Post by Spencer on Oct 28, 2014 15:19:56 GMT -5
So many other Gms bitch out on these interviews, nice to see Darell step up and do it consistently. Thanks man.
1. Think this is our 3rd straight year of doing an interview. Kinda sucks tbh. Not that I don't like hearing what you have to say but because of the lack of initiative with so many GMs. I'm gonna call out some inactive GMs. Give me your 2 cents on each guy. Kobe. Mike. Greg. Jordan. Styro. Go!
Kobe - I think hes done a pretty good job of acquiring overpaid/undervalued players and its worked out so far, but at the same time hes done a horrible job of managing his finances and hes got some work to do in the offseason. Hes very well on his way to probation I mean he only has 19m in game and hes already 18m in the negative, yikes He might've jumped the gun a bit too early but then again, who knows if those same guys would've been available, at least hes a near lock to win the WC and maybe doing some work in the postseason might help his financial situation a little.
Mike - Hes been around sparingly, I'm not sure what his situation is but he could've definitely made some moves to at least pass up Steve, there were plenty of guys available like JFG, Henson or anyone else on TB really. I don't feel like we should fire him by any means but a little more activity would push away all his critics because his team actually isn't all that bad.
Greg - I have no issues with Greg but he really needs more consistent/better SP, I mean Wood is nearly done and he really doesn't have anyone internally to replace him. Broph is breathing down his neck and could take that division soon, Greg needs to make a move for an ace and with Wood's salary coming off the books he could very well do that. Someone like Nolasco might be heading into FA and Greg needs to make a strong push for him while Patterson is still in his prime.
Jordan - Jordan's Phillies have a very bright future and I hope he doesn't make the mistake that I did when I was rebuilding, when you're rebuilding its very easy to just sit on your team and have people envious of your minors but very easily you could have some unfortunate luck and have your studs suffer from bad PDs. He needs to start making moves for ML talent because his pitching isn't all that bad but that offense needs a lot of work, I would hold onto guys like Will Myers and see what I could get for Baez. Myers looks like a future stud and could be ready soon, I'm hoping to see the Phillies compete in what looks like a very competitive NL East.
Styro - Another rebuilding team here, I really don't have problems with any of the guys on this list because they're around but just not posting a ton and that's not that big of a deal. Styro also has an amazing farm system, and I'm not gonna criticize any moves hes made or hasn't made thus far because its working out, plus he certainly knows what hes doing because hes built a powerhouse before. His bats in his minors have great upside and I'm really excited to see how guys like Singleton and Smoak pan out, although Smoak is developing a little slowly then you would like. Fernandez seems like he might be a few years away but the Twins are a team to watch out for especially if they're able to get a guy like Correa or Buxton in this upcoming draft.
Well shit. You ere super nice to everyone. Lame.
Kobe. He is just so fucking unmotivated half the time. He just stops trying some times when his plan doesn't work out. He just gives in. Its really lame. Even this year with his success he blew it by not getting in game cash before the deadline. And of course hell blame Ashes for simming early when it was just a regular sim time. Very frustrating. Take some responsibility. Plan things out better. When your plan fails, regroup and try again.
Mike is better as a wait-lister. Hes way more active when hes on the outside looking in. Always has been. He has a solid team and could've easily made it better but he just goes missing for weeks at a time. Misses on big trades. He does a good job of getting the best out of older medium paid players but at some point hes gonna need to make move moves more consistently to compete.
Greg. I love Greg but he sits too much. He should've gotten way more out of this offense in its prime. A waste to wait on these young pitchers that aren't special. He should've been on the market for all these VET SPs that have been available. His offense will age, He will sit on them. He won get value. His window will close. He should've been an AL West lock and an AL Pennant contender over this 3-5 year stretch. A waste.
Jordan. Ive been on him for the last year to add. Ive been pushing him to offer on any available stud that is between 27-29. He needs some proven commodities. Hes already lost Castellano. OOTP doesn't like when teams have too many spects. The game evens it out. And he isn't active enough to catch every PD or to earn the cash to reverse them all. He needs to step up soon or step down. I know hes going through some tough stuff personally but at some point he has to either make more time for BBSBL or admit he cant and quit.
Styro. I hate that hes even on this list. very talented GM. Always active. It just seems like hes abusing the system now. Hes been losing for years. His market is horrible. I get it. Its tough to have a bad team with a bad market. But at some point you have to make it work. Look at what Greeme did in Tampa. He took control. Gained VETs and in game cash. Won and improved his financial situation. Styro needs to step up and start winning.
2. Lets talk NL West. Tough division. Its nice that Aaron left, legit very good GM. Happy hes gone tbh. What are your chances of overtaking me down the stretch?
I miss Aaron. Anyways Im not sure yet, its obvious I took a step back this year after I traded Frenchy and I knew that, I might regret it in the short term but I like the value I got, plus I acquired who might be my favorite player. Altuve also provides me something I really need, I think I have enough power bats and surrounding them with OBP/Speed guys is something I've really been lacking. Adding Harden has really shored up my pitching staff and I'm gonna need him to carry if I'm going to win the West, both of our team have flaws so it should be a a really interesting race especially with me cutting the gap last sim by a few games.
Ya. Aaron is a top notch guy and a top notch GM. Very happy to have him out. Adding Greeme was solid though. Ill be worried about him in a couple years. This article is a little old so now we know you couldn't catch me. I actually stretched out the lead towards the end. Buster Posey got hot and I went out and got Kuroda. I just don't think you had enough to get me. Cant wait for next year. Should be you and me again.
3. Long term are you worried about Dale, Shale or the non-GMd Padres? Or do you think its you and me for a couple years?
Yeah its me and you for a few years, the Pads are really disappointing because not only is their financial situation still in need of help but they're going to lose guys like Kuroda and arguably their best hitter in Garett Jones for nothing, this sucks in two ways because obviously it makes the Padres significantly worse but it also throws off the balance of the league. Could you imagine Ashes signing a guy like Jones to an already stacked offense, or even Play/Broph with their loaded youth. Really sucks because they had some of the best talent on their major league roster in the whole league now its all gonna be a wash. Shale might have the worst situation out of any team in the league because not only is he very limited in his assets but he also missed the window of when he should've sold. A season or two ago there were some serious interest for Hart and Shale being Shale refused to sell. Now hes in for a long rebuild and what seems like stuck in a perpetual cycle of mediocrity. Dale is on the right track, hes steadily acquiring assets through the draft and accumulating board cash by posting and whatnot, one of the few good guys in BBSBL I hope to see him competing the West soon.
Ill be honest. I'm not worried about Dale or Shale. Unless I rebuild completely I think I can keep ahead of both of those guys. Eventually Ill be worried about the Padres. But not now. he just started a rebuild. His financials aren't very good. Hes a decent amount away. So in my opinion it's just you and me. I like my core. I think I have some outstanding hitters that are playing pretty poorly. Eventually Ill have to replace Berkman which will be tough. Hes the only guy that hits in ATT year in and year out. But I love Grady and Dickerson an I think Posey is close to being a great hitter. I am pretty confident that the division is mine for the next two years although I'm quite sure I'm in the minority with that.
4. Would you recommend any Longballer guys for the SD spot? We need an active GM with thick skin. Any ideas?
I would love to see the Texas GM from over there here because hes very laid back and even when Erbes tried to troll him he didn't take it too seriously. He could be successful here because hes a good GM and been around OOTP for a while, I'm just going to try to keep pushing him and hopefully he will bite eventually. Other then that I cant see anyone else working out, either they aren't active enough or I don't know them well enough to get a proper guage on their personality. Some guys just don't get it, this is quite possibly the best OOTP league around so you should be jumping at the chance to come over here, Ive talked with a few GMs over there and some of them say that they cant keep up the sims or handle the constant unnecessary posting. I think that's all BS honestly. Sure sometimes it can get out of hand over here but that's what makes BBSBL a great league, if you cant handle "trolling" then you need to get off the internet because its everywhere.
Agreed on the trolling. It isn't just BBSBL. Its society. Its the internet. Its part of life now. For better or worse. People need to have thicker skin today. As for this TEX Gm I like it. Ive heard about it before. Does he wanna be a big fish in a small pond or a small fish in a big pond? if he wants to compete against some of the best OOTP GMs around he should grow a set and come over here. Lets fire Mike and give him the CWS. Shit ideally wed get 2 solid Gms and go back up to 30 teams. It would help with inflation and set us up to be more realistic again
5. Overall how has your team performed? Who has surprised? Who has disappointed? What do you lack and regret not strengthening at the deadline?
My team has fell short of expectations thus far and didnt think my offense would be this mediocre, I mean seriously what happened to Chase Utley. Dude has been so consistent throughout his whole career then he completely shits the bed this season. A-gon has been a pleasant surprise for me thus far, yeah his splits are horrible but there really arent that many good LHP's in the league right now so I dont know why hes struggled through his whole career, hes probably had like one season where hes been an above average regular, Im not going to get ahead of myself because he did the same thing last season then completely fell off the map so im hoping he keeps producing for me. I dont know if I regret not making more moves because im really limited in assets that I would need to make moves for an impact guy, I would love to get an upgrade at catcher but there really arent a ton of guys out there that would fit my needs and what im willing to give up. Someone like Posey would be really interesting in my park but I know how much in return you would need for him.
6. Does anyone have a chance in the NL against Florida? I know he took a huge step back but hes still so much better record wise.
Maybe a team like the Expos might have a shot but their bullpen is very inconsistent and it might be an area that Kobe regrets not upgrading in the playoffs, other then that I don't really see anyone else competing. Pittsburgh probably had the best shot if they stayed competing at least one more season but the Marlins are so stacked its unfair, I thought he took a step back but Ashes is one of the best in the league at selling high on guys at the most opportune moments, Shale should ask for some lessons! Its probably another easy route for Ashes to the world series and what looks like one of the most dominant dynasties in BBSBL history.
I agree that Kobe is the only team that has a shot. His SP is amazing. You need that type of top tier SP to beat FLA. Even that it seems that FLA is unstoppable. No way Id expect that team to perform how they have. Its unreal. Literally crazy how quickly his guys develop. Such a good team.
7. There has been discussion each year on inflation. What is your take on league ratings? How are they compared to Longballer? Is there an inflation problem?
Inflation is something to discuss but honestly what can we do about it, sure we can nerf drafts every year but why penalize rebuilding teams and have them stuck in mediocrity every year. I know you brought up the idea of creating guys with more "well rounded" talents but that's a slippery slope because now I feel like now you need hitters in your lineup with at least a few Brilliants. I don't think its as much of an issue as you make it out to be, the game will correct itself eventually and if the league is inflated with offensive numbers then so be it, being in a league where a .700 OPS guy is considered a "stud" is boring. What a smooth transition into LBB because that's exactly the case there, LBB currently is very pitching heavy and there are few offenses that have the capability to put up 5-6 runs a game. If you just look at the raw numbers, with both leagues around the same point in the season, the average runs per team in LBB is around 500 while BBSBL I believe is around 530 or so. There are only like 2-3 teams in LBB that have a slugging over .400 while there are multiple in BBSBL, its actually a neat comparison because both leagues are on the complete opposite ends of the spectrum. The easiest way to fix the attrition is to adjust the draft classes which is what we are also doing in LBB, you just have to be careful that you're taking calculated risks and not changing the landscape of the league completely while doing so.
Ya. I get it that its a part of every league, but I think every league needs to constantly try and re correct itself. I think you need the constant editing and re thinking of everything in your league. Never get into a lull where you aren't trying to make the league better. I actually quite like the idea of trying to recruit back up to 30. Its an easy fix on inflation. Bringing in two new teams means the league ratings will even out a bit. I also think Chris talking about league stats means we could in fact tweak the game engine to give different stats each year. Both could be fun tweaks to continue to keep the league interesting.
8. Is there a fix in your estimation? Lower draft ratings? Less reversals? Anything else?
Well damn I guess I kind of answered this in the previous question, like I said the best way is to adjust the draft ratings, I would hate for us to get rid of the reversal system because its what makes BBSBL unique.
Ya. I dont think there is a quick fix beyond expansion. But lower or locked draft ratings. Meaning 5 5 stars. 5 4.5 stars. 10 4 stars. 20 3.5. Etc. Maybe charging more for multiple talent reversals, or reversals back to BRILL. Expansion. I think these 3 elements would set us on the right track.
9. Longballer has been struggling it seems. Are you close to ending it? Would you restart? How do you like commishing overall?
I wouldn't say its struggling because a lot of the GM's there aren't big posters so it makes it seem likes its dead but its doing okay so far, I would like to recruit a few guys from here but none have really showed interest. I love commishing, its fun and I'm learning a lot about the game as I go. Pretty cool to be the first one to check out the sim and see what PDs you get or how your team does, I was overwhelmed at first because it was a lot to take in but getting some help from Erbes/Shale has been huge. Restarting isn't an option because we already did it, I'm going to keep commishing as long as I have the time, once I graduate it might be a little tough but I'm sure maybe Shale or someone else would be willing to step in and handle it until I'm ready again.
Ill be honest, Ive never really checked LBB out. So I'm not sure how good or bad it is. I'm way too busy with my personal lie, BBSBL and HOFFBL to do a third league. I know running a league is fun, but it takes a ton of time as well. I wish you and LBB the best though.
10. How are you financially? Seems like you're close to your limit. Also still need to resign Utley. Will you just add some cash in the off-season or are you gonna need to sell a little?
Yep my situation isn't the greatest but I had to make moves to make a push to make my first ever playoff appearance, I think my market is decent enough where I can afford the guys I did, I'm probably going to need to trade for in game cash which is a pain because of the skewed rations, uggh. I'm really banking on Peavy and Harden signing for cheap next season, if I can lower my payroll by at least 10m by resigning them it would be a huge win. One of the biggest mistakes I made while rebuilding was not getting any cash into my stadium bank, I'm actually not even sure how that happened because I had some really awful seasons where my payroll was miniscule. Improving my stadium capacity would've been huge but oh well, maybe next time I rebuild that might be something I remember to do.
I'm guessing any excess cash was trade for board cash. That's probably what happened. And that makes sense at the time, but even I went up to max capacity because it is important. Gotta fill up that stadium. Make that cash. As of now you still have to resign Utley. Scary stuff. You wont go on probation but looks like you'll need 35-40 in game to be comfortable. GL with that. Tough to live year to year trading for in game. Ive done it almost every year of BBSBL.
11. Jose Altuve. How good can he be? What do you see him putting up year in and year out eventually? What type of ratings are you hoping for in his prime?
He can be great if he develops like he should, Im hoping hes ready for next season and having him as my leadoff hitter for the rest of his career. His upside might be very similar to Chase Utley without the power, I really love his speed/SA, Ive never had an A/A guy so its gonna be fun to set his sliders to let him take off. Ideally I want his hits to develop all the way to 10 but and his doubles to atleast a 9, which makes him a perfect fit for my park, stealing 60-70 bags a year would be nice also.
Fun to have a good player that you like. Also fun that BBSBL kinda allows you to build a player. Altuve can run. Should be a 10/10 Hits/Doubles guy. Id move him to SS and up his range in ST. Eventually he could be a A/985 SS. Wow. So good. I'd bump his clutch and consistency too. he could be a stud eventually. Good luck with him.
12. Were you upset that we didn't move you to Houston during contraction? Seemed to make sense. Huge Houston fan. Would've been nice to continue the Astros as they were a successful BBSBL franchise. Thoughts?
Yeah I was a little upset because I was under the impression that it was going to happen then Erbes flip flopped at last second, fucker. Yeah I'm gonna admit that I'm a huge homer and that I love all Houston teams even though they really haven't had a ton of success since I've moved here, getting the Astros would've been fun especially considering how weak the AL West was at the time with Broph in the middle of his rebuild and Nanz not really around all that much. Yeah it sounds like a bitch move but lets be realistic how many teams in the NL can realistically dethrone Ashes?
I agree all around. Im a huge homer as well. I have way more fun when I own my teams and my favorite players. I always knew which GMs liked which teams. I always considered those GMs when teams opened up. Let guys move around if they wanted. Nothing wrong with that. I think Im gonna start pushing for expansion again and Ill push for you to move to the Astros so I can punish another ARI expansion team for 5 years or so. YEE!
1. Think this is our 3rd straight year of doing an interview. Kinda sucks tbh. Not that I don't like hearing what you have to say but because of the lack of initiative with so many GMs. I'm gonna call out some inactive GMs. Give me your 2 cents on each guy. Kobe. Mike. Greg. Jordan. Styro. Go!
Kobe - I think hes done a pretty good job of acquiring overpaid/undervalued players and its worked out so far, but at the same time hes done a horrible job of managing his finances and hes got some work to do in the offseason. Hes very well on his way to probation I mean he only has 19m in game and hes already 18m in the negative, yikes He might've jumped the gun a bit too early but then again, who knows if those same guys would've been available, at least hes a near lock to win the WC and maybe doing some work in the postseason might help his financial situation a little.
Mike - Hes been around sparingly, I'm not sure what his situation is but he could've definitely made some moves to at least pass up Steve, there were plenty of guys available like JFG, Henson or anyone else on TB really. I don't feel like we should fire him by any means but a little more activity would push away all his critics because his team actually isn't all that bad.
Greg - I have no issues with Greg but he really needs more consistent/better SP, I mean Wood is nearly done and he really doesn't have anyone internally to replace him. Broph is breathing down his neck and could take that division soon, Greg needs to make a move for an ace and with Wood's salary coming off the books he could very well do that. Someone like Nolasco might be heading into FA and Greg needs to make a strong push for him while Patterson is still in his prime.
Jordan - Jordan's Phillies have a very bright future and I hope he doesn't make the mistake that I did when I was rebuilding, when you're rebuilding its very easy to just sit on your team and have people envious of your minors but very easily you could have some unfortunate luck and have your studs suffer from bad PDs. He needs to start making moves for ML talent because his pitching isn't all that bad but that offense needs a lot of work, I would hold onto guys like Will Myers and see what I could get for Baez. Myers looks like a future stud and could be ready soon, I'm hoping to see the Phillies compete in what looks like a very competitive NL East.
Styro - Another rebuilding team here, I really don't have problems with any of the guys on this list because they're around but just not posting a ton and that's not that big of a deal. Styro also has an amazing farm system, and I'm not gonna criticize any moves hes made or hasn't made thus far because its working out, plus he certainly knows what hes doing because hes built a powerhouse before. His bats in his minors have great upside and I'm really excited to see how guys like Singleton and Smoak pan out, although Smoak is developing a little slowly then you would like. Fernandez seems like he might be a few years away but the Twins are a team to watch out for especially if they're able to get a guy like Correa or Buxton in this upcoming draft.
Well shit. You ere super nice to everyone. Lame.
Kobe. He is just so fucking unmotivated half the time. He just stops trying some times when his plan doesn't work out. He just gives in. Its really lame. Even this year with his success he blew it by not getting in game cash before the deadline. And of course hell blame Ashes for simming early when it was just a regular sim time. Very frustrating. Take some responsibility. Plan things out better. When your plan fails, regroup and try again.
Mike is better as a wait-lister. Hes way more active when hes on the outside looking in. Always has been. He has a solid team and could've easily made it better but he just goes missing for weeks at a time. Misses on big trades. He does a good job of getting the best out of older medium paid players but at some point hes gonna need to make move moves more consistently to compete.
Greg. I love Greg but he sits too much. He should've gotten way more out of this offense in its prime. A waste to wait on these young pitchers that aren't special. He should've been on the market for all these VET SPs that have been available. His offense will age, He will sit on them. He won get value. His window will close. He should've been an AL West lock and an AL Pennant contender over this 3-5 year stretch. A waste.
Jordan. Ive been on him for the last year to add. Ive been pushing him to offer on any available stud that is between 27-29. He needs some proven commodities. Hes already lost Castellano. OOTP doesn't like when teams have too many spects. The game evens it out. And he isn't active enough to catch every PD or to earn the cash to reverse them all. He needs to step up soon or step down. I know hes going through some tough stuff personally but at some point he has to either make more time for BBSBL or admit he cant and quit.
Styro. I hate that hes even on this list. very talented GM. Always active. It just seems like hes abusing the system now. Hes been losing for years. His market is horrible. I get it. Its tough to have a bad team with a bad market. But at some point you have to make it work. Look at what Greeme did in Tampa. He took control. Gained VETs and in game cash. Won and improved his financial situation. Styro needs to step up and start winning.
2. Lets talk NL West. Tough division. Its nice that Aaron left, legit very good GM. Happy hes gone tbh. What are your chances of overtaking me down the stretch?
I miss Aaron. Anyways Im not sure yet, its obvious I took a step back this year after I traded Frenchy and I knew that, I might regret it in the short term but I like the value I got, plus I acquired who might be my favorite player. Altuve also provides me something I really need, I think I have enough power bats and surrounding them with OBP/Speed guys is something I've really been lacking. Adding Harden has really shored up my pitching staff and I'm gonna need him to carry if I'm going to win the West, both of our team have flaws so it should be a a really interesting race especially with me cutting the gap last sim by a few games.
Ya. Aaron is a top notch guy and a top notch GM. Very happy to have him out. Adding Greeme was solid though. Ill be worried about him in a couple years. This article is a little old so now we know you couldn't catch me. I actually stretched out the lead towards the end. Buster Posey got hot and I went out and got Kuroda. I just don't think you had enough to get me. Cant wait for next year. Should be you and me again.
3. Long term are you worried about Dale, Shale or the non-GMd Padres? Or do you think its you and me for a couple years?
Yeah its me and you for a few years, the Pads are really disappointing because not only is their financial situation still in need of help but they're going to lose guys like Kuroda and arguably their best hitter in Garett Jones for nothing, this sucks in two ways because obviously it makes the Padres significantly worse but it also throws off the balance of the league. Could you imagine Ashes signing a guy like Jones to an already stacked offense, or even Play/Broph with their loaded youth. Really sucks because they had some of the best talent on their major league roster in the whole league now its all gonna be a wash. Shale might have the worst situation out of any team in the league because not only is he very limited in his assets but he also missed the window of when he should've sold. A season or two ago there were some serious interest for Hart and Shale being Shale refused to sell. Now hes in for a long rebuild and what seems like stuck in a perpetual cycle of mediocrity. Dale is on the right track, hes steadily acquiring assets through the draft and accumulating board cash by posting and whatnot, one of the few good guys in BBSBL I hope to see him competing the West soon.
Ill be honest. I'm not worried about Dale or Shale. Unless I rebuild completely I think I can keep ahead of both of those guys. Eventually Ill be worried about the Padres. But not now. he just started a rebuild. His financials aren't very good. Hes a decent amount away. So in my opinion it's just you and me. I like my core. I think I have some outstanding hitters that are playing pretty poorly. Eventually Ill have to replace Berkman which will be tough. Hes the only guy that hits in ATT year in and year out. But I love Grady and Dickerson an I think Posey is close to being a great hitter. I am pretty confident that the division is mine for the next two years although I'm quite sure I'm in the minority with that.
4. Would you recommend any Longballer guys for the SD spot? We need an active GM with thick skin. Any ideas?
I would love to see the Texas GM from over there here because hes very laid back and even when Erbes tried to troll him he didn't take it too seriously. He could be successful here because hes a good GM and been around OOTP for a while, I'm just going to try to keep pushing him and hopefully he will bite eventually. Other then that I cant see anyone else working out, either they aren't active enough or I don't know them well enough to get a proper guage on their personality. Some guys just don't get it, this is quite possibly the best OOTP league around so you should be jumping at the chance to come over here, Ive talked with a few GMs over there and some of them say that they cant keep up the sims or handle the constant unnecessary posting. I think that's all BS honestly. Sure sometimes it can get out of hand over here but that's what makes BBSBL a great league, if you cant handle "trolling" then you need to get off the internet because its everywhere.
Agreed on the trolling. It isn't just BBSBL. Its society. Its the internet. Its part of life now. For better or worse. People need to have thicker skin today. As for this TEX Gm I like it. Ive heard about it before. Does he wanna be a big fish in a small pond or a small fish in a big pond? if he wants to compete against some of the best OOTP GMs around he should grow a set and come over here. Lets fire Mike and give him the CWS. Shit ideally wed get 2 solid Gms and go back up to 30 teams. It would help with inflation and set us up to be more realistic again
5. Overall how has your team performed? Who has surprised? Who has disappointed? What do you lack and regret not strengthening at the deadline?
My team has fell short of expectations thus far and didnt think my offense would be this mediocre, I mean seriously what happened to Chase Utley. Dude has been so consistent throughout his whole career then he completely shits the bed this season. A-gon has been a pleasant surprise for me thus far, yeah his splits are horrible but there really arent that many good LHP's in the league right now so I dont know why hes struggled through his whole career, hes probably had like one season where hes been an above average regular, Im not going to get ahead of myself because he did the same thing last season then completely fell off the map so im hoping he keeps producing for me. I dont know if I regret not making more moves because im really limited in assets that I would need to make moves for an impact guy, I would love to get an upgrade at catcher but there really arent a ton of guys out there that would fit my needs and what im willing to give up. Someone like Posey would be really interesting in my park but I know how much in return you would need for him.
6. Does anyone have a chance in the NL against Florida? I know he took a huge step back but hes still so much better record wise.
Maybe a team like the Expos might have a shot but their bullpen is very inconsistent and it might be an area that Kobe regrets not upgrading in the playoffs, other then that I don't really see anyone else competing. Pittsburgh probably had the best shot if they stayed competing at least one more season but the Marlins are so stacked its unfair, I thought he took a step back but Ashes is one of the best in the league at selling high on guys at the most opportune moments, Shale should ask for some lessons! Its probably another easy route for Ashes to the world series and what looks like one of the most dominant dynasties in BBSBL history.
I agree that Kobe is the only team that has a shot. His SP is amazing. You need that type of top tier SP to beat FLA. Even that it seems that FLA is unstoppable. No way Id expect that team to perform how they have. Its unreal. Literally crazy how quickly his guys develop. Such a good team.
7. There has been discussion each year on inflation. What is your take on league ratings? How are they compared to Longballer? Is there an inflation problem?
Inflation is something to discuss but honestly what can we do about it, sure we can nerf drafts every year but why penalize rebuilding teams and have them stuck in mediocrity every year. I know you brought up the idea of creating guys with more "well rounded" talents but that's a slippery slope because now I feel like now you need hitters in your lineup with at least a few Brilliants. I don't think its as much of an issue as you make it out to be, the game will correct itself eventually and if the league is inflated with offensive numbers then so be it, being in a league where a .700 OPS guy is considered a "stud" is boring. What a smooth transition into LBB because that's exactly the case there, LBB currently is very pitching heavy and there are few offenses that have the capability to put up 5-6 runs a game. If you just look at the raw numbers, with both leagues around the same point in the season, the average runs per team in LBB is around 500 while BBSBL I believe is around 530 or so. There are only like 2-3 teams in LBB that have a slugging over .400 while there are multiple in BBSBL, its actually a neat comparison because both leagues are on the complete opposite ends of the spectrum. The easiest way to fix the attrition is to adjust the draft classes which is what we are also doing in LBB, you just have to be careful that you're taking calculated risks and not changing the landscape of the league completely while doing so.
Ya. I get it that its a part of every league, but I think every league needs to constantly try and re correct itself. I think you need the constant editing and re thinking of everything in your league. Never get into a lull where you aren't trying to make the league better. I actually quite like the idea of trying to recruit back up to 30. Its an easy fix on inflation. Bringing in two new teams means the league ratings will even out a bit. I also think Chris talking about league stats means we could in fact tweak the game engine to give different stats each year. Both could be fun tweaks to continue to keep the league interesting.
8. Is there a fix in your estimation? Lower draft ratings? Less reversals? Anything else?
Well damn I guess I kind of answered this in the previous question, like I said the best way is to adjust the draft ratings, I would hate for us to get rid of the reversal system because its what makes BBSBL unique.
Ya. I dont think there is a quick fix beyond expansion. But lower or locked draft ratings. Meaning 5 5 stars. 5 4.5 stars. 10 4 stars. 20 3.5. Etc. Maybe charging more for multiple talent reversals, or reversals back to BRILL. Expansion. I think these 3 elements would set us on the right track.
9. Longballer has been struggling it seems. Are you close to ending it? Would you restart? How do you like commishing overall?
I wouldn't say its struggling because a lot of the GM's there aren't big posters so it makes it seem likes its dead but its doing okay so far, I would like to recruit a few guys from here but none have really showed interest. I love commishing, its fun and I'm learning a lot about the game as I go. Pretty cool to be the first one to check out the sim and see what PDs you get or how your team does, I was overwhelmed at first because it was a lot to take in but getting some help from Erbes/Shale has been huge. Restarting isn't an option because we already did it, I'm going to keep commishing as long as I have the time, once I graduate it might be a little tough but I'm sure maybe Shale or someone else would be willing to step in and handle it until I'm ready again.
Ill be honest, Ive never really checked LBB out. So I'm not sure how good or bad it is. I'm way too busy with my personal lie, BBSBL and HOFFBL to do a third league. I know running a league is fun, but it takes a ton of time as well. I wish you and LBB the best though.
10. How are you financially? Seems like you're close to your limit. Also still need to resign Utley. Will you just add some cash in the off-season or are you gonna need to sell a little?
Yep my situation isn't the greatest but I had to make moves to make a push to make my first ever playoff appearance, I think my market is decent enough where I can afford the guys I did, I'm probably going to need to trade for in game cash which is a pain because of the skewed rations, uggh. I'm really banking on Peavy and Harden signing for cheap next season, if I can lower my payroll by at least 10m by resigning them it would be a huge win. One of the biggest mistakes I made while rebuilding was not getting any cash into my stadium bank, I'm actually not even sure how that happened because I had some really awful seasons where my payroll was miniscule. Improving my stadium capacity would've been huge but oh well, maybe next time I rebuild that might be something I remember to do.
I'm guessing any excess cash was trade for board cash. That's probably what happened. And that makes sense at the time, but even I went up to max capacity because it is important. Gotta fill up that stadium. Make that cash. As of now you still have to resign Utley. Scary stuff. You wont go on probation but looks like you'll need 35-40 in game to be comfortable. GL with that. Tough to live year to year trading for in game. Ive done it almost every year of BBSBL.
11. Jose Altuve. How good can he be? What do you see him putting up year in and year out eventually? What type of ratings are you hoping for in his prime?
He can be great if he develops like he should, Im hoping hes ready for next season and having him as my leadoff hitter for the rest of his career. His upside might be very similar to Chase Utley without the power, I really love his speed/SA, Ive never had an A/A guy so its gonna be fun to set his sliders to let him take off. Ideally I want his hits to develop all the way to 10 but and his doubles to atleast a 9, which makes him a perfect fit for my park, stealing 60-70 bags a year would be nice also.
Fun to have a good player that you like. Also fun that BBSBL kinda allows you to build a player. Altuve can run. Should be a 10/10 Hits/Doubles guy. Id move him to SS and up his range in ST. Eventually he could be a A/985 SS. Wow. So good. I'd bump his clutch and consistency too. he could be a stud eventually. Good luck with him.
12. Were you upset that we didn't move you to Houston during contraction? Seemed to make sense. Huge Houston fan. Would've been nice to continue the Astros as they were a successful BBSBL franchise. Thoughts?
Yeah I was a little upset because I was under the impression that it was going to happen then Erbes flip flopped at last second, fucker. Yeah I'm gonna admit that I'm a huge homer and that I love all Houston teams even though they really haven't had a ton of success since I've moved here, getting the Astros would've been fun especially considering how weak the AL West was at the time with Broph in the middle of his rebuild and Nanz not really around all that much. Yeah it sounds like a bitch move but lets be realistic how many teams in the NL can realistically dethrone Ashes?
I agree all around. Im a huge homer as well. I have way more fun when I own my teams and my favorite players. I always knew which GMs liked which teams. I always considered those GMs when teams opened up. Let guys move around if they wanted. Nothing wrong with that. I think Im gonna start pushing for expansion again and Ill push for you to move to the Astros so I can punish another ARI expansion team for 5 years or so. YEE!