OT:<--On Topic, an FoF question

[Glengoyne]

With the arrival of Football season, I have been bitten by the Football sim bug. Not CM, the other football, with FoF(version 4) being the game I am playing. I was well hooked on CM last year when FoF2k4 was released.


I'm just wondering how the rest of you manage the off-season. My desk is littered with printouts from FoF, with salary cap and Free Agent offer scenarios scribbled all over them. The good thing is that at first glance, my wife thought I was working the last two evenings. The bad news is she found me out last night, and declared "Oh God, you're playing THAT game again". All she remembers is me pouring over all this paper work for lack of a better term. That is what I remember to, and it occured to me that there has to be a better way. I have thought about a spreadsheet, but that seems like an awful lot of typing, and well work. I think the most tedious is shuffling through the FA lists finding guys that are asking for what I can afford, and then writing it down for scenario generation and number cruncing later.

So I am curious. How do you all manage your off season activities for FoF?

[Front Office Midget]

I just use a calculator to quick figure out how much money I can spend on free agents, and then I go at it for the best deals and everything...

I don't print anything or anything like that, I just keep my ideas in my head.

[Noop]

You should create a Oracle database to help you out or try UNIX for help.

[Sun Tzu]

u nerdz

[Ben E Lou]

I use a spread sheet like this to help me determine what I can afford to spend on FA's...

<table x:str="" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 337pt;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="449"> <col style="width: 97pt;" width="129"> <col span="5" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"> <tbody><tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl25" style="height: 12.75pt; width: 97pt;" height="17" width="129">
</td> <td class="xl24" style="width: 48pt;" x:num="" width="64">2005</td> <td class="xl24" style="width: 48pt;" x:num="" width="64">2006</td> <td class="xl24" style="width: 48pt;" x:num="" width="64">2007</td> <td class="xl24" style="width: 48pt;" x:num="" width="64">2008</td> <td class="xl24" style="width: 48pt;" x:num="" width="64">2009</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl25" style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">MINIMUM</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="">250</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="">270</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="">280</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="">300</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="">310</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl25" style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">SIGNED</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="">37</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="">44</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="">43</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="">44</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="">41</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl25" style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">STARTERS NEEDED</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="">3</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="">3</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="">1</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="">7</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="">5</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl25" style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">DRAFT PICKS</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="">7</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="">6</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="">5</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="">7</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="">6</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl25" style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">ROOKIES NEEDED</td> <td class="xl27" x:num="" x:fmla="=53-(B4+B3)">13</td> <td class="xl27" x:num="" x:fmla="=53-(C4+C3)">6</td> <td class="xl27" x:num="" x:fmla="=53-(D4+D3+D5)">4</td> <td class="xl27" x:num="">0</td> <td class="xl27" x:num="" x:fmla="=53-(F4+F3+F5)">1</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl25" style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">ROOKIE $ NEEDED</td> <td class="xl25" x:num="" x:fmla="=(B2/1000)*B6">3.25</td> <td class="xl25" x:num="" x:fmla="=(C2/1000)*C6">1.62</td> <td class="xl25" x:num="" x:fmla="=(D2/1000)*D6">1.12</td> <td class="xl25" x:num="" x:fmla="=(E2/1000)*E6">0</td> <td class="xl25" x:num="00.31" x:fmla="=(F2/1000)*F6">0.31</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl25" style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">NEW PLAYER MAX</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="">8.18</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="">5.54</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="">5.76</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="">16.63</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="">28.89</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl25" style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">FA AVAILABLE</td> <td class="xl25" x:num="" x:fmla="=B8-B7">4.93</td> <td class="xl25" x:num="" x:fmla="=C8-C7">3.92</td> <td class="xl25" x:num="" x:fmla="=D8-D7">4.64</td> <td class="xl25" x:num="" x:fmla="=E8-E7">16.63</td> <td class="xl25" x:num="" x:fmla="=F8-F7">28.58</td> </tr></tbody> </table>

[Glengoyne]

You should create a Oracle database to help you out or try UNIX for help.
Nah, for personal use, I'd use MySQL on Linux.

Oh, it's "an" Oracle database by the way.;)

I had sworn off picking on you Noop, but I am easilly provoked.

[Leonidas]

I use nothing fancy or extra. My whole strategy is based on value. Unless I am just salary cap wealthy, I never pick any players up during the initial free agency period. There are bargains galore to be found in the final free agency. Also, never pay big money for a RB, you only need a decent one, a great one for $8M is no real value added. Otherwise I do everything off what the game gives me and a pad of paper to take notes on coaches, formations, and what positions I need players in.

[Glengoyne]

I use a spread sheet like this to help me determine what I can afford to spend on FA's...

<TABLE style="WIDTH: 337pt; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=449 border=0 x:str=""><COLGROUP><COL style="WIDTH: 97pt" width=129><COL style="WIDTH: 48pt" span=5 width=64><TBODY><TR style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt" height=17><TD class=xl25 style="WIDTH: 97pt; HEIGHT: 12.75pt" width=129 height=17>


</TD><TD class=xl24 style="WIDTH: 48pt" width=64 x:num="">2005</TD><TD class=xl24 style="WIDTH: 48pt" width=64 x:num="">2006</TD><TD class=xl24 style="WIDTH: 48pt" width=64 x:num="">2007</TD><TD class=xl24 style="WIDTH: 48pt" width=64 x:num="">2008</TD><TD class=xl24 style="WIDTH: 48pt" width=64 x:num="">2009</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt" height=17><TD class=xl25 style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt" height=17>MINIMUM</TD><TD class=xl26 x:num="">250</TD><TD class=xl26 x:num="">270</TD><TD class=xl26 x:num="">280</TD><TD class=xl26 x:num="">300</TD><TD class=xl26 x:num="">310</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt" height=17><TD class=xl25 style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt" height=17>SIGNED</TD><TD class=xl26 x:num="">37</TD><TD class=xl26 x:num="">44</TD><TD class=xl26 x:num="">43</TD><TD class=xl26 x:num="">44</TD><TD class=xl26 x:num="">41</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt" height=17><TD class=xl25 style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt" height=17>STARTERS NEEDED</TD><TD class=xl26 x:num="">3</TD><TD class=xl26 x:num="">3</TD><TD class=xl26 x:num="">1</TD><TD class=xl26 x:num="">7</TD><TD class=xl26 x:num="">5</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt" height=17><TD class=xl25 style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt" height=17>DRAFT PICKS</TD><TD class=xl26 x:num="">7</TD><TD class=xl26 x:num="">6</TD><TD class=xl26 x:num="">5</TD><TD class=xl26 x:num="">7</TD><TD class=xl26 x:num="">6</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt" height=17><TD class=xl25 style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt" height=17>ROOKIES NEEDED</TD><TD class=xl27 x:num="" x:fmla="=53-(B4+B3)">13</TD><TD class=xl27 x:num="" x:fmla="=53-(C4+C3)">6</TD><TD class=xl27 x:num="" x:fmla="=53-(D4+D3+D5)">4</TD><TD class=xl27 x:num="">0</TD><TD class=xl27 x:num="" x:fmla="=53-(F4+F3+F5)">1</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt" height=17><TD class=xl25 style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt" height=17>ROOKIE $ NEEDED</TD><TD class=xl25 x:num="" x:fmla="=(B2/1000)*B6">3.25</TD><TD class=xl25 x:num="" x:fmla="=(C2/1000)*C6">1.62</TD><TD class=xl25 x:num="" x:fmla="=(D2/1000)*D6">1.12</TD><TD class=xl25 x:num="" x:fmla="=(E2/1000)*E6">0</TD><TD class=xl25 x:num="00.31" x:fmla="=(F2/1000)*F6">0.31</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt" height=17><TD class=xl25 style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt" height=17>NEW PLAYER MAX</TD><TD class=xl26 x:num="">8.18</TD><TD class=xl26 x:num="">5.54</TD><TD class=xl26 x:num="">5.76</TD><TD class=xl26 x:num="">16.63</TD><TD class=xl26 x:num="">28.89</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt" height=17><TD class=xl25 style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt" height=17>FA AVAILABLE</TD><TD class=xl25 x:num="" x:fmla="=B8-B7">4.93</TD><TD class=xl25 x:num="" x:fmla="=C8-C7">3.92</TD><TD class=xl25 x:num="" x:fmla="=D8-D7">4.64</TD><TD class=xl25 x:num="" x:fmla="=E8-E7">16.63</TD><TD class=xl25 x:num="" x:fmla="=F8-F7">28.58</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Hmm, I'm gonna have to take a closer look at this. Thanks SD

[MikeVic]

I open Calculator on my computer, and if for example I have 5.5M available for a new player, I'll enter 5.5 into the calculator. If I go after someone and offer them 750K for the current/upcoming year, I'll take away .75 from the total.

I know this isn't good for the future, but it at least helps me out for the current/upcoming year.

[Glengoyne]

I open Calculator on my computer, and if for example I have 5.5M available for a new player, I'll enter 5.5 into the calculator. If I go after someone and offer them 750K for the current/upcoming year, I'll take away .75 from the total.

I know this isn't good for the future, but it at least helps me out for the current/upcoming year.
Another good idea to keep me from using up paper.

[Honolulu Blue]

I normally don't do many free agent signings during either FA period, either because of house rules or personal preference. I'll write down the positions where I need help, but I don't print out the whole free agent list because it's usually obvious to me who I can afford.

I do keep an eye on the cap and try to make sure I don't have offers that would exceed the cap if all were accepted. No printouts for that either; I just keep track on the screen.

[Flasch186]

I use nothing fancy or extra. My whole strategy is based on value. Unless I am just salary cap wealthy, I never pick any players up during the initial free agency period. There are bargains galore to be found in the final free agency. Also, never pay big money for a RB, you only need a decent one, a great one for $8M is no real value added. Otherwise I do everything off what the game gives me and a pad of paper to take notes on coaches, formations, and what positions I need players in.

someone needs a house rule.

[JimboJ]

I use a spread sheet like this to help me determine what I can afford to spend on FA's...

<table x:str="" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 337pt;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="449"> <col style="width: 97pt;" width="129"> <col span="5" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"> <tbody><tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl25" style="height: 12.75pt; width: 97pt;" height="17" width="129">
</td> <td class="xl24" style="width: 48pt;" x:num="" width="64">2005</td> <td class="xl24" style="width: 48pt;" x:num="" width="64">2006</td> <td class="xl24" style="width: 48pt;" x:num="" width="64">2007</td> <td class="xl24" style="width: 48pt;" x:num="" width="64">2008</td> <td class="xl24" style="width: 48pt;" x:num="" width="64">2009</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl25" style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">MINIMUM</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="">250</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="">270</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="">280</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="">300</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="">310</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl25" style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">SIGNED</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="">37</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="">44</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="">43</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="">44</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="">41</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl25" style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">STARTERS NEEDED</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="">3</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="">3</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="">1</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="">7</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="">5</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl25" style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">DRAFT PICKS</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="">7</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="">6</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="">5</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="">7</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="">6</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl25" style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">ROOKIES NEEDED</td> <td class="xl27" x:num="" x:fmla="=53-(B4+B3)">13</td> <td class="xl27" x:num="" x:fmla="=53-(C4+C3)">6</td> <td class="xl27" x:num="" x:fmla="=53-(D4+D3+D5)">4</td> <td class="xl27" x:num="">0</td> <td class="xl27" x:num="" x:fmla="=53-(F4+F3+F5)">1</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl25" style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">ROOKIE $ NEEDED</td> <td class="xl25" x:num="" x:fmla="=(B2/1000)*B6">3.25</td> <td class="xl25" x:num="" x:fmla="=(C2/1000)*C6">1.62</td> <td class="xl25" x:num="" x:fmla="=(D2/1000)*D6">1.12</td> <td class="xl25" x:num="" x:fmla="=(E2/1000)*E6">0</td> <td class="xl25" x:num="00.31" x:fmla="=(F2/1000)*F6">0.31</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl25" style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">NEW PLAYER MAX</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="">8.18</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="">5.54</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="">5.76</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="">16.63</td> <td class="xl26" x:num="">28.89</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl25" style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17">FA AVAILABLE</td> <td class="xl25" x:num="" x:fmla="=B8-B7">4.93</td> <td class="xl25" x:num="" x:fmla="=C8-C7">3.92</td> <td class="xl25" x:num="" x:fmla="=D8-D7">4.64</td> <td class="xl25" x:num="" x:fmla="=E8-E7">16.63</td> <td class="xl25" x:num="" x:fmla="=F8-F7">28.58</td> </tr></tbody> </table>

Interesting. I might have to dust off my Excel skills. How do you calculate how much you can spend on rookies vs. free agents, and the new player max?

[Ben E Lou]

In that spreadsheet, five of the values are inputted by me (minimum, # of players signed, # of starters needed via free agency, # of picks this year, and the "max for new player" value). The other three are calculated:

ROOKIES NEEDED= 53-(# of players signed + starters needed + draft picks) (NOTE: I didn't add draft picks in until 2007 in this sheet, stupidly.)

ROOKIE $ NEEDED= Minimum/1000 * ROOKIES NEEDED (In other words, this is to figure out how many roster filler rookies I'm going to have to sign to get up to 53. Technically, I could use 51 in the formula for rookies needed, but I prefer to leave a little cushion to sign injury-fillers during the season.)

FA AVAILABLE= NEW PLAYER MAX - ROOKIE $ NEEDED. This figure represents how much money I have to sign the number of starting slots that I need to fill in free agency.