Post by Spencer on May 1, 2014 15:54:38 GMT -5
1. The NL Central is pretty tough. Do you wish you could be in a different division? If another team came open would you consider moving?
- Best division BY FAR...has been that way for the past couple of seasons. Chicago has annually been a top 3 team over the past 6 years. Play is obviously a heck of a GM...We have had some really good teams in our own right over the past 4 years. This team is the best team I've put together, though. Bosoxi has a really strong STL team this year, too. It's a shame he isn't as pro-active as he needs to be. The bottom 3 has stayed the same for the past 3 seasons now...will probably be like that again next season, too.
No, I would not want to be in another division or move to another team...sure, I could have my team moved to the AL Central and win multiple division titles there, but I'd rather be in a great division...plus, I just think the NL is loaded with really good GMS. Aaron, Spencer, Ashes, Play, Kobe, and myself...love the competition.
Fun. Im glad to see you dont want to bounce to the AL Central for relative ease. Its fun to have competition and yes I think the NL is loaded.
2. How long do you see yourself competing? It would seem with a lower market it would make sense to never really rebuild again. Need to build up your market and fan loyalty. Does that come into play?
- Well, I'm at least committed to competing for this season and next season (no picks these next few drafts). After that, I'm not sure. I might start to re-tool substantially or rebuild. Not sure yet.
Of course I'd like to compete year after year, but at the same time, I don't want to do it at the expense of potentially collapsing. If my window is closed or is about to, then I'll just have to rebuild then. Have no problem with that route as I've always enjoyed the rebuilding process. My team market dropped the year after I won 97 games...stupid...in the end, my market will always be below average.
I think finances will be tough for you. Youve done an amazing job but its hard to keep so many talented players together. If anyone can do it you can though. Good luck.
3. Hanley Ramirez. One of the best players in the game. What type of player should he be eventually? Give me ratings. Also, what type of career records could he hold? Young players with locked ratings are sexy.
- Han-Ram...in my eyes, top 3 most valuable piece in this league. I think Miggy and him are really close in terms of value...Miggy is obviously the better hitter, but Hanley's speed and D is such a huge thing. It's crazy that he's about to finish his 5th year in the league. Anyways, yeah...I'm hoping Hanley can provide me a stat-line of a .315 AVG, 40-50 2B, 5-10 3B, 25-35 HR, 100+ RBI, 100+ Runs, 55-65 BBs, and 50+ SBs...I think his ratings could potentially look like: 7/9/4/10/7/6...with his incredible range and stealing ability???...hell yes!
Amazing player. Cannot wait to see his areer stats at like 35 or 36. Just a nasty talent that will put up other worldly type numbers.
4. Who has the better team out in the NL West? If you could have Shales club or my club which would you take? Why?
- I'd take your team...sure, Shale might win the division title this year, but his team will have a hard time having sustained success. I wouldn't be shocked if you climb back and take the division title back...6 games back with 50 to play is plenty of time...should be an interesting race to the finish, I think. I like your team...not in love with it, but I do like your offense...Your SP is fine...probably need that true Ace, but you might be able to dangle one of those bullpen arms for one. Those 3 bullpen guys will strongly improve your bullpen, though.
Im glad. I think I have more top end talent. I do need that stud SP. I kinda want Wood this offseason. IDK. My pen sucks too. Need a big offseason.
5. You and Play seem to try and one up each other. Do you make moves based on his team? Did you try and get another ace SP because of Plays staff? What type of strategy comes into play when the other elite team is in your division?
- Sure, he's the team I've been chasing...bottom line is, I make moves whenever I see good value or when I feel the player needs to go. I always will trade any of my guys if I truly like the value I'm getting back. I think trading Utley proved that. Which leads me to that very next question...I wanted another Ace because I wanted to make sure I was a lock for the Playoffs, and could roll out a JJ/Prior/Affeldt rotation come Playoff time...I think we could make a huge run with those 3 guys. Who knows, though...Playoffs are tough...
There's a ton of strategy that involves having another ELITE team in your division. I'm sure you know all about that when you and Habes had a nice 4 year run. I think you have to look at your team, and that other team. Compare and contrast...At the same time, people should never jump the gun on trying to compete...can't stress that enough. Gotta be patient, and know when the timing is right. Your market dictates the way you have to conduct business as well...I can't really spend on FA...have to be smart, and get guys on good-value type deals. A lot of my work is through the trade market where I find guys on cheap contracts that are locked up.
Ya. I don think you needed JJ but his rotation kinda made you want to up that department. Playoffs are all about SP so you are set there now. 3 aces is always nice.
6. What are your opinions on the Shale, Break, DRowe trio? Are they good for the league? Rank them GM wise 1 2 3.
- Two of the three are active...I wish D-Rowe would be more active...still hasn't won a division title in the past 7 seasons in a super weak division...that's bad. Do I think these three are good for the league? Somewhat...Break is annoying when he complains about the dumbest shit. Shale is obviously a train-wreck. Can't believe you're making me rank these 3, haha.
1. Shale: My lord...this will probably be the first time Shale is #1 in anything. He's done a nice job these past few seasons, but I just don't see him sustaining this success. I think this could be his last year for a division title. Spence will take over next season, and Habes will be back in the mix the season after that, probably.
2. Break: I guess...he really is a poor GM...just look at his downward trajectory. Awful. The only thing I can say is, he won with a team that was given to him at the beginning. Otherwise, he has made a ton of really bad value trades...and hasn't looked the same since he can't use D-Rowe's farm system.
3. D-Rowe: Dude needs to step up...should've had a division winner with Helton at the helm...looks like another 2nd place finish for him...his payroll sits at 107M, too...Pathetic. Anyway, this list is more about who sucks less.
I agree with your rankings. I thought Break was better but he isnt. He hasnt made any good moves in awhile. Shale tries really hard and earns cash. Its a nie buffer to have. DRowe is constantly MIA.
7. Give me advice on the draft. Tell me what to do better. Be in depth.
- Start projecting a bit more...but I mean, if Erbes is telling you to strictly go off the rating scales, then I can't complain with you...you're just doing what you're being told. No biggie. I still think some of these guys need to be projected more even after Erbes touches it up. Freeman was a disgrace this past draft class. How the hell was he not better? Stanton should've been better, too. That's my main gripe, really. Make these guys elite. Looking at this draft class (it's weak BTW)...Kipnis/Hosmer should be better...Kipnis and Hosmer with a good in HRs IMO...project...have some fun with it. Let's make Tim Beckham an intriguing guy because he was a #1 pick in this draft. Just my take.
Project. I plan to. Like I said with this draft I wanted to finish it before I start projecting. Dont wanna inflate the league by projecting on too many guys.
8. Other then the Cubs and the Marlins which team has a good chance at the title this year. Why?
- Well, I'd say the A's/SEA/TAM are all serious threats along with myself. I think there are 6 capable teams that have a legit chance at going all the way. Don't see the Tigers or the NL West winner doing anything in the Postseason. The aforementioned 3 AL teams are great teams...OAK is always a threat with that offense, and Buehrle at the top of the rotation. TAM is extremely balanced...should be fun to see how they do in their first Playoff run. SEA is going to be scary...feel like quite a few of their guys have under performed this season, too...if they get hot, watch out. Should be interesting to see how my trio fares in the Playoffs...we'll probably face FLA...so fuck me.
Love all the NL teams. Usually any of those 3 teams would be WS favorites. One wont win a division. Crazy. TB is solid but I dont like them as much as the NL teams.
9. Give me 5 reasons why I need to watch Breaking Bad.
1. Bryan Cranston- Sensational actor...he's one of the best, man...his performance in this series is at an insanely high level.
2. Aaron Paul- This guy gets over shadowed a bit...but man, he's really good. His character is very interesting.
3. The story- Some of it actually hits home with me...won't get into it until ya watch it...the story-line is flawless, though...
4. Music- The music they play during the show is unbelievable...perfection.
5. The Cast- They picked great characters throughout the show...all of the characters involved were pretty dang interesting...
Please watch this show ASAP...easily my favorite TV show of all time. Perfection, Spence!
I watched the first 2 episodes. Its good I like it, but Im not hooked. Yet.
10. Detail a night of drinking for Stevie B. Order, preference, times, etc.
- Well, if I go to a bar, I'll drink either a Heineken or Yuengling for a few hours...then I could take some shots of Fireball or whatever. If I'm at a party...well, I tend to get hammered. We'll have Kegs at the party...once that is gone...I usually will then take a bunch of shots with the crew...
Sounds like a good night. Although I dont like lagers. Wed have to drink some IPAs and skip on the fireballs.
11. You seem to be an NHL guy. Rank the 4 major sports in order of personal preference with reasoning.
- I love hockey...play it competitively, and obviously watch it. Huge Flyers fan.
1. Hockey- I play in a league (Dek), and it's by far my best sport I play...we have won multiple championships with the group of guys I play with...won 4 titles in 6 seasons, I believe...have been an avid hockey guy my whole life...nothing better than Playoff Hockey.
2. Football- Never played the sport, but obviously there is nothing like Football Sunday...always an exciting day. Fantasy implications...that's a huge reason, boys.
3. Baseball- I use to play...would still like to play, but seems like my friends are not moving onto Softball, smh...I'd rather play the real thing. Anyway, I go to around 20 games a year...have a 17 game plan with my brother and Uncle...love tailgating at a ball game...started my game plan the year the Phillies won their first division title ('07).
4. Basketball- Rarely watch this sport...usually I tend to watch the Playoffs here and there, and I still follow it, but yeah...definitely my least favorite sport.
If I restarted BBS would you want to join? Just curios considering NBA is your least favorite.
12. Do you have any holes on your team currently? If so what is it and how are you gonna fix it?
- Well, I did have one huge hole for awhile on my team, and that was my Catching position. I finally got a really good Catcher...Sweeney is going to be a nice addition to my team, and really improves the lineup. Right now, I'd say it's my bullpen...some of my guys could perform better, but I'd really love to acquire an ELITE Closer...they seem tough to acquire, though. Not really going to overpay for a bullpen piece, though...right now, I like the way my team sits.
Sweeney was huge. I didnt want to add salary before the deadline but boy I missed on him., He wouldve been a great upgrade.
13. Are you at all worried about your long term ability to keep this core of players? Financially. Do you have a plan? Or are you just gonna need to sell players occasionally.
- Not that worried...if I still want to compete, I'll just sell board cash for in-game cash...a lot of my guys are on really sound contracts. Prior's contract is just magnificent. Iwamura is slightly overpaid...I like Ensberg's contract. I will have a lot of big decisions to make the following season, though. JJ, Hanley, Taguchi, Ortiz, and Sweeney are due for contracts. Hanley's will obviously be a franchise-type contract. So yeah, I might have to start selling some pieces off and retool a tad, but I'm not forced to at the same time...
Ya. Maybe you can keep it going. I hope you can. Winning every year is fun.
14. Do you really think Stevie Wonder is the greatest? If so which is your favorite song? If no, why?
- Of course I do!!! Actually, I really don't listen to any of his stuff...just wanted to incorporate it into my email!!!
I love Stevie. So many good pop hits. What a guy!
15. Fuck one, marry one, kill one.....
Kate Upton - Fuck
Hayden Pantierre - Marry
Jessica Alba - Kill
Cannot lose here. Love all these girls. Id be okay with any scenario.
- Best division BY FAR...has been that way for the past couple of seasons. Chicago has annually been a top 3 team over the past 6 years. Play is obviously a heck of a GM...We have had some really good teams in our own right over the past 4 years. This team is the best team I've put together, though. Bosoxi has a really strong STL team this year, too. It's a shame he isn't as pro-active as he needs to be. The bottom 3 has stayed the same for the past 3 seasons now...will probably be like that again next season, too.
No, I would not want to be in another division or move to another team...sure, I could have my team moved to the AL Central and win multiple division titles there, but I'd rather be in a great division...plus, I just think the NL is loaded with really good GMS. Aaron, Spencer, Ashes, Play, Kobe, and myself...love the competition.
Fun. Im glad to see you dont want to bounce to the AL Central for relative ease. Its fun to have competition and yes I think the NL is loaded.
2. How long do you see yourself competing? It would seem with a lower market it would make sense to never really rebuild again. Need to build up your market and fan loyalty. Does that come into play?
- Well, I'm at least committed to competing for this season and next season (no picks these next few drafts). After that, I'm not sure. I might start to re-tool substantially or rebuild. Not sure yet.
Of course I'd like to compete year after year, but at the same time, I don't want to do it at the expense of potentially collapsing. If my window is closed or is about to, then I'll just have to rebuild then. Have no problem with that route as I've always enjoyed the rebuilding process. My team market dropped the year after I won 97 games...stupid...in the end, my market will always be below average.
I think finances will be tough for you. Youve done an amazing job but its hard to keep so many talented players together. If anyone can do it you can though. Good luck.
3. Hanley Ramirez. One of the best players in the game. What type of player should he be eventually? Give me ratings. Also, what type of career records could he hold? Young players with locked ratings are sexy.
- Han-Ram...in my eyes, top 3 most valuable piece in this league. I think Miggy and him are really close in terms of value...Miggy is obviously the better hitter, but Hanley's speed and D is such a huge thing. It's crazy that he's about to finish his 5th year in the league. Anyways, yeah...I'm hoping Hanley can provide me a stat-line of a .315 AVG, 40-50 2B, 5-10 3B, 25-35 HR, 100+ RBI, 100+ Runs, 55-65 BBs, and 50+ SBs...I think his ratings could potentially look like: 7/9/4/10/7/6...with his incredible range and stealing ability???...hell yes!
Amazing player. Cannot wait to see his areer stats at like 35 or 36. Just a nasty talent that will put up other worldly type numbers.
4. Who has the better team out in the NL West? If you could have Shales club or my club which would you take? Why?
- I'd take your team...sure, Shale might win the division title this year, but his team will have a hard time having sustained success. I wouldn't be shocked if you climb back and take the division title back...6 games back with 50 to play is plenty of time...should be an interesting race to the finish, I think. I like your team...not in love with it, but I do like your offense...Your SP is fine...probably need that true Ace, but you might be able to dangle one of those bullpen arms for one. Those 3 bullpen guys will strongly improve your bullpen, though.
Im glad. I think I have more top end talent. I do need that stud SP. I kinda want Wood this offseason. IDK. My pen sucks too. Need a big offseason.
5. You and Play seem to try and one up each other. Do you make moves based on his team? Did you try and get another ace SP because of Plays staff? What type of strategy comes into play when the other elite team is in your division?
- Sure, he's the team I've been chasing...bottom line is, I make moves whenever I see good value or when I feel the player needs to go. I always will trade any of my guys if I truly like the value I'm getting back. I think trading Utley proved that. Which leads me to that very next question...I wanted another Ace because I wanted to make sure I was a lock for the Playoffs, and could roll out a JJ/Prior/Affeldt rotation come Playoff time...I think we could make a huge run with those 3 guys. Who knows, though...Playoffs are tough...
There's a ton of strategy that involves having another ELITE team in your division. I'm sure you know all about that when you and Habes had a nice 4 year run. I think you have to look at your team, and that other team. Compare and contrast...At the same time, people should never jump the gun on trying to compete...can't stress that enough. Gotta be patient, and know when the timing is right. Your market dictates the way you have to conduct business as well...I can't really spend on FA...have to be smart, and get guys on good-value type deals. A lot of my work is through the trade market where I find guys on cheap contracts that are locked up.
Ya. I don think you needed JJ but his rotation kinda made you want to up that department. Playoffs are all about SP so you are set there now. 3 aces is always nice.
6. What are your opinions on the Shale, Break, DRowe trio? Are they good for the league? Rank them GM wise 1 2 3.
- Two of the three are active...I wish D-Rowe would be more active...still hasn't won a division title in the past 7 seasons in a super weak division...that's bad. Do I think these three are good for the league? Somewhat...Break is annoying when he complains about the dumbest shit. Shale is obviously a train-wreck. Can't believe you're making me rank these 3, haha.
1. Shale: My lord...this will probably be the first time Shale is #1 in anything. He's done a nice job these past few seasons, but I just don't see him sustaining this success. I think this could be his last year for a division title. Spence will take over next season, and Habes will be back in the mix the season after that, probably.
2. Break: I guess...he really is a poor GM...just look at his downward trajectory. Awful. The only thing I can say is, he won with a team that was given to him at the beginning. Otherwise, he has made a ton of really bad value trades...and hasn't looked the same since he can't use D-Rowe's farm system.
3. D-Rowe: Dude needs to step up...should've had a division winner with Helton at the helm...looks like another 2nd place finish for him...his payroll sits at 107M, too...Pathetic. Anyway, this list is more about who sucks less.
I agree with your rankings. I thought Break was better but he isnt. He hasnt made any good moves in awhile. Shale tries really hard and earns cash. Its a nie buffer to have. DRowe is constantly MIA.
7. Give me advice on the draft. Tell me what to do better. Be in depth.
- Start projecting a bit more...but I mean, if Erbes is telling you to strictly go off the rating scales, then I can't complain with you...you're just doing what you're being told. No biggie. I still think some of these guys need to be projected more even after Erbes touches it up. Freeman was a disgrace this past draft class. How the hell was he not better? Stanton should've been better, too. That's my main gripe, really. Make these guys elite. Looking at this draft class (it's weak BTW)...Kipnis/Hosmer should be better...Kipnis and Hosmer with a good in HRs IMO...project...have some fun with it. Let's make Tim Beckham an intriguing guy because he was a #1 pick in this draft. Just my take.
Project. I plan to. Like I said with this draft I wanted to finish it before I start projecting. Dont wanna inflate the league by projecting on too many guys.
8. Other then the Cubs and the Marlins which team has a good chance at the title this year. Why?
- Well, I'd say the A's/SEA/TAM are all serious threats along with myself. I think there are 6 capable teams that have a legit chance at going all the way. Don't see the Tigers or the NL West winner doing anything in the Postseason. The aforementioned 3 AL teams are great teams...OAK is always a threat with that offense, and Buehrle at the top of the rotation. TAM is extremely balanced...should be fun to see how they do in their first Playoff run. SEA is going to be scary...feel like quite a few of their guys have under performed this season, too...if they get hot, watch out. Should be interesting to see how my trio fares in the Playoffs...we'll probably face FLA...so fuck me.
Love all the NL teams. Usually any of those 3 teams would be WS favorites. One wont win a division. Crazy. TB is solid but I dont like them as much as the NL teams.
9. Give me 5 reasons why I need to watch Breaking Bad.
1. Bryan Cranston- Sensational actor...he's one of the best, man...his performance in this series is at an insanely high level.
2. Aaron Paul- This guy gets over shadowed a bit...but man, he's really good. His character is very interesting.
3. The story- Some of it actually hits home with me...won't get into it until ya watch it...the story-line is flawless, though...
4. Music- The music they play during the show is unbelievable...perfection.
5. The Cast- They picked great characters throughout the show...all of the characters involved were pretty dang interesting...
Please watch this show ASAP...easily my favorite TV show of all time. Perfection, Spence!
I watched the first 2 episodes. Its good I like it, but Im not hooked. Yet.
10. Detail a night of drinking for Stevie B. Order, preference, times, etc.
- Well, if I go to a bar, I'll drink either a Heineken or Yuengling for a few hours...then I could take some shots of Fireball or whatever. If I'm at a party...well, I tend to get hammered. We'll have Kegs at the party...once that is gone...I usually will then take a bunch of shots with the crew...
Sounds like a good night. Although I dont like lagers. Wed have to drink some IPAs and skip on the fireballs.
11. You seem to be an NHL guy. Rank the 4 major sports in order of personal preference with reasoning.
- I love hockey...play it competitively, and obviously watch it. Huge Flyers fan.
1. Hockey- I play in a league (Dek), and it's by far my best sport I play...we have won multiple championships with the group of guys I play with...won 4 titles in 6 seasons, I believe...have been an avid hockey guy my whole life...nothing better than Playoff Hockey.
2. Football- Never played the sport, but obviously there is nothing like Football Sunday...always an exciting day. Fantasy implications...that's a huge reason, boys.
3. Baseball- I use to play...would still like to play, but seems like my friends are not moving onto Softball, smh...I'd rather play the real thing. Anyway, I go to around 20 games a year...have a 17 game plan with my brother and Uncle...love tailgating at a ball game...started my game plan the year the Phillies won their first division title ('07).
4. Basketball- Rarely watch this sport...usually I tend to watch the Playoffs here and there, and I still follow it, but yeah...definitely my least favorite sport.
If I restarted BBS would you want to join? Just curios considering NBA is your least favorite.
12. Do you have any holes on your team currently? If so what is it and how are you gonna fix it?
- Well, I did have one huge hole for awhile on my team, and that was my Catching position. I finally got a really good Catcher...Sweeney is going to be a nice addition to my team, and really improves the lineup. Right now, I'd say it's my bullpen...some of my guys could perform better, but I'd really love to acquire an ELITE Closer...they seem tough to acquire, though. Not really going to overpay for a bullpen piece, though...right now, I like the way my team sits.
Sweeney was huge. I didnt want to add salary before the deadline but boy I missed on him., He wouldve been a great upgrade.
13. Are you at all worried about your long term ability to keep this core of players? Financially. Do you have a plan? Or are you just gonna need to sell players occasionally.
- Not that worried...if I still want to compete, I'll just sell board cash for in-game cash...a lot of my guys are on really sound contracts. Prior's contract is just magnificent. Iwamura is slightly overpaid...I like Ensberg's contract. I will have a lot of big decisions to make the following season, though. JJ, Hanley, Taguchi, Ortiz, and Sweeney are due for contracts. Hanley's will obviously be a franchise-type contract. So yeah, I might have to start selling some pieces off and retool a tad, but I'm not forced to at the same time...
Ya. Maybe you can keep it going. I hope you can. Winning every year is fun.
14. Do you really think Stevie Wonder is the greatest? If so which is your favorite song? If no, why?
- Of course I do!!! Actually, I really don't listen to any of his stuff...just wanted to incorporate it into my email!!!
I love Stevie. So many good pop hits. What a guy!
15. Fuck one, marry one, kill one.....
Kate Upton - Fuck
Hayden Pantierre - Marry
Jessica Alba - Kill
Cannot lose here. Love all these girls. Id be okay with any scenario.
