Posted 04-06-2011 at 01:07 AM by heater41
Hello All,
Since the release date of MLB 11 The Show I have been spending countless hours with sliders, difficulty levels, interfaces, views and more. That said, I am now ready to start my MLB 11 The Show Franchise! This franchise will consist of a fantasy draft that will be documented here, round by round as well as the posting of all 162 box scores, news and more. I hope you enjoy the franchise blog.
Let's begin by letting you know the sliders I am using. These are custom sliders that I have set myself playing well over 35 games to test. I will make NO slider adjustments during the season so what you see is what you get.
All sliders are default at 5 unless you see them changed below:
[I]Human Power: 4
Human Reliever Stamina: 0
Human Pitcher Consistency: 6
CPU Power: 4
CPU Reliever Stamina: 0
CPU Strike Frequency: 1
Pitch Speed: 4[/I]
As you can see, I feel the game plays very well out of the box with just a few very slight tweaks.
My User Settings are as follows:
[B]
Game Play Options:[/B]
[I]Hitting Difficulty: Hall of Fame
Hitting Interface: Timing
Plate Coverage Indicator: Off
Bunting Interface: Classic
Guess Pitch: Off
Hitting View: Broadcast
Swing/Pitch Info: Off
Pitching Difficulty: Hall of Fame
Pitching Interface: Meter
Pitching Ball Marker: Fade
Pitching View: Broadcast
Pitch Call out: Full
Pitch Confidence: Off
Pitch Delay: Normal
API: Off
Strike Zone: Off
Hot Zones: Off
Balks: On
Warm Up Pitchers: On
Throwing Interface: Pure Analog
Analog Throwing Difficulty: Hall of Fame
Throwing Decision: On
Throwing Meter: Off
Throw Canceling: On
Fielding Decision: Auto
Fielding One Button Dive/Jump: On
Fielding View Offense: Broadcast
Fielding View Defense: Broadcast
Catch Region Indicator: Off
Catch Position Indicator: Off
Tag Up Indicator: Off
Rob Home Run Indicator: Off
Controller Fielding: Off
Controller Fielding Sensitivity: Default
Base Running Interface: Default
Base Running Decisions: Auto
Sliding Decisions: On
Runner Windows: On
Controller Sliding: Off
Controller Sliding Sensitivity: Default
Umpire Balls and Strikes: Variable
Umpire Close Plays: On
Check Swing Appeals: On
Injuries: On
Ejections: ON
Post Game Auto Save: ON
Vibration: Off[/I]
A few things here you will notice:
1. I use the broadcast camera for everything. I find it easy to read balls and strikes from this camera when hitting and also puts me at a disadvantage when playing on the road and seeing a new camera view.
2. I play with automatic fielding, throwing and running on. My opinion is that if the computer team is controlled like this, then mine should be as well. Any odd happenings can then occur both ways and I have found myself yelling at a runner for making a costly base running mistake or a fielder making an untimely error.
[B]
Presentation Settings:[/B]
[I]Presentation Mode: Broadcast
Batter Walk Up: On
HR Celebration Cam: Off
Game Tips: Off
Tutorial Tips: Off
In Game Ticker: On
Closed Captioning: Off
Mode Updates: On
MLB.Com Updates: On
Friend Updates: On
Menu Ticker: On
MLB.Com Updates: On
Friend Updates: On
[/I]
OK, these are what I go with...Up Next, the Fantasy Draft!
I have decided that I am going to use the New York Mets as my Franchise team. The Mets were chose for a few different reasons. One, they have an obvious budget restriction however I have some draft leeway because they do have a fairly large payroll. Two, Citifield is considered a pitchers park and I want to see how that stands up. Even with the power slider moved to 4 I expect to see home runs but I am hoping to see less of them playing in Citifield. Of course, I will need to draft as such and build around my stadium. Three, I am a fan of National League baseball and enjoy the small ball style where bunting, stealing, etc comes into play more. I am curious how the computer manages my base running and stealing being a National League team. Finally, simply put, the Mets are my favorite National League team although I am a Twins fan first and foremost. All of that said, the draft is up next.
For the draft I will take whatever position the computer randomly assigns me and go from there. As well, I will list the first 2 rounds in full here on my blog. After that, only my picks will be listed as well as any heartaches that may occur during the draft. Each draft pick that I make will be listed with their contract, salary and reason for drafting.
In addition, I will draft my Major League roster 1st, followed by AAA and then AA. This way, I will not simply grab an "A" rated prospect ahead of a bench player making it a slight bit harder to build a farm system.
The Mode Entry Options are as follows:
[I]Fantasy Draft: On
CPU Roster Control: Off
CPU Trading: On
Instant Trades: Off
Ignore Budgets: Off
Force Trades: Off
Designated Hitter: Auto[/I]
[I]As for my rosters, I am using Knight's OS Spring Training V4 Rosters:[/I]
All said and done now, so let the draft begin!
[B]2011 Fantasy Draft: [/B]
[B]Round 1:[/B]
[I]1. Seattle: Miguel Cabrera 1B
2. Boston: Mark Teixeira 1B
3. Baltimore: Josh Hamilton LF
4. New York Yankees: Chase Utley 2B
5. Tampa Bay: Evan Longoria 3B
6. Chicago Cubs: Adrian Gonzalez 1B
7. San Francisco: Joe Mauer C
8. Toronto: Albert Pujols 1B
9. Cleveland: Robinson Cano 2B
10. Chicago White Sox: Tim Lincecum SP
11. Los Angeles Angels: Ubaldo Jimenez SP
12. Texas: Felix Hernandez SP
13. Atlanta: Hanley Ramirez SS
14. Houston: Carlos Gonzalez LF
15. Cincinnati: Troy Tulowitzki SS
16. Colorado: David Price SP
17. Florida: C.C Sabathia SP
18. Pittsburgh: Brian Wilson CP
19: Arizona: Ian Kinsler 2B
20. Detroit: Ryan Braun LF
21. Kansas City: Roy Halladay SP
22. Washington: Zack Greinke SP
23. Milwaukee: Andrew Bailey: CP
24. Minnesota: Jonathan Broxton CP
25. Los Angeles Dodgers: Matt Kemp CF
26. Oakland: Joakim Soria CP
27. St.Louis: Heath Bell CP
28. San Diego: Jayson Werth RF[/I]
[I][B]29. New York Mets: Carl Crawford LF[/B][/I]
[I]30. Philadelphia: Cliff Lee SP
Recap: I decided on Crawford in Round 1 as he obviously covers a ton of ground in left, has a very good arm, makes a great lead off man, is very durable and holds a 7 year contract that starts at only 8.9 mil and finishes at 11.9. In addition, his potential is an "A" and at age 29 could have one more year to better his skills.
[/I][B]Round 2[/B][I][B]:
[/B]1. Philadelphia: Justin Verlander SP
[B]2. New York Mets: Shane Victorino CF[/B]
3. San Diego: Jimmy Rollins SS
4. St.Louis: Joey Votto 1B
5. Oakland: Dustin Pedroia 2B
6. Los Angeles Dodgers: Jonathan Papelbon CP
7. Minnesota: Alex Rodriguez 3B
8. Milwaukee: Josh Johnson SP
9. Washington: Jose Valverde CP
10. Kansas City: Carlos Marmol CP
11. Detroit: Buster Posey C
12. Arizona: Huston Street CP
13. Pittsburgh: Kevin Youkilis 3B
14. Florida: Matt Cain SP
15. Colorado: Adam Wainright SP
16. Cincinnati: Dan Haren SP
17. Houston: Neftali Feliz CP
18. Atlanta: Brandon Phillips 2B
19. Texas: David Wright 3B
20. Los Angeles Angels: Matt Holliday 3B
21. Chicago White Sox: Carlos Beltran RF
22. Cleveland: Johan Santana SP
23. Toronto: Jose Reyes SS
24. San Francisco: Grady Sizemore CF
25. Chicago Cubs: Jose Bautista RF
26. Tampa Bay: Chad Billingsley SP
27. New York Yankees: Adrian Beltre 3B
28. Baltimore: Jake Peavy SP
29. Boston: Nelson Cruz RF
30. Seattle: Shin-Soo Choo RF
Recap: In round 2 I by passed on 3 top pitchers in Adam Wainwright, Josh Johnson and Matt Cain as well as a handful of true #3 and #4 hitters to grab 30 year old Shane Victorino. If this were a real team the fans and media would have my head. However, let me explain my thinking. CF is a VERY weak position if you are looking for range, fielding ability AND an arm. Finding one that can hit is even tougher. I am also not going to play a starter outside their draft able position. So Crawford, although he can play CF, is listed as a LF and will play there. Same with Ichiro if I had drafted him. He would have been in right. Now, I have legitimate OF's to bat 1-2 and they will cover a bunch of ground in spacious Citifield. In addition, Victorino does have 2 years on him at only 7.0 and 7.4 so he is a bargain compared to some. At age 30 and an "A" rating he stands the possibility of gaining 1 more year of progress but probably not much.
[B]Round 3: Tommy Hanson SP: [/B]"A" rated and 24 years old, The right handed Hanson is going to have to step up and anchor this New York Mets staff. He is only signed to a 1 year deal worth 510K but re-signing this youngster should not be a problem. The Mets are hoping he is ace material as early as this season! Now, after 3 rounds the 2011 payroll stands at $16,410,000.
[B]Round 4: Jay Bruce RF: [/B]In Round 4 the Mets opt to fill their outfield with Right Fielder Jay Bruce. This 23 year old packs a punch with the bat and will make a great #3 or #4 hitter in the Mets lineup. He also continues the diagram of a good arm, range and defense in the outfield. Few balls will drop between these 3 guys! Bruce comes with "A" potential and has superstar written all over him. In addition, he comes with a 6 year contract that starts at ONLY 2.4 mil and finishes at only 3 million. In round 4, this is a steal for the New York Mets! Payroll after round 4: $18,810,000.
[B]
Round 5: Madison Bumgarner SP: [/B]Going youth again on the mound the Mets select 21 year old lefty, "A" rated, Madison Bumgarner. Like Hanson, Bumgarner only has a 1 year deal at 420k but re-signing this #2 starter is a MUST. Being a clutch pitcher with good control, Madison should have a solid season in the Mets rotation. The Mets also considered right hander Phil Hughes in this spot as well as a couple of middle infielders but opted to go with the young lefthander. Salary after Round 5 now stands at:
$19,230,000.
[B]Round 6: Phil Hughes SP: [/B]The Phillies, with back to back picks selected Martin Prado and Bryce Harper leaving pitching out there for New York. A #3 starter at this point was the consensus and the choice was between righthander Phil Hughes and lefthander Jonathan Sanchez. On the surface, Sanchez appeared the better choice being a lefty strikeout artist. The Mets however went with the righthander who is 4 years younger than Sanchez. Hughes has very good arm strength, "A" potential and joins what looks like a young staff comparable to that of Smoltz, Maddux and Glavine of years past. Hughes will make 3.2 million this season and rest assured the Mets will lock him up long term giving them a possible GREAT trio of starters for the future. The new payroll? After 6 rounds they stand at: $22,430,000.
[B]Round 7: Carlos Santana C: [/B]In Round 7 New York selects its' catcher in the switch hitting Carlos Santana. Santana should be able to fill the 5 or 6 hole in the Mets lineup very capably. At age 24 and an "A" rating he still has a good 5 or 6 years in which to improve his already very solid skills. Within 2 seasons the Mets for him to be a perennial all-star backstop. Santana will only make 420K this season and will be another player the Mets will need to lock up long term. Current Payroll: $22,850,000.
[B]Round 8: Aroldis Chapman RP: [/B]Round 8 is here and the Mets make their first foray into the bullpen by signing 23 year old left handed fire baller, Aroldis Chapman. Chapman's arm strength is incomparable and he will make either a great set up man or closer for the Mets. Chapman has obvious "A" potential and comes with a long term 5 year contract that pays him 376K in year 1 while capping out at 457K in year 5. The Mets have locked up a great young pitcher for a very long time in Chapman. Salary after Round 8 is now: $23,126,000.
[B]
Round 9: Gio Gonzalez SP: [/B]The Mets go back to their rotation in Round 9 and ink lefthander Gio Gonzalez. At age 25 and "A" rated, he makes a nice #4 starter with huge upside. Gonzalez's durability could be a bit of a question but one the Mets were willing to deal with. Gio will make 450K this year and yet again, the Mets will need to do some negotiating here. Salary after Round 9: $23,576,000.
[B]Round 10: Jeremy Jeffress RP: [/B]There must be something about being 23 and having a job in the Mets bullpen because Jeremy Jeffress becomes the right handed compliment to Aroldis Chapman. Another "A" rated player only making 420K for one year fits right into what the Mets have been building. After 10 Rounds their payroll now stands at: $23,996,000.
[B]Round 11: Pedro Alvarez 3B: [/B]Say hello to the Mets clean up hitter, third baseman Pedro Alvarez. Another young stud, Alvarez is weak on "D" but has some major pop in his bat. The Mets are hoping his "A" potential will increase his defensive ability over time. Alvarez will save the Mets some negotiating next season as he packs a 2 year deal at 404K this season and 425K next. Round 11 payroll now ONLY: $24,421,000.
[B]Round 12: Brian Matusz SP: [/B]The #5 spot in the Mets rotation is now full a they ink left handed, "A" rated, Brian Matusz. This 24 year old could be as good as their #1 in their future so the staff looks incredible down the road. Matusz has a 2 year deal at 439K and 460K giving the Mets yet another inexpensive prodigy. Round 12 payroll? $24,860,000.
[B]Round 13: Jorge Posada 1B: [/B]Jorge may grab the nickname "Grandpa" before this season is over. At age 39 he is by far the oldest member of the team who also brings 5 world championships worth of knowledge into the clubhouse. Posada packs a nice bat and can hit anywhere between 4 and 6 in the lineup. His "D" may be missing a step but you can bet his bat won't be. Although he has "A" potential his days of improvement are long behind him and his 2.6 one year contract could be his last. After Round 13 the Mets stand at: $27,460,000.
[B]Round 14: Marco Scutaro SS: [/B]Back to back players over the age of 35? Scutaro brings a solid two way game to the Mets who could do a lot worse at short. Marco only carries a 1 year deal at 1.5 million and "B" potential and even if he is here next season, it would be in a backup utility role. The Mets salary after Round 14 is now: $28,960,000.
[B]Round 15: Pedro Feliciano RP: [/B]It's the 30's on parade as Feliciano inks a 2 year deal at 1.5 and 1.6 mil respectively. Pedro could turn out to be the closer while the youngsters prepare themselves for the future so this pick could weigh heavily on the Mets success. Pedro has "B" potential but don't expect and improvement here. Salary after Round 15 is now: $29,460,000.
[B]Round 16: Craig Kimbrell CP: [/B]Back to the pen we go and this time it's 22 year old, "A" rated, Craig Kimbrel. Kimbrel has closer written all over him and will make a tough battle with the other youngsters for the role. At $420K this year the Mets have a bargain but will pay dearly next season to keep him around. After Round 16 the salary stands at: $29,880,000.
[B]Round 17: Mike Montgomery SP: [/B]Montgomery will act as a long reliever to start the season with New York. His "A"potential is no joke and he has major stud written all over him. If all 6 of these pitchers pan out you could see the Mets dealing one of them in a package for a superstar player down the road. Montgomery comes with a 2 year deal at 263K and 276K and is a nice blue chip for the Mets. Salary after Round 17 is now: $30,143,000.
[B]Round 18: Danny Espinosa 2B: [/B]Espinosa will bat 8th and play 2B for the Mets but has some real talent, "B" potential and plays very good defense. This switch hitting 23 year old only has a 1 year deal worth 420K but if the Mets see a glimmer of hope here, he could become their 2B of the future. After round 18 the Mets salary is now: $30,563,000.
[B]Round 19: Bobby Parnell RP: [/B]The Mets needed a RH to close out their bullpen and that job has been filled by 26 year old, "B" rated Bobby Parnell. Parnell can reach 100 MPH with his fastball and makes a great 11th man out of the pen. The Mets can see what they have in him as he only makes 420K this season and they can judge from their whether he is worth re-signing in the off season. After 19 Rounds the Mets salary stands at: $30,983,000.
[B]Round 20: Chris V.Carter 1B: [/B]The Mets backups start with Chris V.Carter a first baseman who can also play the corner outfield. With Posada in the last year of his contract and Carter's "A" potential and skills that already make him a major leaguer, he becomes the heir apparent at 1B. He'll cost the Mets 420K this season and will need to be re-signed this season. Salary after Round 20? $31,403,000.
[B]
Round 21: Ivan Rodriguez C: [/B]I-Rod becomes the Mets backup catcher to Carlos Santana and provides a stable backup in case of injury. Having Posada on the roster as well is a huge help becomes he now becomes the #3 emergency catcher. I-Rod can still hit and field, has "A" potential although he is long past improvement and comes very reasonably priced at only 2 million for 1 year. After 21 Rounds the Mets still only sit at $33,403,000.
[B]Round 22: Jose Tabata LF: [/B]The Mets ink the 22 year old "A" rated Tabata as a backup for all 3 outfield positions. His arm is lacking but makes a nice contact hitter in a pinch hitting role. His 420K for 1 year is sound for backup and gives the Mets a full season to see what skills he actually possesses. Salary after Round 22: $33,823,000.
[B]
Round 23: Mike Aviles 3B: [/B]Aviles will serve as the Mets utility infielder carrying position eligibility at 2B, SS and 3B. He makes good contact with 8-10 homer pop in his bat. At age 29 he could have 1 more year of progression but his "C" potential will probably hold that back. Aviles is signed to a 1 year deal worth 420K but is a favorite of Mets ownership. After round 23 the Mets salary is : $34,243,000.
[B]
Round 24: Eric Hinske LF: [/B]Hinske can play 1B, 3B, LF and RF and makes a great pinch hitter. At the moment he is the only left handed hitter off the bench which should give him some extra at bats. He's 33 with "C" potential but his 1 year 580K contract is just what New York was looking for. 24 Rounds down at the Mets have a total salary of : $34,823,000.
[B]Round 25: Ramon Santiago 3B: [/B]Santiago qualifies at not only third base but also short and second. The 31 year old switch hitter makes good contact and is a slick defensive player. He has only "C" potential but also comes with just a 1 year contract at only 1.2 mil. Another nice player to finish the Mets major league roster. [B]Complete 25 man Major League salary is: $ 36,023,000.
[/B]The Triple "A" team will now be drafted. Players will be listed by name, age position and potential only.
[B]Round 26: Manny Machado, 18, SS, "A"
Round 27: Desmond Jennings, 24, RF, "A"
Round 28: Jameson Taillon, 19, SP, "A"
Round 29: Matt Dominguez, 20, 3B, "A"
Round 30: Mike Trout, 19, CF, "A"
Round 31: Dustin Ackley, 23, 2B, "A"
Round 32: Yonder Alonso, 23, 1B, "A"
Round 33: Michael Saunders, 24, LF, "A"
Round 34: Tony Cruz, 24, C, "B"
Round 35: Cory Luebke, 25, SP, "B"
Round 36: Alejandro Sanabia, 22, SP, B
Round 37: Tim Melville, 21, SP, "B"
Round 38: Bryan Morris, 24, SP, "B"
Round 39: Amaury Rivas, 25, SP, "B"
Round 40: Cole Kimball, 25, CP, "B"
Round 41: Bartolo Colon, 38, RP, "A"
Round 42: Gregory Infante, 23, RP, "C"
Round 43: Sam Demel, 25, RP, "C"
Round 44: Fernando Salas, 25, RP, "C"
Round 45: Waldis Joaquin, 24, RP, "C"
Round 46: Michael Taylor, 25, RF, "C"
Round 47: Jay Gibbons, 33, LF, "D"
Round 48: Harold Garcia, 25, 2B, "C"
Round 49: Danny Worth, 25, SS, "C"
Round 50: Cole Armstrong, 27, C, "C"
[/B]The Double A team will now be drafted under the same precedent.
[B]Round 51: Luis Jimenez, 23, 3B, "C"
Round 52: Angel Castillo, 21, RF, "C"
Round 53: Gabriel Jacobo, 24, 1B, "C"
Round 54: Carlos Ramirez, 23, C, "C"
Round 55: Chase Whitley, 21, CP, "C"
Round 56: Deolis Guerra, 21, SP, "C"
Round 57: Ismael Guillon, 19, SP, "C"
Round 58: Brent Oberholtzer, 21, SP, "C"
Round 59: Chad Bettis, 21, SP, "C"
Round 60: Robbie Ross, 21, SP, "C"
Round 61: Kyle Russell, 24, LF, "C"
Round 62: Ollie Linton, 25, CF, "C"
Round 63: Brock Bond, 25, 2B, "D"
Round 64: Donovan Solano, 23, SS, "D"
Round 65: Fernando Nieve, 28, SP, "C"
Round 66: Daniel Stange, 25, RP, "D"
Round 67: Nathan Adcock, 23, RP, "D"
Round 68: Andy Sisco, 28, RP, "D"
Round 69: Edward Paredes, 24, RP, "D"
Round 70: Jose Bonilla, 22, C, "D"
Round 71: Mike Mc.Dade, 21, 1B, "D"
Round 72: Josh Horton, 25, SS, "D"
Round 73: Chris Pettit, 26, LF, "D"
Round 74: Niko Vasquez, 22, 3B, "D"
Round 75: Tyler Henry, 24, RF, "D"
End of Draft...MLB Lineup, Pitching Staff, ETC Will appear in next blog. [/B]
[/I]
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