ricky Gutierrez SD
Jeff Kent NY(N)
Michael Young STL
Other?
Stutter - Rafael Furcal, fuck Knoblauch...Furcal needs to get his fielding up tho.
Shale - Where is Edgardo Alfonzo? One of the best all-around 2B at least in the NL. Come on Spence, at least an honorable mention? But on the real, I'd have to go with Soriano here. It was close between him and Cordero, but Soriano has much more speed than Cordero would ever have. Soriano has 30/30 potential, is a lot younger and has a very bright future.
Steve - No Utley? I have to go with my guy here...he's got the best talents of this whole bunch. He's already sporting a .821 OPS, and once his power develops, he will be the king of this position. Soriano was a close 2nd for me.
Me - Totally missed on Utley. Strong consideration for the top spot should go to him. Gonna love Chuck Knoblauch for a second. Hes an amazing leadoff hitter. Elite career numbers. Still going strong. Gotta go with Soriano though. Amazing power and speed. Young. Such a big career ahead of him. 700 hits and 100 homers at 26 is nasty. Future HOFer.
7. Who is the best Third Baseman in BBSBL? Please consider salary, age, ratings and production.
Jose Vidro MTL
Eric Chavez FLA
Aramis Ramirez NY(A)
Adrian Beltre TOR
Gary Sheffield SF
Other?
Stutter - Eric Chavez is a gamer.
Shale - My pick would be Eric Chavez. All these guys have power, but Chavez is young and has a lot of speed as well. Chavez has legit 30/50 potential each season and is really becoming one of the better infielders in the NL for sure.
Steve - I'll go Eric Chavez here...tough call, but I think his stealing ability, production, and his contract were big time difference makers. I think A-Ram has the best talents, and he was young, too...but Chavez is a run producing guy...that has the ability to take over a game with his speed.
Me - Another clean sweep. This one by Chavez. Kinda hard to argue anyone else. Ramirez and Vidro are pretty good. Ramirez too. Sheff has been a sick hitter in BBSBL. But ya, Chavez is too good. Only 24 too. So much speed. Those types of power steal numbers at 3B are rare.
8. Who is the best Short Stop in BBSBL? Please consider salary, age, ratings and production.
Rich Aurilia NY(N)
Derek Jeter SEA
Alex Rodriguez SEA
Nomar Garciaparra BOS
Chipper Jones ATL
Jimmy Rollins TOR
Carlos Guillen HOU
Other?
Stutter - Best SS in the BBSBL...possibly history of BBSBL
Shale - This is a very tough choice. I'm gonna pick Nomar though. The way I see it, he is like a hybrid between Jeter and Jones. Jeter is a great pure hitter and gets on base and is a great table-setter like that. Jones is more of a slugger, but gets on base a lot and for some reason is batting a lot lower right now than he ever has. Nomar is gifted enough to be able to hit as well as Jeter, but also have more power than Jeter could dream of. Nomar isn't much of a slugger himself, but he's had 2 seasons of 24 and 25 homers, respectively. That's good enough to put him above Jeter and Jones. Really tough call though. Any of those 3 guys would be deserving.
Steve - Tough call. A-Rod would be my first choice, but his contract is tough...same with Nomar. Love Jeter, but I'll go Chipper here. Great contract, and he's a great hitter. A good crop of SS here...J-Roll is going to be a great leadoff hitter.
Me - I lold at Stutters answer. Good job buddy. Anyway. I love Aurillia. Such a good player. Blossomed away from ATT. Obviously its Chipper, Jeter, ARod or Nomar. Ill go Jeter. Hes sick. At 28 he has 1500 hits. WHAT? Thats crazy. What a stud. He should be the leadoff hitter in Seattle. 425+ OBP. Crazy good. BRILL in hits and walks. So good.
9. Who is the best Left Fielder in BBSBL? Please consider salary, age, ratings and production.
Mark Kotsay CHI(N)
Matt Holliday TEX
Reggie Jefferson CHI(A)
Rusty Greer SF
Ichiro Suzuki SD
Manny Ramirez CHI(N)
Carlos Lee MTL
Pat Burrell STL
Other?
Stutter - El Caballo...he hits homers for patacones
Shale - I really wanted to say Manny here, but then I noticed Holliday is batting .365, so he's my pick. Holliday is only 22, but in his third season already. His power is really starting to develop and he looks to be on pace for a 25 home run/90 RBI season at the very least. Not having Griffey as a teammate will hurt his RBI totals, but once he gets new protection in the lineup, Holliday will be a consistent MVP candidate.
Steve - I'll go Matt Holliday. He's already a beast at age 22, and the scary thing is...he's only going to get better. My main reasoning for picking him over guys like Manny Ramirez and Ichiro is his youth. Love Ichiro, and if he had just a little more power, I might have picked him over Holliday.
Me - Some diversity here. Solid choices out in LF. Love Lee. Love Holliday. Love Manny. Im going Ichiro though. Love hits and steals. Great D too. His OPS is disappointing, probably because hes in SD. Also his contract is horrible. TBH I hate Ichiro but I hate on Habes alot so Im trying to be nice.
10. Who is the best Center Fielder in BBSBL? Please consider salary, age, ratings and production.
Corey Patterson STL
Larry Walker BAL
Jim Edmonds TOR
Ken Griffey Jr NY(A)
Raul Mondesi NY(A)
Barry Bonds CHI(A)
Other?
Stutter - Griffey Jr...
Shale - Is there really a debate here? It's Griffey without question. Sure, he's getting paid $16.5 million per season. Sure, his homers are only "Good" now. And he is also 32 and not getting any younger. But for someone like Griffey, that doesn't matter. He is the Babe Ruth of BBSBL and there shouldn't be any disagreements on that. Griffey is a special player. He can carry a team on his back, like he did with both the Mariners and Rangers for years. Until now with the Yankees, he never had the best protection and in Seattle, he never had a great stadium to play his home games in. But now that he's in Yankee Stadium, which is like a mini-Coors Field for the AL and especially for lefties, we may not have even seen the best of Griffey yet. He is already the single-season and career leader in home runs. Who knows if and when those records ever get broken. Not many players at his age and with such a big contract could still be considered the best at his position, but Griffey is notable exception to this. He is the best hitter ever in BBSBL history.
Steve - The Kid...Griffey Jr. Easy choice for me. He's got prodigious power...great D, and can steal on occasion. Yes, he's old, but he still is unreal. Patterson is a good talent, but I worry about his lack of walks.
Me - Meh. I couldve had Griff. Konerko for Griff. Straight up. Culdnt do it because of salary. In retro spect mightve been a bad idea. Went to NY who is a juggernaut this year. Griff and Juan wouldve been sick for me. Meh, whatever. Griffey is sick though. Easily the bst CFer in BBSBL. HOFer.
11. Who is the best Right Fielder in BBSBL? Please consider salary, age, ratings and production.
JD Drew DET
Geoff Jenkins MIL
Odell Gess SD
Sammy Sosa SD
Juan Gonzalez SF
Vladimir Guerrero FLA
Shawn Green NY(N)
Brian Giles SD
Other?
Stutter - Vladimir Guerrero....mmmm
Shale - Vlad might be making $11 million right now, but at 26, he's in the prime of his career. His career numbers have been great and he's having an awesome season right now, but his numbers 2-3 seasons from now could be significantly better. If anyone has a chance to have a 40/40 season, it's Vlad and I hope to see it happen at some point. It would be really cool.
Steve - I'll take Vlad Guerrero...He can do it all, and he's on a good contract to top it off. JD Drew was a close 2nd. Vlad could own this position for years to come...he's a great talent.
Me - Vlad for everyone. No Juan love. Sad stuff. Sucks to get old huh Juan? But ya, Vlad is sick. SO good. Power. Hits. Speed. Range. And hes 26. Signed up for awhile. No brainer pick for your RF spot. How is Florida so irrelevant with so much talent. Play FTL!
12. Who is the best Designated Hitter in BBSBL? Please consider salary, age, ratings and production.
Jason Giambi CLE
Troy Neel NY(A)
Jack Cust BAL
Travis Hafner TEX
Tim Salmon ANA
Stutter - Older and expensive but if you can afford it and are winning he is a good answer.
Shale - Jack Cust is gonna be a monster and I'd choose him. As good as Giambi is, he's making so much more than Cust and with Cust already franchised at B/B in hits and home runs, you already know the Orioles are going to get an awesome season from him year in and year out. Cust is doing well right now, but 5 seasons later, he should have at least 1 MVP under his belt. The sky is the limit for him.
Steve - Jack Cust...he is going to be a beast, and he'll be on his arbitration contract for a few years. Gotta love his ability to hit...won't K, and can walk at a good rate.
Me - LOLd at Stutter again. But ya, Cust. Super OPS/OBP guy. Love the power and walks. Also love the eventual lack of strikeouts. BRILL hits too? Nasty. Pretty easy pick for best DH.
13. Who is the best Starting Pitcher in BBSBL? Please consider salary, age, ratings and production.
Alex Fernandez CHI(A)
CC Sabathia FLA
Jim Pittsley SF
Heath Bell MIL
Kerry Wood CHI(N)
Johan Santana CHI(N)
Roy Halladay TOR
Will Cunnane NY(A)
Mike Lincoln ATL
Pedro Martinez COL
Kirk Rueter CHI(A)
Paul Wilson CHI(N)
Other?
Stutter - Im gonna have to go with CC
Shale - It's Johan Santana. He's got everything going for him at just 23. The 1999 season he had was remarkable. And he is currently the favorite imo for the 2002 NL Cy Young. 97-42 with a 2.63 ERA in nearly 5 seasons at the age of 23. That's just amazing! 39 complete games and 17 shutouts just makes his career look that much better.
Steve - So many great ones...I'll go Roy "DOC" Halladay...he has finally formed into what many were expecting...a dominant number one SP. He will be a force, and has no weakness. Has it all, and on top of it, has a really good contract. Johan was 2 for me, but I fear for what I will want when he becomes a Free Agent.
Me - I like the different perspectives and different picks. ALl 3 are amazing obviously. Ill go with Johan though. I might actually say CHI has the 2 best SPs in Johan and Wood. Amazing really. Both are elite type studs. Duration and Ks. Play earns so much money of these guys. Money makers FTW!
14. Who is the best Closer in BBSBL? Please consider salary, age, ratings and production.
Mariano Rivera NY(A)
Keith Foulke SEA
John Wetteland SF
Danny Graves TOR
Billy Wagner HOU
Robb Nen ATL
Rod Beck BAL
Other?
Stutter - Keith Foulke, no reason he shouldnt save 40 a year for 80% of the league
Shale - No Mike Timlin? This year hasn't been his very best, but he's still had a great career thus far. My choice though would be Beck. Him and Nen are very close throughout their careers, but Beck is making half the salary compared to Nen. Beck is 34, but is still pitching lights out as the Orioles closer. He still has years left in him too. Among these guys, Wagner and Foulke have the best futures, but Beck is who I'd choose as the best closer in the game. And yes, I think he will get to 500 saves before he retires.
Steve - I'll go Billy Wagner here, but Mariano Rivera was very much in the discussion...Foulke as well. What a tough call. I don't think you could go wrong with any of those 3, but Billy Wagner is a K machine.
Me - This one is tough. Beck isnt someone Id want now, but hes an elite type closer who has been on good teams. Pretty good stuff. Loved him in real life. Foulke is nasty. Howry will be amazing as my CL starting next year. Overall Ill have to go with Billy Wagner. Sick stuff. Amazing talents. On a good team. Relatively young. On a side note Im really surprised at how mediocre Mariano Rivera has been. Thought hed be other worldly.
1. In your opinion which of BBSBLs unique rules is the best? Why is it better then how other leagues handle the same situation?
Stutter - I like the tank rule. I'm in danger of it but hey ill find a way to avoid it and losing my draft pick.
To the best of my knowledge Long Baller didn't address it, and its BORING...gotta compete a little.
Shale - I like the board cash a lot because it's fun to earn through articles and you can really get to see the full potential of OOTP stats. The pace of this league is good and it keeps people active and wanting to do more to get better. The PD reversals are my favorite because you don't get completely screwed over automatically if you have the board cash to fix it. It's really nice to have and in other leagues, your team will just get fucked and there is nothing you'll be able to do about it.
Steve - Reversing PD...easily, and by far the best rule...rebuilding in any other typical league is nearly impossible. In the past 2 leagues (prior to BBSBL), they didn't do this. So for instance, you have 3-6 core guys for your future, and then within a matter of a few sims...that could be nearly wiped in half. There goes your rebuild, and you're back to square one...that's frustrating. Meanwhile, in BBSBL, it's a lot easier to rebuild.
Me - All 3 things mentioned are awesome. Tank rule is so important. Hate when teams just don't even try. Board cash makes boar activity imperative. Which makes GMs way more available. Which makes for more trading and a fun atmosphere. The reversal of bad PDs is huge. Really does allow rebuilding slowly. OOTP is so flawed in its mindless poor PDs and when your rebuilding and your best spect dies its so discouraging. Overall Id have to say the board cash aspect is the best though. Board activity, drawing people to the boards is so important. You want to make the league addictive. You want guys coming back for more. Its a must for any league in my opinion.
2. Who is the most enjoyable and interesting board poster? Why do you like them? What do they do specifically do thats enjoyable?
Stutter - Spencer is the most enjoyable...sometimes i wonder what idiocracy he posts next. some of this conversations with himself are more interesting then Shale defending his Integrity as a man.
Shale - James has always been one of most fascinating board posters imo. He's funny. He cracks jokes, but doesn't take them too far. And his timing is pretty good as well. He doesn't post that often, but when he does, it's worth seeing. It's like he makes light of a situation then adds some random shit to it, which is usually funny to me.
Steve - There are a few great, informative posters, but I'd say Styro...he tells it like it is...that's my personality in a nutshell. I always enjoy him trolling the shit out of Shale when he deserves it...that's good stuff. Otherwise, that's it.
Me - To a certain degree I agree with all 3. Im obviously amazing. No argument from anyone there. James is fun. Pretty mild funny guy. Just lets stuff roll off him. Does a good job too. Good ole George. Too much of a troll to be the best but someone I love and will always want in any league Im in. Id say the best poster is actually Shale. Its like a dramedy. I mean so much goes on in all of his posts. Love and hate. Fear and loathing. Its amazing. He cares so much and yet says some very random things that are pretty obviously not thought out. Love the kid. Plus he starts so many discussions. Love it.
3. Which franchise is currently the best in BBSBL? Please consider GM ability and activity. Major league roster. Minor league roster. Fan interest. Revenue.
Stutter - Chicago is the best franchise, will they win? haaaa...we all wonder. when your only hiccup is Paul Wilson with a 3.73 era you are in good shape. 91 fan interest and its only gonna stay above 90 for a good decade.
Shale - I'd have to say the Cubs. The Cubs are successful right now, they got good prospects. They got a big market, good fan interest and revenue. There really isn't any glaring holes in the organization except for an actual championship, which Play eventually will win. Play knows what he's doing and he's obviously very active. Minus some of the trolling, Play is basically everything you'd want out of a GM in a league like this, and his Cubbies are just like that as well.
Steve - I would say the Florida Marlins IF Ashes was definitely always going to be around...he has 2 of the best hitting prospects coming up...including the best one we've seen in this league. With his future unknown...I'll go with the Chicago Cubs.
His Major League roster is obviously very good...he's obviously got great core guys like Berkman/Ramirez/Wood/Santana/Wilson. Play knows how to replenish his system, and always has a solid system. His financials are fine as well as his Fan Interest...The only thing left for Play is to get a ring. That should happen very soon.
I got my work cut out for me to dethrone Play from atop the NL Central.
Me - Cubs with the sweep. I could go Montreal. Or Florida. Or even Oakland. Seattle looks good too. But ya, Chicago it is. Those 2 SPs are nasty. The Santana Wood combo is nuts. And they have elite hitters. And spects. Crazy. Might have the best future catcher in their minor leagues as well. Play has done a great job of assembling so much talent. Not sure hell ever put it all together though and win a title.
4. Who is the best Catcher in BBSBL? Please consider salary, age, ratings and production.
Robert Fick MTL
Mike Piazza HOU
Javy Lopez ATL
Jorge Posada CHI(N)
David Ross SEA
Mike Sweeney FLA
Other?
Stutter - Javy Lopez, its easy really. look at the production...he may be aging but solid for any franchise
Shale - No love for Todd Hundley, the NL leader in home runs? I'm kidding. Hundley is an honorable mention. Right now, Piazza is still the best catcher around. His career has been great. His production from 2000-2001 was as good as anyone else, regardless of position. He's 33, but he still has at least a good 3-4 seasons left in him after this.
I'd say Fick has the best long-term future among catchers right now, but at this moment, Piazza is still the best backstop in this league.
Steve - I will say David Ross...he's got Brilliants in 2 of the most important categories...just a matter of time before he starts his reign of domination. Yes, his production isn't in line with some of these guys right now, but I am answering all of these questions as if I'm getting asked who would I take for the next 5 years. The only chink in the armor for Ross might be his defense.
Me - I love Fick. Hes my favorite. So much power. Love the OBP. So many elite Catchers though. Ross is gonna be a stud. BRILL BRILL is nasty. Amazing for a C.Piazza is a stud. Been the best C thus far in BBSBL. Posada is good. Javy Lopez too. So good. Im sticking with Fick though. Just amazing elite talents.
5. Who is the best First Baseman in BBSBL? Please consider salary, age, ratings and production.
David Ortiz OAK
Derek Lee MTL
Lance Berkman CHI(N)
Todd Helton CLE
Albert Pujols TOR
Jim Thome PHI
Other?
Stutter - Todd Helton, although i am a little higher on Derrek Lee and his salary.
Shale - I was actually going to say Frank Thomas, but he's fallen off this year and the 5 week injury he had didn't help. So I'll go with Helton for this. B/G/G for hits, homers and walks, respectively. He's got the best career average in BBSBL history already at just 28. His power right now has fallen off a bit, compared to 2001, but he's everything you want from a hitter and a first baseman. He hit .361 last season and is batting .365 right now. There is just no comparison to that. As much as I like Berkman, Helton has to be the best 1B around.
Steve - Todd Helton...he's been the best all around hitter for quite some time. Big Papi was close, but one of the main differences here was Helton's contract. Just great value for the production he provides every single year. I'd probably put Berkman in 3rd here...he has the best contract of the bunch.
Me - Berkman is fun. Such a immensely talented player. Shouldve never been dealt out of Cincy. Was a veto trade btw. But whatever. Pujols looks fun for the future. Ortiz is gonna have a sick career in Oakland. I gotta go with Todd Helton though. Wow at those ratings. Wow at those numbers. How did Shale ever let him go. Wouldve had a legit shot at MLB records had he stayed in Coors. Amazing player. Meh at not seeing Walker and Helton for a decade together in Coors. Sad stuff.
6. Who is the best Second Baseman in BBSBL? Please consider salary, age, ratings and production.
Chuck Knoblauch SF
Alfonso Soriano MTL
Will Cordero HOU
Rafael Furcal NY(A)
Ricky Gutierrez SD
Jeff Kent NY(N)
Michael Young STL
Other?
Stutter - Rafael Furcal, fuck Knoblauch...Furcal needs to get his fielding up tho.
Shale - Where is Edgardo Alfonzo? One of the best all-around 2B at least in the NL. Come on Spence, at least an honorable mention? But on the real, I'd have to go with Soriano here. It was close between him and Cordero, but Soriano has much more speed than Cordero would ever have. Soriano has 30/30 potential, is a lot younger and has a very bright future.
Steve - No Utley? I have to go with my guy here...he's got the best talents of this whole bunch. He's already sporting a .821 OPS, and once his power develops, he will be the king of this position. Soriano was a close 2nd for me.
Me - Totally missed on Utley. Strong consideration for the top spot should go to him. Gonna love Chuck Knoblauch for a second. Hes an amazing leadoff hitter. Elite career numbers. Still going strong. Gotta go with Soriano though. Amazing power and speed. Young. Such a big career ahead of him. 700 hits and 100 homers at 26 is nasty. Future HOFer.
7. Who is the best Third Baseman in BBSBL? Please consider salary, age, ratings and production.
Jose Vidro MTL
Eric Chavez FLA
Aramis Ramirez NY(A)
Adrian Beltre TOR
Gary Sheffield SF
Other?
Stutter - Eric Chavez is a gamer.
Shale - My pick would be Eric Chavez. All these guys have power, but Chavez is young and has a lot of speed as well. Chavez has legit 30/50 potential each season and is really becoming one of the better infielders in the NL for sure.
Steve - I'll go Eric Chavez here...tough call, but I think his stealing ability, production, and his contract were big time difference makers. I think A-Ram has the best talents, and he was young, too...but Chavez is a run producing guy...that has the ability to take over a game with his speed.
Me - Another clean sweep. This one by Chavez. Kinda hard to argue anyone else. Ramirez and Vidro are pretty good. Ramirez too. Sheff has been a sick hitter in BBSBL. But ya, Chavez is too good. Only 24 too. So much speed. Those types of power steal numbers at 3B are rare.
8. Who is the best Short Stop in BBSBL? Please consider salary, age, ratings and production.
Rich Aurilia NY(N)
Derek Jeter SEA
Alex Rodriguez SEA
Nomar Garciaparra BOS
Chipper Jones ATL
Jimmy Rollins TOR
Carlos Guillen HOU
Other?
Stutter - Best SS in the BBSBL...possibly history of BBSBL
Shale - This is a very tough choice. I'm gonna pick Nomar though. The way I see it, he is like a hybrid between Jeter and Jones. Jeter is a great pure hitter and gets on base and is a great table-setter like that. Jones is more of a slugger, but gets on base a lot and for some reason is batting a lot lower right now than he ever has. Nomar is gifted enough to be able to hit as well as Jeter, but also have more power than Jeter could dream of. Nomar isn't much of a slugger himself, but he's had 2 seasons of 24 and 25 homers, respectively. That's good enough to put him above Jeter and Jones. Really tough call though. Any of those 3 guys would be deserving.
Steve - Tough call. A-Rod would be my first choice, but his contract is tough...same with Nomar. Love Jeter, but I'll go Chipper here. Great contract, and he's a great hitter. A good crop of SS here...J-Roll is going to be a great leadoff hitter.
Me - I lold at Stutters answer. Good job buddy. Anyway. I love Aurillia. Such a good player. Blossomed away from ATT. Obviously its Chipper, Jeter, ARod or Nomar. Ill go Jeter. Hes sick. At 28 he has 1500 hits. WHAT? Thats crazy. What a stud. He should be the leadoff hitter in Seattle. 425+ OBP. Crazy good. BRILL in hits and walks. So good.
9. Who is the best Left Fielder in BBSBL? Please consider salary, age, ratings and production.
Mark Kotsay CHI(N)
Matt Holliday TEX
Reggie Jefferson CHI(A)
Rusty Greer SF
Ichiro Suzuki SD
Manny Ramirez CHI(N)
Carlos Lee MTL
Pat Burrell STL
Other?
Stutter - El Caballo...he hits homers for patacones
Shale - I really wanted to say Manny here, but then I noticed Holliday is batting .365, so he's my pick. Holliday is only 22, but in his third season already. His power is really starting to develop and he looks to be on pace for a 25 home run/90 RBI season at the very least. Not having Griffey as a teammate will hurt his RBI totals, but once he gets new protection in the lineup, Holliday will be a consistent MVP candidate.
Steve - I'll go Matt Holliday. He's already a beast at age 22, and the scary thing is...he's only going to get better. My main reasoning for picking him over guys like Manny Ramirez and Ichiro is his youth. Love Ichiro, and if he had just a little more power, I might have picked him over Holliday.
Me - Some diversity here. Solid choices out in LF. Love Lee. Love Holliday. Love Manny. Im going Ichiro though. Love hits and steals. Great D too. His OPS is disappointing, probably because hes in SD. Also his contract is horrible. TBH I hate Ichiro but I hate on Habes alot so Im trying to be nice.
10. Who is the best Center Fielder in BBSBL? Please consider salary, age, ratings and production.
Corey Patterson STL
Larry Walker BAL
Jim Edmonds TOR
Ken Griffey Jr NY(A)
Raul Mondesi NY(A)
Barry Bonds CHI(A)
Other?
Stutter - Griffey Jr...
Shale - Is there really a debate here? It's Griffey without question. Sure, he's getting paid $16.5 million per season. Sure, his homers are only "Good" now. And he is also 32 and not getting any younger. But for someone like Griffey, that doesn't matter. He is the Babe Ruth of BBSBL and there shouldn't be any disagreements on that. Griffey is a special player. He can carry a team on his back, like he did with both the Mariners and Rangers for years. Until now with the Yankees, he never had the best protection and in Seattle, he never had a great stadium to play his home games in. But now that he's in Yankee Stadium, which is like a mini-Coors Field for the AL and especially for lefties, we may not have even seen the best of Griffey yet. He is already the single-season and career leader in home runs. Who knows if and when those records ever get broken. Not many players at his age and with such a big contract could still be considered the best at his position, but Griffey is notable exception to this. He is the best hitter ever in BBSBL history.
Steve - The Kid...Griffey Jr. Easy choice for me. He's got prodigious power...great D, and can steal on occasion. Yes, he's old, but he still is unreal. Patterson is a good talent, but I worry about his lack of walks.
Me - Meh. I couldve had Griff. Konerko for Griff. Straight up. Culdnt do it because of salary. In retro spect mightve been a bad idea. Went to NY who is a juggernaut this year. Griff and Juan wouldve been sick for me. Meh, whatever. Griffey is sick though. Easily the bst CFer in BBSBL. HOFer.
11. Who is the best Right Fielder in BBSBL? Please consider salary, age, ratings and production.
JD Drew DET
Geoff Jenkins MIL
Odell Gess SD
Sammy Sosa SD
Juan Gonzalez SF
Vladimir Guerrero FLA
Shawn Green NY(N)
Brian Giles SD
Other?
Stutter - Vladimir Guerrero....mmmm
Shale - Vlad might be making $11 million right now, but at 26, he's in the prime of his career. His career numbers have been great and he's having an awesome season right now, but his numbers 2-3 seasons from now could be significantly better. If anyone has a chance to have a 40/40 season, it's Vlad and I hope to see it happen at some point. It would be really cool.
Steve - I'll take Vlad Guerrero...He can do it all, and he's on a good contract to top it off. JD Drew was a close 2nd. Vlad could own this position for years to come...he's a great talent.
Me - Vlad for everyone. No Juan love. Sad stuff. Sucks to get old huh Juan? But ya, Vlad is sick. SO good. Power. Hits. Speed. Range. And hes 26. Signed up for awhile. No brainer pick for your RF spot. How is Florida so irrelevant with so much talent. Play FTL!
12. Who is the best Designated Hitter in BBSBL? Please consider salary, age, ratings and production.
Jason Giambi CLE
Troy Neel NY(A)
Jack Cust BAL
Travis Hafner TEX
Tim Salmon ANA
Stutter - Older and expensive but if you can afford it and are winning he is a good answer.
Shale - Jack Cust is gonna be a monster and I'd choose him. As good as Giambi is, he's making so much more than Cust and with Cust already franchised at B/B in hits and home runs, you already know the Orioles are going to get an awesome season from him year in and year out. Cust is doing well right now, but 5 seasons later, he should have at least 1 MVP under his belt. The sky is the limit for him.
Steve - Jack Cust...he is going to be a beast, and he'll be on his arbitration contract for a few years. Gotta love his ability to hit...won't K, and can walk at a good rate.
Me - LOLd at Stutter again. But ya, Cust. Super OPS/OBP guy. Love the power and walks. Also love the eventual lack of strikeouts. BRILL hits too? Nasty. Pretty easy pick for best DH.
13. Who is the best Starting Pitcher in BBSBL? Please consider salary, age, ratings and production.
Alex Fernandez CHI(A)
CC Sabathia FLA
Jim Pittsley SF
Heath Bell MIL
Kerry Wood CHI(N)
Johan Santana CHI(N)
Roy Halladay TOR
Will Cunnane NY(A)
Mike Lincoln ATL
Pedro Martinez COL
Kirk Rueter CHI(A)
Paul Wilson CHI(N)
Other?
Stutter - Im gonna have to go with CC
Shale - It's Johan Santana. He's got everything going for him at just 23. The 1999 season he had was remarkable. And he is currently the favorite imo for the 2002 NL Cy Young. 97-42 with a 2.63 ERA in nearly 5 seasons at the age of 23. That's just amazing! 39 complete games and 17 shutouts just makes his career look that much better.
Steve - So many great ones...I'll go Roy "DOC" Halladay...he has finally formed into what many were expecting...a dominant number one SP. He will be a force, and has no weakness. Has it all, and on top of it, has a really good contract. Johan was 2 for me, but I fear for what I will want when he becomes a Free Agent.
Me - I like the different perspectives and different picks. ALl 3 are amazing obviously. Ill go with Johan though. I might actually say CHI has the 2 best SPs in Johan and Wood. Amazing really. Both are elite type studs. Duration and Ks. Play earns so much money of these guys. Money makers FTW!
14. Who is the best Closer in BBSBL? Please consider salary, age, ratings and production.
Mariano Rivera NY(A)
Keith Foulke SEA
John Wetteland SF
Danny Graves TOR
Billy Wagner HOU
Robb Nen ATL
Rod Beck BAL
Other?
Stutter - Keith Foulke, no reason he shouldnt save 40 a year for 80% of the league
Shale - No Mike Timlin? This year hasn't been his very best, but he's still had a great career thus far. My choice though would be Beck. Him and Nen are very close throughout their careers, but Beck is making half the salary compared to Nen. Beck is 34, but is still pitching lights out as the Orioles closer. He still has years left in him too. Among these guys, Wagner and Foulke have the best futures, but Beck is who I'd choose as the best closer in the game. And yes, I think he will get to 500 saves before he retires.
Steve - I'll go Billy Wagner here, but Mariano Rivera was very much in the discussion...Foulke as well. What a tough call. I don't think you could go wrong with any of those 3, but Billy Wagner is a K machine.
Me - This one is tough. Beck isnt someone Id want now, but hes an elite type closer who has been on good teams. Pretty good stuff. Loved him in real life. Foulke is nasty. Howry will be amazing as my CL starting next year. Overall Ill have to go with Billy Wagner. Sick stuff. Amazing talents. On a good team. Relatively young. On a side note Im really surprised at how mediocre Mariano Rivera has been. Thought hed be other worldly.