Post by Spencer on Oct 27, 2014 15:44:20 GMT -5
12 questions with Seattle mariners GM Chris Cosenza.
1. First off welcome back to BBSBL. Why did you leave? Just give us a little insight into that. Also what was your thought process in rejoining?
Short Version: I had left because I wanted to focus on other things in life.
Long Version: It was, overall, a bad time in my life. I am working 50-70 hours a week, trying to be around my infant son (who is suddenly 3 years old already), dealing with the joys of being a homeowner and, as a result of the financial crisis, a lot of unfinished projects around the house. I generally found peace in video games, with OOTP5 being a big part of that. However, that even failed me. The GABL had hit, what I call, THE WALL (that is, when we caught up in real time). I just could not reconcile the mixing of the real and fake players. Once the historical Jr.'s kicked in, I just about decided to cut ties with GABL. In BBSBL, I grew disinterested after a few days of pointless post-padding, thinking, WTF am I doing?
Ultimately, I was able to just let go and just go with the flow. I found peace in that I had an amazing little boy and I am close to paying off large debts (including a student loan) so that I can start to plan a couple small projects around the house. I also was able to focus on my other baby, the HOFFBL --- I feel that I have been able to find a rhythm, so a few weeks ago, I checked up on the BBSBL and when Shale mentioned there was an opening, I felt that maybe I could handle another team. Something just clicked and I figured, why not?
Makes sense. I had to shut down BBS when Jackson was born. Its such a big life change. Time is different. Priorities are different. I also was someone that used online leagues as a transgression. And sometimes it works really well. But when your free time is limited it is hard to push yourself to accomplish the online responsibilities any league asks of you. At least in BBSBL I usually enjoy the extra things I have to do. HOFFBL as well. GABL became un enjoyable. BBS just took too much time.
Regardless of why you left its very nice to have you back.
2. You came back to a team that is set up nicely. Was in the early stages of a rebuild but you just went for it. What was your thinking in trying to add this year? What pieces did you inherit that you think you'll stick with?
The team did seem to be set up nicely for the future, but I quickly noticed that the pitching talents were INSANE. A couple teams with multiple 10 AR pitchers, brilliants all the way across?! I took a look further and realized the offense, outside of Votto, was absolutely atrocious and I realized that it would take a multi-year effort to address that. I am not the type to tank and go through a full rebuild effort. Given the financial abilities of the front office, I figured it would be as good time as any to load up on teams selling slightly over-priced average to above-average guys to possibly mount a comeback --- so long as I get some more guys who could get on base and maybe try to get a couple 9 or 10 AR starting pitchers. I am going to be sticking with Votto and Harper, for sure.
Ya. Pitching is insane. Its really too bad that this league has inflated so quickly. Makes it really hard for the bottom and middle tier teams to have a chance at competing. Seems like the rich get richer. I do like what you've done with your team and I feel like you'll be fighting for the AL West crown next year. Surprised you didn't do better this year to be honest. I do like your upper echelon talent though and I think you will do really well again soon.
3. You division isn't great. I'm guessing that played into your plan to compete ASAP. Talk a little bit about your division and how you think it'll shape up over the next couple years.
The division sucks really. You are correct that was a MAJOR reason to flip the switch back to compete mode. I do not expect to catch Anaheim (shouldn't it be Los Angeles anywho?) this season, but I am expecting at least a wild card run next season. I expect to compete with ANA and OAK for several seasons until my starting pitchers hit the fan and that's probably how long I'll hang around for. lol Texas
Ya. Division overall is pretty bad right now. Anaheim is solid now, but they're old. Some of their better players are up their in age. He also probably wont sell and replenish his team, hell probably just keep everyone and rebuild completely. Broph is always worrisome. Hes gonna try and make Trout Cabrera West. And you can see what Cabrera is doing in Florida. Broph has some nice pitching too. It will be interesting to see how he does over the next couple years. Texas is so far away. Hes gonna need to tank for 5 years and try and get some young studs. Not much talent there.
4. You weren't gone for very long but has anything in BBSBL changed? Anything drastic that has improved or lessened your enjoyment of the league?
It seemed like forever really. But the most drastic thing that has improved, to me, is that there seems to be a lot less random trolling and a greater sense of maturity. Play, Shale, Break, Stutter, Erbes all seem to have mellowed out. For some reason, Ashes seems to have this aura of higher-order that I respect immensely. Probably the military experience. Anyway, I enjoy the league much more this time. I will go through spurts of activity.
That is good to hear. Not sure I agree with it. I really think more of it is just getting used to whats real and whats fake. Dealing with the trolling better. I think the longer you're a part of a hyper active BBS league you realize there is only so much you need to get worked up about. Mostly people are just fucking with you. And then you get used to it and you realize its fun. It promotes board activity which makes trading easier because most GMs are here on the boards more often. Its one of those circle of life things where pointless posting actually becomes real activity. Its awesome.
5. On the subject of changes, change one thing about BBSBL. Can be something you do in HOFFBL or something new. Why make the change and how would the change benefit BBSBL?
I would tweak the PD Reversal system. It seems odd to me that the cost to reverse 4 PD hits (at one time) all back to Brilliant would be the same if you reversed a single PD hit back to Good, assuming the players were the same age.
I like that. I like the idea of different costs for different reversals and spends. Much like you do in HOFFBL. I think it would work well here too considering many think we need to scale back reversals so we can start to lower ratings. This is something I think Ill try and develop for winter meetings. A more specific system that will be similar to what you do in HOFFBL but have a little BBSBL twist.
6. Lets look at the Mariners. How is this year going for you? Surprises? Disappointments? Any chance at coming back and besting Anaheim?
I am a bit disappointed that I am not at .500 to be honest. Given the Angels slow start, I really felt I could compete. I do not think I will best Anaheim, but I am hoping to be no more than 5 games back.
Ya. I'm surprised you aren't a little better. I think your pitching isn't the best. I do like your offense a bit. You'll need to get some more SP in my opinion next year to really compete for more than just the division title. Really cant wait to see Harper and Votto together. Fun stuff. You also have a ton of really solid guys to put around Votto and Harper offensively. You made a ton of great trades this year. Cant wait to see what you put together next year.
7. Moving forward with your team where are you deficient? What do you need to add and if you can accomplish that do you think you can make a run at the AL West title next year?
I feel that I am only a couple pieces short, probably need 2 starters and 2 bats that have pop and/or get on base. I am happy to have gotten Pedoria and Bourn at a good price, so that was a move in the right direction with respect to my ailing offense. A player or 2 in FA and 1 good trade should probably be enough in the AL West.
I think you need 2 upper echelon starters. I think you really need like 2 10 AR SPs to really get into the conversation for AL Pennant. Wont be impossible but I think it'll be tough with the prospects you have to trade. Maybe make a run at Darvish. Offensively you're pretty good. Maybe one more big OF bat. There are some nice FA bats as well. If you could somehow get Darvish and Puig or Cespedes that would really get you exactly what you need.
8. How familiar are you with BBSBLs franchise rule? Is Bryce Harper gonna be that guy for you? Why or why not? If he is how do you see him developing?
I have to read up on it again, but all I do know right now is that Votto is my current Franchise Player. The reduction in fan loyalties is a concern of mine so I am not likely to trade Votto and re tag Harper. Plus, since Harper is rated Loyal, I have no reason to fear the financials, but I will likely save some money in case of PD Reversals.
True. Votto is a stud as well and the penalties would be huge. Harper is just such a fun player. It would be a shame if he didn't realize his full potential. Hopefully with just his nomal reversals he can keep his talents and grow into a stud you can pair with Votto. Theyd be a pretty awesome 3/4 combo.
9. How is the tag team commishing of Ashes and Steve treating you? Different style than Erbes.
I like the tag-team effort actually. Seems to work very well here. Anything is better than just Erbes, you know he was screwing Break all these years.
I agree. I think Ashes and Steve have done a wonderful job. I'm curious if Erbes will ever take over full control. I think Ashes really enjoys simming and likes the control of running a league. I really think Steve is more of a helper. I don't think he wants or desires the full time role of commissioner. It will be interesting to see if Ashes' responsibilities ill take him away from simming and if that would bring Erbes back into the fold. Time will tell.
10. Obviously the overall activity of BBSBL has kinda shaped some aspects of HOFFBL. I think youve seen the positive aspects of rewarding activity. Explain how you've changed from the time you helped develop GABL to developing HOFFBL.
What I found important from the (old) GABL crowd was historical accuracy, consistency in simming and enforcement. I learned a LOT during my time in BBSBL, both in terms on how to better manage a league and the vast array of personalities. I further appreciated the way rewarding has helped foster activity in the league, but to go further, the idea to be able to reverse a PD hit that your first rounder (or any player for that matter) took was enticing. Increasing IRI's seemed a bit much because it seemed like it could be manipulated.
It was these 2 modes of thought that helped formulate the idea of a new hybrid league, HOFFBL. A traditional, old guys league set back in the 1940s or 1950s with a faster sim schedule, incorporating a point system of sorts, focused on, mainly, PD Reversals. You have no idea how much it killed me to see a couple top names drafted in the 1980s to become nothing in the GABL. Killed me. Not in HOFFBL. I recall in the first sim or so, Hank Aaron had a PD hit. Nuh-uh.
Interesting thought process. I do like historical accuracy. I like how you are introducing new teams. I like the stadiums being historically correct. I also like that draftees are made by the same person with a lower talent rating scale. All are huge for me. Adding in some type of activity points that allow building your team to be lest chaotic is nice as well. I like OOTP5 but it is not the best for development and talent hits. I like having control over the aspects of development hits and also just the ability to make certain players better. You've done a great job.
11. I asked if you'd make changes to BBSBL earlier. Is there some aspect of BBSBL you like enough that you'd change HOFFBL to mirror it?
I am not sure I would change too much about the HOFFBL for now, except I am definitely open to not expanding to 30 teams. 28 seems OK, hell, 24 is OK with me too as well. I saw something about Top Prospect Call-up function and I think that would be interesting to incorporate. I would, however, limit the impact it would have on a team that is already winning. Why should the Yankees benefit from calling up Yaz when a team like the O's would see a bigger impact from same?
I like the idea of not expanding beyond the amount of available owners. Nothing worse for a league than un manned teams. Really hard to get OOTP5 guys too. So Im all for not going to 30 teams, although I would worry about inflation eventually. As for TPP I love it. I think its a great idea. And its realistic.
12. We have a huge opening in SD. I always ask guys who they would add to the league as a GM if they could. Obviously you have much more knowledge of potential OOTP GMs. Based on knowledge, results, activity and attitude who would fit in well in San Diego?
Trevor Derr or, going WAY back...Iz Baly.
The SD opening has already been filled but I love these suggestions. TDerr is a very good relatively active GM. He wont be a spammer but he would run his team well and eventually he would do things to earn cash and make his team better. and to be honest he'd probably be better than a good portion of GMs even without board cash. Izzy would also be a great addition. I coul even see him falling in love with board cash and being uber active. Too bad he isnt playing OOTP anymore.
1. First off welcome back to BBSBL. Why did you leave? Just give us a little insight into that. Also what was your thought process in rejoining?
Short Version: I had left because I wanted to focus on other things in life.
Long Version: It was, overall, a bad time in my life. I am working 50-70 hours a week, trying to be around my infant son (who is suddenly 3 years old already), dealing with the joys of being a homeowner and, as a result of the financial crisis, a lot of unfinished projects around the house. I generally found peace in video games, with OOTP5 being a big part of that. However, that even failed me. The GABL had hit, what I call, THE WALL (that is, when we caught up in real time). I just could not reconcile the mixing of the real and fake players. Once the historical Jr.'s kicked in, I just about decided to cut ties with GABL. In BBSBL, I grew disinterested after a few days of pointless post-padding, thinking, WTF am I doing?
Ultimately, I was able to just let go and just go with the flow. I found peace in that I had an amazing little boy and I am close to paying off large debts (including a student loan) so that I can start to plan a couple small projects around the house. I also was able to focus on my other baby, the HOFFBL --- I feel that I have been able to find a rhythm, so a few weeks ago, I checked up on the BBSBL and when Shale mentioned there was an opening, I felt that maybe I could handle another team. Something just clicked and I figured, why not?
Makes sense. I had to shut down BBS when Jackson was born. Its such a big life change. Time is different. Priorities are different. I also was someone that used online leagues as a transgression. And sometimes it works really well. But when your free time is limited it is hard to push yourself to accomplish the online responsibilities any league asks of you. At least in BBSBL I usually enjoy the extra things I have to do. HOFFBL as well. GABL became un enjoyable. BBS just took too much time.
Regardless of why you left its very nice to have you back.
2. You came back to a team that is set up nicely. Was in the early stages of a rebuild but you just went for it. What was your thinking in trying to add this year? What pieces did you inherit that you think you'll stick with?
The team did seem to be set up nicely for the future, but I quickly noticed that the pitching talents were INSANE. A couple teams with multiple 10 AR pitchers, brilliants all the way across?! I took a look further and realized the offense, outside of Votto, was absolutely atrocious and I realized that it would take a multi-year effort to address that. I am not the type to tank and go through a full rebuild effort. Given the financial abilities of the front office, I figured it would be as good time as any to load up on teams selling slightly over-priced average to above-average guys to possibly mount a comeback --- so long as I get some more guys who could get on base and maybe try to get a couple 9 or 10 AR starting pitchers. I am going to be sticking with Votto and Harper, for sure.
Ya. Pitching is insane. Its really too bad that this league has inflated so quickly. Makes it really hard for the bottom and middle tier teams to have a chance at competing. Seems like the rich get richer. I do like what you've done with your team and I feel like you'll be fighting for the AL West crown next year. Surprised you didn't do better this year to be honest. I do like your upper echelon talent though and I think you will do really well again soon.
3. You division isn't great. I'm guessing that played into your plan to compete ASAP. Talk a little bit about your division and how you think it'll shape up over the next couple years.
The division sucks really. You are correct that was a MAJOR reason to flip the switch back to compete mode. I do not expect to catch Anaheim (shouldn't it be Los Angeles anywho?) this season, but I am expecting at least a wild card run next season. I expect to compete with ANA and OAK for several seasons until my starting pitchers hit the fan and that's probably how long I'll hang around for. lol Texas
Ya. Division overall is pretty bad right now. Anaheim is solid now, but they're old. Some of their better players are up their in age. He also probably wont sell and replenish his team, hell probably just keep everyone and rebuild completely. Broph is always worrisome. Hes gonna try and make Trout Cabrera West. And you can see what Cabrera is doing in Florida. Broph has some nice pitching too. It will be interesting to see how he does over the next couple years. Texas is so far away. Hes gonna need to tank for 5 years and try and get some young studs. Not much talent there.
4. You weren't gone for very long but has anything in BBSBL changed? Anything drastic that has improved or lessened your enjoyment of the league?
It seemed like forever really. But the most drastic thing that has improved, to me, is that there seems to be a lot less random trolling and a greater sense of maturity. Play, Shale, Break, Stutter, Erbes all seem to have mellowed out. For some reason, Ashes seems to have this aura of higher-order that I respect immensely. Probably the military experience. Anyway, I enjoy the league much more this time. I will go through spurts of activity.
That is good to hear. Not sure I agree with it. I really think more of it is just getting used to whats real and whats fake. Dealing with the trolling better. I think the longer you're a part of a hyper active BBS league you realize there is only so much you need to get worked up about. Mostly people are just fucking with you. And then you get used to it and you realize its fun. It promotes board activity which makes trading easier because most GMs are here on the boards more often. Its one of those circle of life things where pointless posting actually becomes real activity. Its awesome.
5. On the subject of changes, change one thing about BBSBL. Can be something you do in HOFFBL or something new. Why make the change and how would the change benefit BBSBL?
I would tweak the PD Reversal system. It seems odd to me that the cost to reverse 4 PD hits (at one time) all back to Brilliant would be the same if you reversed a single PD hit back to Good, assuming the players were the same age.
I like that. I like the idea of different costs for different reversals and spends. Much like you do in HOFFBL. I think it would work well here too considering many think we need to scale back reversals so we can start to lower ratings. This is something I think Ill try and develop for winter meetings. A more specific system that will be similar to what you do in HOFFBL but have a little BBSBL twist.
6. Lets look at the Mariners. How is this year going for you? Surprises? Disappointments? Any chance at coming back and besting Anaheim?
I am a bit disappointed that I am not at .500 to be honest. Given the Angels slow start, I really felt I could compete. I do not think I will best Anaheim, but I am hoping to be no more than 5 games back.
Ya. I'm surprised you aren't a little better. I think your pitching isn't the best. I do like your offense a bit. You'll need to get some more SP in my opinion next year to really compete for more than just the division title. Really cant wait to see Harper and Votto together. Fun stuff. You also have a ton of really solid guys to put around Votto and Harper offensively. You made a ton of great trades this year. Cant wait to see what you put together next year.
7. Moving forward with your team where are you deficient? What do you need to add and if you can accomplish that do you think you can make a run at the AL West title next year?
I feel that I am only a couple pieces short, probably need 2 starters and 2 bats that have pop and/or get on base. I am happy to have gotten Pedoria and Bourn at a good price, so that was a move in the right direction with respect to my ailing offense. A player or 2 in FA and 1 good trade should probably be enough in the AL West.
I think you need 2 upper echelon starters. I think you really need like 2 10 AR SPs to really get into the conversation for AL Pennant. Wont be impossible but I think it'll be tough with the prospects you have to trade. Maybe make a run at Darvish. Offensively you're pretty good. Maybe one more big OF bat. There are some nice FA bats as well. If you could somehow get Darvish and Puig or Cespedes that would really get you exactly what you need.
8. How familiar are you with BBSBLs franchise rule? Is Bryce Harper gonna be that guy for you? Why or why not? If he is how do you see him developing?
I have to read up on it again, but all I do know right now is that Votto is my current Franchise Player. The reduction in fan loyalties is a concern of mine so I am not likely to trade Votto and re tag Harper. Plus, since Harper is rated Loyal, I have no reason to fear the financials, but I will likely save some money in case of PD Reversals.
True. Votto is a stud as well and the penalties would be huge. Harper is just such a fun player. It would be a shame if he didn't realize his full potential. Hopefully with just his nomal reversals he can keep his talents and grow into a stud you can pair with Votto. Theyd be a pretty awesome 3/4 combo.
9. How is the tag team commishing of Ashes and Steve treating you? Different style than Erbes.
I like the tag-team effort actually. Seems to work very well here. Anything is better than just Erbes, you know he was screwing Break all these years.
I agree. I think Ashes and Steve have done a wonderful job. I'm curious if Erbes will ever take over full control. I think Ashes really enjoys simming and likes the control of running a league. I really think Steve is more of a helper. I don't think he wants or desires the full time role of commissioner. It will be interesting to see if Ashes' responsibilities ill take him away from simming and if that would bring Erbes back into the fold. Time will tell.
10. Obviously the overall activity of BBSBL has kinda shaped some aspects of HOFFBL. I think youve seen the positive aspects of rewarding activity. Explain how you've changed from the time you helped develop GABL to developing HOFFBL.
What I found important from the (old) GABL crowd was historical accuracy, consistency in simming and enforcement. I learned a LOT during my time in BBSBL, both in terms on how to better manage a league and the vast array of personalities. I further appreciated the way rewarding has helped foster activity in the league, but to go further, the idea to be able to reverse a PD hit that your first rounder (or any player for that matter) took was enticing. Increasing IRI's seemed a bit much because it seemed like it could be manipulated.
It was these 2 modes of thought that helped formulate the idea of a new hybrid league, HOFFBL. A traditional, old guys league set back in the 1940s or 1950s with a faster sim schedule, incorporating a point system of sorts, focused on, mainly, PD Reversals. You have no idea how much it killed me to see a couple top names drafted in the 1980s to become nothing in the GABL. Killed me. Not in HOFFBL. I recall in the first sim or so, Hank Aaron had a PD hit. Nuh-uh.
Interesting thought process. I do like historical accuracy. I like how you are introducing new teams. I like the stadiums being historically correct. I also like that draftees are made by the same person with a lower talent rating scale. All are huge for me. Adding in some type of activity points that allow building your team to be lest chaotic is nice as well. I like OOTP5 but it is not the best for development and talent hits. I like having control over the aspects of development hits and also just the ability to make certain players better. You've done a great job.
11. I asked if you'd make changes to BBSBL earlier. Is there some aspect of BBSBL you like enough that you'd change HOFFBL to mirror it?
I am not sure I would change too much about the HOFFBL for now, except I am definitely open to not expanding to 30 teams. 28 seems OK, hell, 24 is OK with me too as well. I saw something about Top Prospect Call-up function and I think that would be interesting to incorporate. I would, however, limit the impact it would have on a team that is already winning. Why should the Yankees benefit from calling up Yaz when a team like the O's would see a bigger impact from same?
I like the idea of not expanding beyond the amount of available owners. Nothing worse for a league than un manned teams. Really hard to get OOTP5 guys too. So Im all for not going to 30 teams, although I would worry about inflation eventually. As for TPP I love it. I think its a great idea. And its realistic.
12. We have a huge opening in SD. I always ask guys who they would add to the league as a GM if they could. Obviously you have much more knowledge of potential OOTP GMs. Based on knowledge, results, activity and attitude who would fit in well in San Diego?
Trevor Derr or, going WAY back...Iz Baly.
The SD opening has already been filled but I love these suggestions. TDerr is a very good relatively active GM. He wont be a spammer but he would run his team well and eventually he would do things to earn cash and make his team better. and to be honest he'd probably be better than a good portion of GMs even without board cash. Izzy would also be a great addition. I coul even see him falling in love with board cash and being uber active. Too bad he isnt playing OOTP anymore.
