OOTP5 Manager Career

[Ben E Lou]

THE SETUP
Alright boyz, the time is ripe for Ol' SkyDog to finally do a "serious" OOTP5 career. The CD release is out of the way, and it is Spring Break here in DeKalb County, which means that I have oodles of free time during the day this week to play while She Who Must Be Obeyed is at work.

I started with fictional players, and a 30-team MLB setup, and simmed the 1950-'99 seasons yesterday to give me 50 years of history and records. The most notable bit of recent history is that Detroit has won 4 of the last 6 World Series'.

I take over a struggling Atlanta franchise in 2000. Here is the 4-1-1 on me as a manager:

Birthday: 12/23/68
Basic Skill: Balanced
Special Skill: Negotiation
Difficulty: Hall of Fame

Here's the situation in Atlanta:

Mood: 75
Chemistry: 90
Owner Type: Normal
Owner Expectation: Play .500 ball in 2000!
Team Market: Below Average
Fan Loyalty: Very Good
Fan Interest: 37

On the field, this bunch has stunk for a while. We've lost 95+ games for four straight years, and haven't been to the postseason in 9 years. We did have a nice four-year playoff run in the mid 80's, culminating with a world title in '87.

Currently, our highest-paid player ($7.03M) is Jessie "Ugly" Meng, an aging career Braves' star. Meng, the #2 overall pick in '82, has relied on speed and a little bit of pop throughout his career, but his speed has faded (7 for 20 SB last season) and he's now 36. His ratings stand at 6/5/9, and last year his numbers were .244/22/86/.753OPS. We really have no current stars on the team. Here's our history in totality:

Year	Wins	Losses	PCT	Pos	Attendance  Revenue              Payroll               Profit/Loss
1999	66	96	0.407	5	2426607	"$53,180,905 "	"$54,928,871 "	"($1,747,966)"
1998	64	98	0.395	5	2524767	"$54,507,134 "	"$59,077,651 "	"($4,570,517)"
1997	67	95	0.414	4	2361356	"$54,850,729 "	"$57,330,493 "	"($2,479,764)"
1996	65	97	0.401	5	2559743	"$57,282,068 "	"$65,749,805 "	"($8,467,737)"
1995	78	84	0.481	5	2586989	"$58,906,216 "	"$68,854,527 "	"($9,948,311)"
1994	83	79	0.512	3	2949885	"$69,134,868 "	"$73,898,563 "	"($4,763,695)"
1993	83	79	0.512	4	3411200	"$73,942,043 "	"$60,558,181 "	"$13,383,862 "
1992	82	80	0.506	3	3557550	"$76,341,701 "	"$61,904,158 "	"$14,437,543 "
1991	87	76	0.534	1	3640146	"$81,329,639 "	"$61,678,470 "	"$19,651,169 "
1990	85	78	0.521	2	3634614	"$76,110,632 "	"$59,945,974 "	"$16,164,658 "
1989	83	79	0.512	2	3585637	"$76,107,860 "	"$75,723,431 "	"$384,429 "
1988	86	76	0.531	2	3642750	"$79,737,994 "	"$73,737,991 "	"$6,000,003 "
1987	100	62	0.617	1	3642850	"$85,537,436 "	"$68,114,097 "	"$17,423,339 "
1986	92	70	0.568	2	3642629	"$85,344,016 "	"$74,150,543 "	"$11,193,473 "
1985	96	66	0.593	1	3643099	"$76,865,419 "	"$77,309,077 "	"($443,658)"
1984	98	64	0.605	1	3626241	"$78,790,697 "	"$72,279,137 "	"$6,511,560 "
1983	82	80	0.506	2	3597968	"$74,624,677 "	"$70,708,308 "	"$3,916,369 "
1982	90	72	0.556	1	3428887	"$75,810,844 "	"$60,096,743 "	"$15,714,101 "
1981	66	96	0.407	5	3488166	"$73,220,984 "	"$61,993,075 "	"$11,227,909 "
1980	84	78	0.519	3	3643119	"$74,989,643 "	"$79,551,384 "	"($4,561,741)"
1979	96	66	0.593	1	3582825	"$79,582,840 "	"$74,770,989 "	"$4,811,851 "
1978	96	66	0.593	1	3062308	"$69,116,418 "	"$65,556,013 "	"$3,560,405 "
1977	88	75	0.54	2	2893676	"$66,095,366 "	"$65,478,194 "	"$617,172 "
1976	87	75	0.537	3	2688064	"$63,136,932 "	"$72,769,226 "	"($9,632,294)"
1975	89	73	0.549	2	2660601	"$67,029,395 "	"$59,313,274 "	"$7,716,121 "
1974	85	77	0.525	3	2724651	"$60,821,569 "	"$50,534,766 "	"$10,286,803 "
1973	79	83	0.488	3	2905452	"$61,898,270 "	"$52,672,601 "	"$9,225,669 "
1972	84	78	0.519	2	2816529	"$60,207,539 "	"$43,883,813 "	"$16,323,726 "
1971	88	74	0.543	2	2493337	"$53,416,360 "	"$43,459,291 "	"$9,957,069 "
1970	76	86	0.469	4	2486832	"$57,509,428 "	"$47,984,915 "	"$9,524,513 "
1969	74	88	0.457	3	2550330	"$59,026,799 "	"$53,231,340 "	"$5,795,459 "
1968	75	87	0.463	4	2846161	"$67,065,723 "	"$66,573,148 "	"$492,575 "
1967	84	78	0.519	3	3011780	"$69,049,358 "	"$66,117,914 "	"$2,931,444 "
1966	82	80	0.506	4	3455681	"$73,524,534 "	"$81,799,416 "	"($8,274,882)"
1965	85	77	0.525	2	3640574	"$80,115,649 "	"$75,304,608 "	"$4,811,041 "
1964	95	67	0.586	1	3642992	"$81,821,245 "	"$77,835,260 "	"$3,985,985 "
1963	90	72	0.556	1	3634834	"$75,943,714 "	"$79,149,228 "	"($3,205,514)"
1962	81	82	0.497	1	3578972	"$79,547,931 "	"$72,696,307 "	"$6,851,624 "
1961	84	78	0.519	2	3481986	"$73,374,546 "	"$48,642,721 "	"$24,731,825 "
1960	97	65	0.599	1	3102276	"$69,633,127 "	"$52,586,164 "	"$17,046,963 "
1959	75	87	0.463	5	2640705	"$59,516,127 "	"$52,787,653 "	"$6,728,474 "
1958	71	91	0.438	4	2719581	"$67,884,503 "	"$62,841,831 "	"$5,042,672 "
1957	76	86	0.469	4	3057435	"$72,650,430 "	"$55,134,117 "	"$17,516,313 "
1956	73	89	0.451	3	3421126	"$76,421,376 "	"$62,240,188 "	"$14,181,188 "
1955	81	81	0.5	5	3614933	"$81,792,854 "	"$66,149,255 "	"$15,643,599 "
1954	87	75	0.537	3	3640624	"$81,225,080 "	"$73,126,423 "	"$8,098,657 "
1953	94	68	0.58	1	3642930	"$83,052,312 "	"$71,773,031 "	"$11,279,281 "
1952	88	74	0.543	2	3640936	"$79,485,597 "	"$69,970,879 "	"$9,514,718 "
1951	93	69	0.574	1	3274192	"$73,575,068 "	"$60,535,446 "	"$13,039,622 "
1950	74	88	0.457	3	3189969	"$70,764,932 "	"$60,745,980 "	"$10,018,952 "

[GrantDawg]

Wow. All I can say is "Bobby Cox, cira 1988."

[Ben E Lou]

THE STARS OF THE GAME

Here is the lowdown on a few of the elite players in the current universe.

RF Jose Cabello--Milwaukee, Age 32--6/10/5
Cabello holds the single-season home run record, with 65 in '96. He looks to still be in his prime, as he had his best all-around season in '99--.300/62/150/1.024OPS. He has hit 53+ homers five times in his career, and already has 515 career dingers. The lifetime record is 567, so Cabello should shatter that number and set a new standard. He is a 6-time All Star and 4-time MVP. He's also a very good defensive right fielder, as his two Gold Glove awards testify.

2B Laurence Tobar--Florida, Age 29--7/10/7
Tobar has 5-star talent. In five full seasons, he's hit 189 home runs, including 50 to go along with a .303 average in '99. He's also fast--he stole 26 bases last year. He is a 3-time All-Star.

LF Albert Evans--Chicago(N), Age 34--9/7/6
Someone forgot to tell this guy that performances aren't as consistent in OOTP5. For the past seven seasons, he's hit 28-35 homers each year, his average has ranged from .301 to .349, and he has stolen 24-36 bases. His last four years have been virtual carbon copies:
1996: .320/34/102/30SB
1997: .349/33/109/35SB
1998: .324/35/108/36SB
1999: .340/33/104/31SB

He owns the NL record for hits (221 in '97), and is a 2-time MVP and 6-time All Star. He's been in the league's top 5 in base hits seven times.

Larry Gutowski--3B,Minnesota, age 33, 9/5/6
Gutowski has been a right-handed Wade Boggs. He has 8 straight .300+ seasons under his belt, with his career home run high being only 16. He's a three-time All-Star, and won the MVP Award in '99, hitting .365 with 15HR, 97 RBI. He's won three batting titles, and holds the career record for hits in a season (222). His lifetime .324 average is 2nd on the career list. (The leader is at .326).

SP Raul "Goldie" Grajeda-Detroit--age 36--10/7/8/9
Goldie Grajeda has been a big part of Detroit's four recent World Championships, with 12 career postseason wins. He's led the league in ERA twice, in WHIP twice and in K's once, and has one Cy Young Award. He's got 202 career wins, and a lifetime 3.29 ERA. He's still going strong, with 40 wins in the last 2 seasons.

SP Pedro Diaz--Montreal--Age 34--10/8/9/7
This guy is just dominant, as his four career No-Hitters attest. He has a current streak of six straight seasons with an ERA under 3.00, including a 20-5, 2.07 effort in '99 that earned him his third Cy Young Award. He's been either 1st or 2nd in WHIP for the past six seasons. He was 27 before he earned a spot in a major league rotation, so he only has 146 career wins, but right now, he's the best of the best on the hill.

There are certainly other very talented players in the league, but these six were worthy of individual mention.

[Ben E Lou]

POSITION REPORT: Catchers

Theodore Barrett (6/6/7) looks like a serviceable starter. With all the needs this team has, I'll have to put up with his "D" throwing arm for now. His contract runs out after this year. He has a lifetime .753 OPS, and is 32 years old. He'll be spelled from time to time by 27-year-old Antonio Aguiar (4/5/5). Aguiar hit .308 at AAA last year, and has a "C" throwing arm. He is a one-star player, so I don't mind bringing him up to be a backup. The only prospect worth mentioning at this point is 20-year-old Luis Pierce (Avg/Fair/Avg). Pierce is rated a three-star talent, but hasn't done much in the minors in two seasons. He has yet to hit his first minor-league homer.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: Barrett is in his contract year, and my best prospect, Pierce is several years away from being ready, if he'll ever be. If Barrett gives me a solid year, I may be forced to keep him around longer. He is making $2.907M this year.

[Ben E Lou]

POSITION REPORT: First Base

27-year-old Benny Conde (4/4/3) would be the starter if I can't sign a FA. He's yet to get an at-bat in the bigs. Conde is a switch hitter and is somewhat intriguing actually. He's hit over .300 in each of his last four years in the minors, with his OPS .788 or better. His last three seasons have been at AAA. The only other 1B has never played above AA, and looks to have no future in the bigs.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: If I don't have enough money to fill all my needs (a STRONG possibility), Conde might have at least earned himself a look at 1B.

[Ben E Lou]

POSITION REPORT: Second Base

Pedro Salo (6/4/8) was ok offensively as the starter last year (.268-8-58-.719OPS). However, with his "E" range at 2B, the 28-year-old is a defensive liability. Another option is Eddie Lopez (4/5/4). The 25-year-old had a .569 slugging percentage last year in 65 major league at bats, and is rated Good in power. his "C" range and .995 fielding percentage would be an improvement from Salo. 21-year-old Alan "The Hammer" Dye (Good/Good/Good) is a big prospect, rated the #16 prospect in all of baseball, but isn't quite ready yet (4/4/4). He hit .243 last year at AAA, and will probably remain there at the start of this year. Dye can also play SS, but is better defensively at 2B ("B" range, .995 FPct). 34-year-old Steve Fulmer ("B" range) can also play 3B and SS, and will therefore likely earn a roster spot as a utility player/defensive replacement.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: Clearly, "The Hammer" is the future here. He's rated 4/4/4 right now, so he should be ready by the beginning of next year at the very latest. Lopez looks like he can hold things down until then. I'll see if I can trade Salo for a decent player at another position of need.

[Ben E Lou]

POSITION REPORT: Third Base

Anthony Schuster (6/6/6) has been the starter for the past four seasons. He's coming off of a breakout-type year for him .261-24-98, and is in the last year of his contract at age 30. He's good defensively as well ("B" range"). He'll be backed up by 35-year-old Samuel Charneco (6/4/5). Charneco is a 3B/LF who gives us a fair right-handed bat off the bench. He's never been a full-time starter, but has a lifetime average of .267 in 1,342 at bats. There are no prospects worth mentioning at 3B.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: If Schuster has another year like he did in '99, we'll be just fine here, but probably won't be able to afford to re-sign him after this year, when his contract runs out.

[Anrhydeddu]

Great to see this and a superb format.

[Ben E Lou]

POSITION REPORT: Shortstop

Speedy 28-year-old switch-hitter Charles Wilson (5/5/9) returns for the final year of his contract. Wilson has stolen 40+ bases each of the last three seasons. Defensively, he's nothing special, with a "D" range and .968 pct. Backup John Blakemore (4/5/6) has "C" range and is also fast (B speed, B stealing). Blakemore may steal a few starts against left-handed pitching. We have TWO four-star prospects at SS, 25-year-old Ricardo Cazares (Good/Good/Avg) and 21-year-old Robert Pauli (Good/Fair/Avg). Cazares, the #73 prospect in the land, might just be ready now. His current ratings are 6/4/5, and he hit 87 with a .744 OPS in AAA last year. Like Wilson, he has "D" range. Pauli, on the other hand, (#92 prospect), has "B" range, but needs some seasoning. He hit .256 with a .619 OPS in A-ball.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: Interesting situation here. I prefer a good defensive shortstop. If all goes according to plan, I'll let Wilson play out his contract this year, go with Cazares for the next few years while grooming Pauli, then be able to trade Cazares when Pauli is ready.

[Barkeep49]

Really enjoying this.

Question though: What have you placed as the maximum cash a team can have?

[Ben E Lou]

Originally posted by Barkeep49
Really enjoying this.

Question though: What have you placed as the maximum cash a team can have?

$10M. I haven't fooled around with this setting much. Should I change it?

[Ben E Lou]

POSITION REPORT: Left Field

The aforementioned Jessie "Ugly" Meng (6/5/9) has been a fixture here as the starter since 1985, but the time of this 36-year-old being productive appears to be almost up. He's signed to a $7.03M contract through 2001. Three-star prospect Jacobo Sousa (Avg/Avg/Avg) was called up to AAA mid-way through last year, and his .261 the rest of the way at that level. The 24-year-old is probably at least a season away from being ready to be an impact player. I like his "B" range at LF. Andres Cobo (5/2/7) can play all three outfield positions and has a "B" range. He's been a career backup. Finally, there's mega-prospect Sidney "Tumbleweed" Sutton (Good/Brl/Brl). This 24-year-old, the #5 prospect in the land, looks to be realer than Real Deal Holyfield. He was the #2 overall pick last year, and hit 20 homers with an .838 OPS in 101 games in A-ball. He was called up to AA, and responded by hitting 6 homers in 130 at bats, and turning in a .896 OPS. He's a left-handed hitter who actually has better range at RF (C) than LF (D), but his future with us looks to be in left field, due to the presence of another prospect in RF who has a much better throwing arm. ("A" as opposed to Sutton's "C")

OVERALL THOUGHTS: Wisdom would dictate trading Meng away now, while I might be able to get something for him, to free up some money to help fill other needs. I'd be willing to start Cobo if I can trade Meng.

[Ben E Lou]

POSITION REPORT: Center Field

Joseph Dyke (6/2/6) has started in CF for the past three seasons. He's a good baserunner ("B" in both speed and stealing). He's signed through the end of next season. He's average defensively (C range, .992, C arm). Alberto Iglesias (Avg/Fair/Avg) has hit a ton in the minors, and can play all three positions with "B" range. His best pct. is at CF though (.990). This 23-year-old switch-hitter batted .318 in AAA last year. In Michael "Superfly" Sylvain (Good, Brilliant, Good), we have a 5-star mega-prospect. Superfly Sylvain hit .309 in '98 at AA, but over two months in '99 due to injury. He'll start this year in AAA, but this 21-year-old, with 4/4/4 current ratings, could see the bigs before the year is over. He's a five-tool talent, with B speed, A stealing ability, an "A" arm and .998 pct in CF. Superfly also has Great team leader skills. Sylvain is baseball's #13 prospect.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: Dyke and/or Iglesias will do just fine until Superfly is ready.

[Ben E Lou]

POSITION REPORT: Right Field

30-year-old Antonio Mejia (6/3/5) has been the primary starter for the past two seasons. He's got "A" stealing ability, and A range in RF. He is a decent #2 hitter, but nothing special. We've got yet another big prospect here, 4 1/2 star talent Bryan Heasley (Good, Good, Avg). Heasley was a 5th-round draft choice, but his outlook has brightened in four years of A ball. At age 22, he's still got time to develop. He's currently rated 3/3/3. He's got an "A" arm.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: Mejia is cheap ($819K) and signed through the end of next year. We'll try to keep him around until Heasley reaches the bigs.

[Barkeep49]

While I am by no means an OOTP expert most of the people I've read have set the cash between 20-30 with many favoring 25 million. I guess it creates some good competition for free agents, while not allowing the computer, or player, to spind willy nilly. I've been playing at 20 for my current league and am very pleased with what happens.

[Ben E Lou]

Originally posted by Barkeep49
While I am by no means an OOTP expert most of the people I've read have set the cash between 20-30 with many favoring 25 million. I guess it creates some good competition for free agents, while not allowing the computer, or player, to spind willy nilly. I've been playing at 20 for my current league and am very pleased with what happens.

Alrighty. I'll change it to 25 then. I've never read an OOTP dynasty. I hope I haven't screwed up everything by setting it to $10M for the quick-sim.

[rant]There you have exhibit "A" on why I dislike the kind of customization present in OOTP. If the developer would just tweak the settings himself to make everything balance out properly, such discussions would be unnecessary. As OOTP stands, they can always be a little lax with the game engine, because "the users can experiment until they get it right." I don't buy games to do experiments. I buy games to PLAY them![/rant]

[Ben E Lou]

POSITION REPORT: Starting Pitchers

32-year-old lefty Jimmy Cobbs (8/8/9) looks like the best of the bunch. Cobbs went 12-7 with a 3.07 ERA last year, and has led the league in strikeouts in each of the past two seasons. He's a steal at $2.47M, but is in the last year of his contract. On the other hand, 33-year-old Roberto Medina (8/7/6) has never lived up to his scouting reports in his nine seasons in the bigs. His career-best season to date is a mediocre 13-13 with a 4.79 ERA. He's signed for $5.28M through 2001. Another solid-ratings, poor-performance guy on our staff is 32-year-old James Shultis (7/6/6). Shultis has been a spot starter for most of his career, but was in the Atlanta rotation last year, going 7-14 with a 5.40 ERA. He's only costing $560K, and his contract runs out after this season. The rest of the veterans are one-star talents with little hope.

As far as starting pitching prospects, 25-year-old Samuel Figueroa (Avg/Good/Bril) is the best we have. This 4-star lefty, rated the #86 prospect in the game, might be ready for the bigs. His current ratings are 5/6/8, and he's had two solid seasons at AAA (6-8, 3.20 and 11-8, 3.31). The only other promising-looking prospect is 23-year-old Willie "The Fireball" Prahl (Good/Avg/Avg). The Fireball has had two seasons in AAA, and has looked VERY good. His current 6/5/4 ratings also indicate that he may be ready.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: I'd like to get a FA or trade for one solid starter, so I don't have to rely on both Figueroa and The Fireball in the rotation this year.

[Ben E Lou]

Gotta run for a bit. The saga will continue later this evening though.

[Ben E Lou]

POSITION REPORT: Relief Pitching

Howard Boykins (8/6/8), a 25-year-old lefty, has pitched over 80 games in relief each of the past two seasons. He had a 3.69 ERA in '99. He looks to be a mainstay in the 'pen for quite some time. 33-year-old lefty Milford Holley (8/8/8) is my bet to be the closer this season. He has a 3.85 lifetime ERA, and had a 3.09 in '99. John Honda (7/7/7), age 29, got his first full season in the majors last year, and responded with a 2.51 ERA. He's signed through '02. 25-year-old righty Tomas Nieves (8/6/8) had a nice rookie campaign last year, with a 4.22 ERA in 74 2/3 IP. 28-year-old lefty Henry Mukai (8/8/6) was the closer last year. He had 29 saves and a 3.77 ERA. Santiago Martines (8/7/5), a 32-year old right-hander, appeared in 78 games and had a 3.89 ERA.

A great bullpen prospect is 21 yo Joshua Dinger (Brl/Avg/Good). Dinger's ratings are already 7/5/6, and he looks ready for the Show. He's a five-star talent, and probably the closer of the future.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: The 'pen looks solid and deep.

[Ben E Lou]

2000 FREE AGENCY PERIOD REPORT

TRADES
I trade away 2B Salo and LF Meg to Minnesota for 2B Rodney Campbell (6/5/7). Campbell is a very good defensive second basemen ("A" range, .980 flding pct.) with a .266 career average in 3 1/2 seasons in the bigs. He's eligible for arbitration. This deal frees up a good bit of cash for free agents, as well as gets me the kind of 2B I like.

DESIRES
I have $15.26M available to sign FA's now. I'd like to sign a left fielder, a first baseman and a starting pitcher. For $5M each, I figure three-star talent is what I can afford to go after. I make offers to three guys. All three are the best offers on Day 1.

The first to accept is 1B Emil "Space" Romero (5/6/4). This 34-year-old is a risk at $4M for 2 years. He's out 6-7 weeks with a torn abdominal muscle currently. He hasn't been a full-time starter since '98. I'm hoping he can recover his '96 form: 23 HR, 97 RBI, .315 avg. He's got "A" range at 1B, and is a left-handed hitter. He has three Gold Gloves in his resume'.

Next to sign with us is SP Elliot Feder (8/6/7). 30-year-old Feder inks a 4-year deal for $6M per year. He had a 14-13 record with a 3.86 ERA in '99, and in his five seasons in the bigs, he has a 60-61 record with a 4.39 ERA. He's got "A" endurance as a starter, and shoudl help stabilize the rotation.

Finally, I get in a bidding war and have to overpay for 33-year-old LF Ferdy Puente (5/5/6), signing him to a 2-year deal for $5.2M per year. Puente is a good all-around player, with "A" range at both LF and CF, with "B" speed and stealing ability. He had a subpar 1999, hitting .230 with 11 homers. If he can return to his '98 form (24 HR, .296 avg), I'll be VERY pleased. At any rate, he will likely out-perform the now-traded Meng, plus he's cheaper.

POST-FREE AGENCY THOUGHTS
Well, I now feel like I have a workable player at every position. I think we're good enough to approach .500.

[Swaggs]

Off to a good start--I'll be watching.

[oykib]

Originally posted by SkyDog
POSITION REPORT: Starting Pitchers

32-year-old lefty Jimmy Cobbs (8/8/9) looks like the best of the bunch. Cobbs went 12-7 with a 3.07 ERA last year, and has led the league in strikeouts in each of the past two seasons. He's a steal at $2.47M, but is in the last year of his contract. On the other hand, 33-year-old Roberto Medina (8/7/6) has never lived up to his scouting reports in his nine seasons in the bigs. His career-best season to date is a mediocre 13-13 with a 4.79 ERA. He's signed for $5.28M through 2001. Another solid-ratings, poor-performance guy on our staff is 32-year-old James Shultis (7/6/6). Shultis has been a spot starter for most of his career, but was in the Atlanta rotation last year, going 7-14 with a 5.40 ERA. He's only costing $560K, and his contract runs out after this season. The rest of the veterans are one-star talents with little hope.

As far as starting pitching prospects, 25-year-old Samuel Figueroa (Avg/Good/Bril) is the best we have. This 4-star lefty, rated the #86 prospect in the game, might be ready for the bigs. His current ratings are 5/6/8, and he's had two solid seasons at AAA (6-8, 3.20 and 11-8, 3.31). The only other promising-looking prospect is 23-year-old Willie "The Fireball" Prahl (Good/Avg/Avg). The Fireball has had two seasons in AAA, and has looked VERY good. His current 6/5/4 ratings also indicate that he may be ready.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: I'd like to get a FA or trade for one solid starter, so I don't have to rely on both Figueroa and The Fireball in the rotation this year.

One reason for your pitchers' subpar performances might be your crappy defense. Having both your second baseman and Shortstop rated "D" has got to be a real killer. I haven't really tried out my OOTP5, yet. I'll post my dynasty soon, as well.

[Ben E Lou]

Originally posted by oykib
One reason for your pitchers' subpar performances might be your crappy defense. Having both your second baseman and Shortstop rated "D" has got to be a real killer. I haven't really tried out my OOTP5, yet. I'll post my dynasty soon, as well.

I agree. I've definitely upgraded my defense in trading and free agency. We'll see the results.

[Ben E Lou]

2000 AMATEUR DRAFT REPORT

DRAFT POSITION: 1

DRAFTEES
1. SP Hipolito “The Terminator” Dominguez. (Good/Good/Good) This 22-year-old 5-star lefty looks like he’s almost ready for the Show now. He’s rated 6/4/6. He’s a Great Leader, and looks like he’ll be a workhorse with his “A” duration. I’m looking forward to seeing him terminate hitters. Post draft ranking: (29th)
2. 1B Tyler Poulson. (Good/Avg/Avg). He’s and 18-year old left-handed hitter who is loyal and consistent. First base is a rare position where I didn’t have a prospect, and he was the best-available position player. Easy decision. I can deal with his “D” range at first base.
3. 1B/3B Cruz Muniz. (Fair, Brilliant, Average) He’s got “B” range at both positions, and has the potential to be a big bopper. He’s 21.
4. RP Lucas Fernandez. (Good, Brilliant, Average) This 20-year-old lefty will probably be in the bigs fairly quickly. He’s rated 6/6/3 right now and fields his position well. (B)
5. SP/RP William Bent. (Good/Avg/Good) He’s 19 years old. His duration as a starter is only “E”, but gives him more value in my book. I’ll stick him in a minor league rotation and see what happens.
6. LF Tobias Hachiro. (Fair/Avg/Fair) Hachiro’s potential value to us would be as a speedster/defensive replacement. He’s got “A” range, is a switch hitter, has “A” speed and “B” stealing ability. He’s only 19 years old. I’d like him to learn another outfield position in the minors.
7. SS Roger Googe. (Fair/Poor/Fair) Another potential defensive replacement. He has “A” range at both 3B and SS, with a .982 fielding pct at SS.

POST-DRAFT TOP TEN MINOR LEAGUE SYSTEMS
1. Philly
2. Chicago
3. Atlanta
4. Texas
5. Montreal
6. Seattle
7. Pittsburgh
8. Cincinnati
9. Los Angeles
10. Tampa Bay

[Ben E Lou]

2000 SPRING TRAINING REPORT

Sunday 3/2/2000 :
SPRING TRAINING NEWS:

Cosme Reynoso has good pitching sessions!
Cosme Reynoso has improved his control!
Douglas Diez has good pitching sessions!
Douglas Diez has increased his throwing velocity!
Hipolito Dominguez loses some stamina.
Hipolito Dominguez has poor pitching sessions.
Hipolito Dominguez has lost some throwing velocity.
Hipolito Dominguez has lost some control.
Tyler Poulson displays more power in batting practice!
Cruz Muñiz has good batting practice sessions!
Lucas Fernandez loses some stamina.
Lucas Fernandez has poor pitching sessions.
Lucas Fernandez has lost some throwing velocity.
Lucas Fernandez has lost some control.
Joshua Dinger has good pitching sessions!
Joshua Dinger has increased his throwing velocity!
Joshua Dinger has improved his control!
Tobias Hachiro showed good strike zone judgement!
Roger Googe showed good strike zone judgement!
William Polly displays more power in batting practice!
Michael Sylvain has good batting practice sessions!
Michael Sylvain displays more power in batting practice!
Benito Gutierrez has good batting practice sessions!
Benito Gutierrez showed good strike zone judgement!
David Bischoff has good batting practice sessions!
David Bischoff showed good strike zone judgement!
Alberto Iglesias displays more power in batting practice!
Willie Prahl has good pitching sessions!
Willie Prahl has increased his throwing velocity!
Bryan Heasley has good batting practice sessions!
Bryan Heasley displays more power in batting practice!
Bryan Heasley showed good strike zone judgement!
Alan Dye displays more power in batting practice!
Alan Dye showed good strike zone judgement!
Carlos Villar has increased his throwing velocity!
Jacobo Sousa has good batting practice sessions!
Earl Nakamura displays more power in batting practice!
Alvin Garofalo has good batting practice sessions!
Alvin Garofalo displays more power in batting practice!
Alvin Garofalo showed good strike zone judgement!
Nathaniel Waldrop displays more power in batting practice!
Robert Falconer displays more power in batting practice!
Robert Pauli showed good strike zone judgement!

SPRING TRAINING COMMENTS
Well, I’m certainly disappointed to see Dominguez have a weak spring. The flip side is that Superfly Sylvain is lookin’ good!

[Ben E Lou]

2000 MAJOR LEAGUE LINEUPS AND ROTATIONS

Batting Order vs. RHP
1. SS Wilson (5/5/9)
2. LF Puente (5/5/6)
3. C Barrett (6/6/7)
4. 3B Schuster (6/6/6)
5. 1B Romero (5/6/4)
6. 2B Campbell (6/5/7)
7. RF Mejia (6/3/5)
8. CF Dyke (6/2/6)

Batting Order vs. LHP
1. SS Wilson (5/5/9)
2. LF Puente (5/5/6)
3. C Barrett (6/6/7)
4. 3B Schuster (6/6/6)
5. 2B Campbell (6/5/7)
6. RF Mejia (6/3/5)
7. 1B Romero (5/6/4)
8. CD Dyke (6/2/6)

Pitching Rotation
1. Cobbs (8/8/9)
2. Medina (8/7/6)
3. Feder (8/6/7)
4. Shultis (7/6/6)
5. Figueroa (5/6/8)
Closer: Mukai (8/8/6)

Strategy
Offensively, we're going to run a LOT. We've got lots of speed. I've pumped up base stealing for all those guys. With the depth of our bullpen, we're going to have a somewhat quick hook.

Outlook
With improved defense and pitching, on paper this looks like a squad that can finish .500 or better.

[Anrhydeddu]

If the developer would just tweak the settings himself to make everything balance out properly

Balance out properly for a 1910 season with average stadium size under 20,000 and no TV revenues or for the 2003 season with average stadium size well over 50,000 and huge TV contracts?

[Ben E Lou]

Originally posted by Anrhydeddu
Balance out properly for a 1910 season with average stadium size under 20,000 and no TV revenues or for the 2003 season with average stadium size well over 50,000 and huge TV contracts?

My point exactly. If weird stuff like the 1910 season wasn't an option, then things could be made to balance out for modern-day baseball.

[Ben E Lou]

APRIL 2000

THIS MONTH’S RECORD: 9-17
OVERALL RECORD AT MONTH-END: 9-17
CURRENT STANDING: Last place. 9 ½ games behind division-leading Mets.

MAJOR LEAGUE PERFORMANCES OF NOTE/LINEUP CHANGES/ROTATION CHANGES:
The bullpen is doing great. Highest bullpen ERA is Honda’s 3.38. SP’s Cobbs (3.82), Feder (4.32) and Shultis (4.28) have done well enough. Medina (8.14) is getting shelled, and rookie Figueroa (5.08) has room to improve.

Emil Romero had a very good month, batting .413 with 14 RBI’s. Ferdy Puente, on the other hand, is stinking it up with a .182 average. I drop Puente down to #7 in the order, and move Dyke (.250, 7 SB) up to #2. Looking at our team stats overall, what stands out is that we’re 29th in MLB in home runs, and 4th in stolen bases. Otherwise, we’re middle-of-the-road in most other numbers.

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT:

Monday 4/10/2000 :

Santos Saavedra seems to have lost some of his feel for his stuff...Santos Saavedra has lost some movement on his pitches...

Monday 4/17/2000 :

Joshua Dinger's pitches have more bite now, the movement has improved!Daniel Oxendine seems to have lost some bat speed, resulting in less contact...Alvin Garofalo has lost some power...

Monday 5/1/2000 :

Stephen Dills has lost a step. His speed drops to D ...Stephen Dills has lost some momentum, his range at CF drops to D ...Benny Conde has lost some momentum, his range at 1B drops to D ...Daniel Davila is getting faster, his speed increases to D ...

Dinger is lighting it up at AAA, but no one in the major league bullpen is struggling. I may just make a trade before this post is over. None of the decreases are of any importance.

AAA NOTES
As mentioned above, Joshua Dinger has a 1.29 ERA, a 0.71 WHIP and 22 K’s in 14 IP. His ratings are up to 8/5/6. I think he’s ready. I’ll try to trade closer Mukai and a position starter for a big bat. 2B Alan “The Hammer” Dye is hitting .337, but his ratings are still 4/4/5. I’ll keep watching him.

AA NOTES:
The Terminator Dominguez has struggled a bit early: 1-2, 5.28 ERA. RF Heasley is hitting .377, but with no HR’s. The computer says he’s ready for AAA. I promote him.

A NOTES:
Unheralded 22-year-old 3B William Polly is hitting .310 with a .899OPS. I’ll watch him.

INJURIES:
None this month.

KEY E-MAILS:

Bryan Heasley has made notable progress
learning his new position, Leftfield.
I would rate his skills as "D" right now.

He’s a big prospect already. Nice to have another position he can play if necessary.

PERSONAL DIARY ENTRIES:
I’ve now got a relationship with a girl named Blaney.

TRADES
I trade Closer Mukai and Shortstop Prospect Cazares to St. Louis for SS Eduardo Fuensanta (6/8/5). 33-year-old Fuensanta has “A” range at SS, and has hit 27-33 homers each of the past seven seasons. He’s in the next-to-last year of a contract paying him $8.19M per year. I’ll drop him in the cleanup spot and hope that improves my offense. He should certainly improve the defense. Then, I trade SS Wilson to Cleveland for two (avg/avg/avg) talent young pitching prospects. Their names are Chad Alejo and Bill Hicks. Hopefully one will turn into something good. Here’s the new lineup vs. RHP:

1. CF Dyke (6/2/6)
2. LF Puente (5/5/6)
3. C Barrett (6/6/7)
4. SS Fuensanta (6/8/5)
5. 1B Romero (5/6/4)
6. 3B Schuster (6/6/6)
7. 2B Campbell (6/5/7)
8. RF Mejia (6/3/5)[/b]

MONTHLY AWARDS
Pitchers Of The Month: Cecil Sanders, TX (6-0, 1.52) and Ronald Smith, SD (1-1, 0.90)
Batters Of The Month: RF William Harris, TX (.340, 12, 30, 1.191) and RF Elmer Connors, StL (.364,13,27,1.325)

TEAM NEWS FROM THIS MONTH

Thursday 4/6/2000 :

Emil Romero has 4 hits against New York (N).

Tuesday 4/11/2000 :

Charles Wilson has 4 hits against San Diego.

Wednesday 4/12/2000 :

James Shultis fans 11 batters against San Diego.

Friday 4/28/2000 :

Anthony Schuster has 4 hits against Florida.Anthony Schuster crushes 2 homers against Florida.Anthony Schuster scores 4 runs against Florida.

Saturday 4/29/2000 :

Theodore Barrett has 5 hits against Florida.

Sunday 4/30/2000 :

Jimmy Cobbs fans 13 batters against Florida.

[Anrhydeddu]

SkyDog: Lol. Good thing it's not up to me since I would only have the option to do historical leagues instead of the silly modern-day crap. (But don't you agree that because of this, both you and I can be reasonably satisfied?)

[Ben E Lou]

MAY 2000

THIS MONTH’S RECORD: 16-12
OVERALL RECORD AT MONTH-END: 25-29
CURRENT STANDING: Fourth place. 7½ games behind the division-leading Mets.

MAJOR LEAGUE PERFORMANCES OF NOTE/LINEUP CHANGES/ROTATION CHANGES:
Oops. I forgot to insert Dinger into the closer slot, and he only got one appearance. (1.0IP, 2K, SV). The front four of the rotation have all settled in now. (3.20, 4.39, 3.51, 3.70 ERA’s.) Figueroa is still struggling (2-6, 5.93).

We’ve risen to #20 in team homers, with Schuster and Fuensanta having 10 each. On the whole, the hitting has improved. RF Mejia (.233) is the only regular hitting under .240. Dyke and Puente have 27 SB’s between the two of them at the top of the order, but their OBP’s stink (both are under .300). 1B Romero has cooled off, and is down to .313. The problem has been left-handed pitching. He’s only hit .212 with a .515 OPS against lefties. Conde has hit .368 in 19 at bats vs. lefties up to now, so I’m going to a strict platoon situation at 1B.


PLAYER DEVELOPMENT:

Monday 5/8/2000 :

Steve Fulmer plate discipline seems to have faded...

Monday 5/15/2000 :

Chad Alejo has worked out more, his duration raises to C ...

Monday 5/22/2000 :

Gregory Priolo seems to have lost some bat speed, resulting in less contact...Jacobo Sousa has gained more power!

Monday 5/29/2000 :

James Shultis has worked out more, his duration raises to B ...Douglas Diez seems to have improved his pure stuff! Cruz Muñiz increased his bat control, resulting in more contact!

Sousa’s power increase crowds an already crowded outfield prospect picture. He’s now up to 3 ½ stars, and is hitting .316 in AAA. Diez is now a 4 ½ star guy, with a 2.96 ERA in AAA, and 4/3/7 ratings. Muniz increasing his contact to average could be BIG news. He’s now Avg/Brl/Avg, and up to 3 ½ stars. The decreases are all insignificant players.

AAA NOTES
2B Alan “The Hammer” Dye is down to .303, and still 4/4/5. CF Michael “Superfly” Sylvain is hitting .272, and is up to 5/4/4. The scouting report says he’s probably ready right now to test his mettle in the majors. Major league starting CF Joseph Dyke only has a .276 OBP in the #2 slot, and Superfly looks just as fast as Dyke (Both are B,B). I’ll give Superfly one more month to develop at AAA, and call him up July 1st if all is still going well. RF Heasley has proven himself ready for AAA. He’s hit .273 this month.

AA NOTES:
Hipolitor “The Terminator” Dominguez has dropped his ERA to 3.82, from 5.28 at the end of April.

A NOTES:
Unheralded 22-year-old 3B William Polly is down to .280. Nothing to see here.

INJURIES:
Again, none this month.

KEY E-MAILS:
I received no e-mails for note besides guys looking for extensions. I’m not talking contracts during the season. We’ll do these at the end of the regular season.

PERSONAL DIARY ENTRIES:
Blaney and I have been dating for four months now. I decide to pop the question. She doesn’t want to marry me yet.

TRADES
None.

MONTHLY AWARDS
Pitchers Of The Month: Ciro Esparza, TB (2-0, 0.93) and Michael Federico, COL (3-0, 1.29)
Batters Of The Month: 3B Phillip Dileo, ANA (.374, 9, 33) and legendary RF Jose Cabello, MIL (.398, 7, 20). (Cabello may be on his way to his best all-around season yet. He’s hitting .372 with 18 HR’s and 49 RBI)

TEAM NEWS

Friday 5/5/2000 :
Rodney Campbell hits a 468-foot homerun!!
Jimmy Cobbs strikes out 12 against Florida.

Thursday 5/11/2000 :
Eduardo Fuensanta crushes 2 homers against Arizona.
Eduardo Fuensanta has 5 RBI against Arizona.

Tuesday 5/16/2000 :
Jimmy Cobbs strikes out 12 against Pittsburgh.

Thursday 5/18/2000 :
Rodney Campbell has 4 hits against Pittsburgh.
Anthony Schuster slams 2 homers against Pittsburgh.

Sunday 5/21/2000 :
Theodore Barrett hits a 455-foot homerun!!

Monday 5/22/2000 :
Anthony Schuster was named Player of the Week!
He batted .478 in 23 AB, with 5 HR and 11 RBI.

Tuesday 5/23/2000 :
Roberto Medina pitches a 2-hit shutout against Philadelphia!!

Monday 5/29/2000 :
Roberto Medina was named Player of the Week!
He won 2 games, with one shutout, pitched 16.1 innings
with an ERA of 0.00, fanning 8.

IMPORTANT LEAGUE NEWS
Boston’s SS Bill Curley got his 2,000th hit this month.

[Ben E Lou]

2000 AMATEUR DRAFT REPORT

Oops. I set the draft to June at the beginning of they year. I didn’t think it would force a draft THIS June. Oh well. Henceforth, the draft will be in June. Since I have the #1 pick, I decide to change the draft to “Serpentine” to give a little better balance in this one.

DRAFT POSITION: 1

DRAFTEES
1. C Walter Mcdonald (Good/Brl/Brl) This 23-year-old 5-star right-handed hitter is a great find at a position that I have no strong prospects. He’s got a “C” arm. He becomes the #11 prospect in the game.
2. SP Jim Decker. (Avg/Avg/Good). Decker, a 19-year-old righty, fields his position well (“A” range). Could crack the rotation one day.
3. CF/RF Joseph Gillenwater (Avg/Avg/Fair). Gillenwater has “A” range at both CF and RF, and a “C” throwing arm. He’s an 18-year old lefthanded hitter. With a little development, he could become an impact player in the bigs.
4. RF/LF Randy Wheeler (Fair/Avg/Avg). He could be a good utility OF/defensive replacement/pinch runner. Wheeler is rated “B” at LF, “A” at RF and has an “A” arm. He’s also got “B” ratings at speed and stealing. He looks like the kind of guy I like to have on the bench.
5. SP/RP Dean Sipe (Avg/Good/Good). 23-year-old Sipe has “E” endurance as a starter and “A” defensive range.
6. MR Bobby Day (Avg/Good/Avg). 19 years old. “A” fielding. “B” holding runners.
7. 2B/SS Lawrence Burgan (Fair/Fair/Fair). Burgan is a 19-year-old good-field, no-hit kind of player. He is a left-handed hitter. Could earn a spot as a utility infielder evenutually.

POST-DRAFT TOP TEN MINOR LEAGUE SYSTEMS
1. Atlanta
2. Seattle
3. Chicago (A)
4. Cincinnati
5. Baltimore
6. Philadelphia
7. LA
8. Texas
9. Milwaukee
10. Pittsburgh

[Ben E Lou]

JUNE 2000

THIS MONTH’S RECORD: 15-13
OVERALL RECORD AT MONTH-END: 40-42
CURRENT STANDING: Fourth place. 9 games behind the division-leading Mets.

INJURIES DURING MONTH:
LF Puente misses a week this month.
SS Fuensanta goes down with a ruptured biceps tendon on June 20th. His recovery time is listed at 4 weeks. Backup John Blakemore becomes the starter.

MAJOR LEAGUE PERFORMANCES OF NOTE/LINEUP CHANGES/ROTATION CHANGES:
The front four now all have ERA’s of 3.52 or less, and Figueroa has lowered his to 5.09 as well. 21-year-old closer Joshua Dinger has been dominant. He had 10 saves in the month, and has an ERA of 1.80. Opponents are only hitting .231 against us, best in the majors.

1B Conde has been a nice upgrade in the platoon against left-handed batters. He’s hitting .341.

MID-SEASON TEAM STATISTICAL LEADERS
AVG: 1B Romero--.300
HR: 3B Schuster—14
RBI: 3B Schuster—48
SB: CF Dyke—23
SP ERA: Shultis—3.25
RP ERA: Dinger—1.80
SAVES: Dinger—11
SP K’s: Cobbs—126

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT:No new development in June.

AAA NOTES
2B Alan “The Hammer” Dye is hitting .306, and up to 5/4/5. He’s got “Good” talent in power, but is only slugging .423. I want to see some of that power show itself before I promote him. LF Jacobo Sousa also needs to show some power. He’s hitting .292 , but only slugging.402. CF “Superfly” Sylvain is up to .310, with ratings still at 5/4/4. Major league starting CF Joseph Dyke raised his OBP 28 points this month, and earns a temporary reprieve. RF Heasley had a tough month. His average dropped 30 points to .242.

AA NOTES:
Hipolito Dominguez has dropped his ERA to 3.45, and the scout is saying he may be ready for AAA. I’ll let “The Terminator” stay in AA for at least another month though. LF Sidney “Tumbleweed” Sutton is hitting .299 and slugging .507. The scout says he could play in AAA. He gets the call-up. He’ll DH, since all three OF slots at AAA have good prospects.

A NOTES:
June draftee RP/SP Dean Sipe has a 0.00 ERA in 7 relief appearances. I’ll put him in the rotation now. C Walter McDonald is hitting .300 after his first month. 1B Muniz is hitting .305 and slugging .480. Four-star prospect SS Roberti Pauli is only hitting .259 in this, his third season at “A” ball. I’m a bit concerned.

KEY E-MAILS:
I received no e-mails of note.

PERSONAL DIARY ENTRIES:
None.

TRADES
None.

MONTHLY AWARDS
Pitchers Of The Month: Ciro Rojas, ANA (5-1, 1.13) and Michael Diaz, SD (5-1, 1.81)
Batters Of The Month: LF Silvio Freire, DET (.394, 23RBI) and CF Chris Korando, PIT (.345, 28RBI)

TEAM NEWS

Tuesday 6/6/2000 :
Anthony Schuster crushes 2 homers against St. Louis.
Anthony Schuster has 6 RBI against St. Louis.

Saturday 6/10/2000 :
James Shultis strikes out 13 against Montreal.

Friday 6/16/2000 :
James Shultis strikes out 13 against Philadelphia.

Tuesday 6/20/2000 :
Elliot Feder pitches a 4-hit shutout against Colorado!!
Earl Nakamura has been released.

Thursday 6/29/2000 :
Anthony Schuster hits a 451-foot homerun!!

IMPORTANT LEAGUE NEWS

[Ben E Lou]

JULY 2000

THIS MONTH’S RECORD: 12-12
OVERALL RECORD AT MONTH-END: 52-54
CURRENT STANDING: Third place, 13 games behind the division-leading Mets.

INJURIES DURING MONTH:
SP Jimmy Cobbs strained a back muscle, and missed two weeks.
MR Tomas Nieves has bone chips, and will be out until early September.
RF Mejia strains his posterior cruciate ligament on the 26th, and will be out for three weeks, opening the door for Michael “Superfly” Sylvain to make the jump. He’ll start out in RF, and if he does well, he’ll replkace Dyke in CF when Mejia returns.

MAJOR LEAGUE PERFORMANCES OF NOTE/LINEUP CHANGES/ROTATION CHANGES:
The rotation is lookin’ GOOD. Figueroa has dropped his ERA to 3.92. Shultis, at 4.09, has the highest ERA of the bunch. Joshua Dinger has been flat-out overpowering as the closer. He’s racked up 17 saves in two months, and has a 1.38 ERA.

3B Schuster and 1B Romero were named to the All-Star team. I’ve moved Schuster into the 3rd spot in the lineup.

SEASON-TO-DATE TEAM STATISTICAL LEADERS
AVG: 1B Romero--.311
HR: 3B Schuster—18
RBI: 3B Schuster—65
SB: CF Dyke—27
SP ERA: Cobbs—3.19
RP ERA: Dinger—1.38
SAVES: Dinger—17
SP K’s: Shultis--147

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT:

Monday 7/10/2000 :
Santos Saavedra has lost some lower body strength, his duration drops to D ...

Monday 7/17/2000 :
Samuel Charneco seems to have lost some bat speed, resulting in less contact...

Monday 7/24/2000 :
Samuel Figueroa seems to have improved his pure stuff!
Tobias Hachiro has lost some power...

Monday 7/31/2000 :
Theodore Barrett seems to have lost some bat speed, resulting in less contact...
Sidney Sutton has lost some power...

SP Figueroa is now considered a 5-star prospect. His ratings are up to 6/7/8. Hachiro’s power loss was attached to a fractured hip. So far no loss in his speed, which is why I drafted him in the first place. Barrett is a concern, as he’s our starting catcher. He’s never provided much offense, and hasn’t this year either (.256-7-43-.738OPS), so hopefully he won’t get any worse, as he is still rated AVG in contact. Sutton is a big-time prospect. He’s still rated “Good” in Power, and his current ratings are 4/6/8. I still think he’ll be a very productive big-leaguer.

AAA NOTES
SP Willie “The Fireball” Prahl is 11-4 with a 3.38 ERA, and has 6/6/4 ratings.

2B Alan “The Hammer” Dye is up to .310, with ratings still at 5/4/5. He’s got “Good” talent in power, but is only slugging .431. I want to see some of that power show itself before I promote him.

LF Jacobo Sousa also still needs to show some power. He’s hitting .294, but only slugging .399.

LF Sidney “Tumbleweed” Sutton is batting .261 and slugging .489 after a month in AAA, and his ratings are at 4/6/8. It won’t be long ‘til he’s in Atlanta.

RF Heasley is hitting .243, and his ratings sit at 4/3/3.

AA NOTES:
Hipolito Dominguez is rapidly advancing. His ERA is down to 3.08. “The Terminator” gets the call-up to AAA..


A NOTES:
SP/RP Dean Sipe has done well so far in the rotation. He’s now 3-3 with a 2.93 ERA.
SP William Bent is 3-3, 2.88.
SP Jim Decker has turned in a 6-1, 2.63 ERA effort thus far.
SP Chad Alejo is 6-9, 4.43.

C Walter McDonald is up to .358, with a .585 slugging percentage. The scouts say he’s ready for A, and I agree
1B/3B Cruz Muniz is up to .320, with a .494 slugging percentage.
1B Tyler Poulson is hitting .331 with a .438 slugging percentage.
SS Robert Pauli had a HUGE month, raising his average from .259 to .297, and re-establishing himself as part of our future.
RF Gregory Priolo, a one-star prospect, is hitting .382 with a .549 slugging pct. I call him up to AA.

KEY E-MAILS:
I received no e-mails of note.

PERSONAL DIARY ENTRIES:
None.

TRADES
None.

MONTHLY AWARDS
Pitchers Of The Month: Matthew Luc, DET (3-1, 1.49) and Kenneth Borchert, NYM (4-1, 0.56)
Batters Of The Month: Armando Fresno, MIN (.354,6,22) and Elmer Connors, STL (.359,8,22)

TEAM NEWS

Thursday 7/6/2000 :
Antonio Mejia has 4 hits against San Francisco.

Tuesday 7/11/2000 :
1B Emil Romero will play in the OOTP-Allstar game!
3B Anthony Schuster will play in the OOTP-Allstar game!

IMPORTANT LEAGUE NEWS
The great Jose Cabello of Milwaukee collected his 2000th hit this month.

[Ben E Lou]

AUGUST 2000

THIS MONTH’S RECORD: 14-13
OVERALL RECORD AT MONTH-END: 66-67
CURRENT STANDING: Fourth place, 18 games behind the division-leading Mets.

INJURIES DURING MONTH:
None. RF Mejia returned from injury, but he’s lost his spot to “Superfly” Sylvain.

MAJOR LEAGUE PERFORMANCES OF NOTE/LINEUP CHANGES/ROTATION CHANGES:
The rotation still looking solid all around. Jimmy Cobbs had a fantastic month, going 3-0 with a 1.03 ERA. The AI left Joshua Dinger in for three innings when he was getting shelled. He gave up 15 runs in that appearance, very frustrating considering he only gave up one run from June 12th to August 15th—over 2 months. His stats now won’t reflect how effective he’s been overall.

Offensively speak, 3B Schuster is still having a very good year (.308-23-82). Superfly Sylvain got his first major league homer, and is hitting .240. He’ll stick at age 22.

SEASON-TO-DATE TEAM STATISTICAL LEADERS
AVG: 1B Romero--.313
HR: 3B Schuster—23
RBI: 3B Schuster—82
SB: CF Dyke—39
SP ERA: Cobbs—2.61
RP ERA: Holley—3.45
SAVES: Dinger—19
SP K’s: Shultis--190

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT:

Monday 8/7/2000 :
Tyler Poulson has gained more power!
Alan Dye has learned reading pitchers better, his stealing ability raises to B ...

Monday 8/21/2000 :
Benito Gutierrez increased his bat control, resulting in more contact!
Benito Gutierrez has improved his plate disclipine!

Monday 8/28/2000 :
Tobias Hachiro seems to have lost some bat speed, resulting in less contact...

1B Poulson was already on the radar screen as a prospect. Additional power is a nice plus! 2B Alan “The Hammer” Dye now has the potential to be a bona-fide all-around threat. With current starter Rodney Campbell in the final year of his contract, “The Hammer” is set to take over in ’01. Gutierrez is now a 3-star prospect (avg/avg/avg). Hachiro lost power last month. He’s a candidate for getting cut soon.

AAA NOTES—Note: I’m reporting month-by-month on 3 ½ star and up players, and any others who are performing extremely well.
SP Willie “The Fireball” Prahl is 12-8 with a 4.14. His ratings are still 6/6/4..

SP Hipolito Dominguez had a rough welcome to AAA. In five starts, he’s 2-3 with a 10.52 ERA, having given up 30 ER in 25 2/3 innings.

2B Alan “The Hammer” Dye is up to .315, with ratings still at 5/4/5. He’s starting to show some power—his slugging pct is up to .462.

LF Jacobo Sousa is hitting .310, slugging .415 and is rated 4/4/4.

LF Sidney “Tumbleweed” Sutton is batting .259 and slugging .443, and his ratings are at 4/6/8.

RF Heasley is hitting .257, and his ratings sit at 4/3/3.

AA NOTES:
C Walter McDonald hit .295 with a .767 OPS in his first month at AA

A NOTES:
SP Chad Alejo had a good month. He is up to 9-9, 4.30.
SP William Bent had an excellent month. He is now 7-3, 2.72. Scout says I could try him at AA, but he may not be ready. I’m going to call him up.
SP Jim Decker continues to impress. He’s now 9-2 with a 2.36 ERA. I call him up as well, despite no scout recommendation to do so.
SP/RP Dean Sipe struggled this month. He’s now 4-6, 4.40
1B/3B Cruz Muniz is now dominating Class “A” pitching. He’s hitting .329 with a .927 OPS. I call him up, again with no scout rec.
1B Tyler Poulson is hitting .322 with a .793 OPS.
SS Robert Pauli is now hitting .279 with a .713 OPS.

KEY E-MAILS:
I received no e-mails of note.

PERSONAL DIARY ENTRIES:
None.

TRADES
None.

MONTHLY AWARDS
Pitchers Of The Month: Antonio Rosas, CWS (3-1,0.82) and Richard Rubalcaba (3-0, 0.25)
Batters Of The Month: LF Hernan Gomez, CWS (.406, 28RBI) and Luis Ruano (.343, 33 RBI)

TEAM NEWS

Tuesday 8/1/2000:
Jimmy Cobbs pitches a 5-hit shutout against Los Angeles!!

Friday 8/11/2000:
Benny Conde slams 2 homers against Philadelphia.
Benny Conde drives in 5 runs against Philadelphia.

Wednesday 8/16/2000:
Anthony Schuster slams 2 homers against Florida.

Tuesday 8/22/2000 :
James Shultis strikes out 11 against Houston.

Thursday 8/31/2000 :
Jimmy Cobbs strikes out 11 against Montreal.

IMPORTANT LEAGUE NEWS
Jose Cabello is making a run at the Triple Crown! He's hitting hitting .338 with 42 homers and 101 RBI's. He leads the leave is homers, is tied for the lead in RBI, and is only 3 percentage points off the lead for the batting title.

MY SEPTEMBER CALL-UPS OF NOTE
None. Just a few vets.

[Ben E Lou]

SEPTEMBER 2000

THIS MONTH’S RECORD: 11-18
OVERALL RECORD AT MONTH-END: 77-85
CURRENT STANDING: Fourth place, 27 games behind Division Champion Mets.

INJURIES DURING MONTH:
None of note.

SEASON-END TEAM STATISTICAL LEADERS
AVG: 1B Emil Romero--.305
HR: 3B Anthony Schuster—27
RBI: 3B Anthony Schuster—96
SB: CF Joseph Dyke—47
SP ERA: Jimmy Cobbs—2.60
RP ERA: Tomas Nieves—3.12
SAVES: Dinger—23
SP K’s: James Shultis--226

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT:

Monday 9/18/2000:
Daniel Oxendine increased his bat control, resulting in more contact!

Monday 9/25/2000:
Alvin Garofalo has learned reading pitchers better, his stealing ability raises to C ...

Monday 10/2/2000:
Howard Boykins has worked out more, his duration raises to A ...
Bobby Day seems to have lost some of his feel for his stuff...

Oxendine is a 32-year-old 3B/SS hitting .279 at AAA. The increase in contact may help him earn a spot as a backup next year. Garofalo’s increase is likely insignificant. Boykins is a left-handed reliever in the bigs. Day is a middle-reliever with not a lot of hope to begin with.

KEY E-MAILS:
I received no e-mails of note.

PERSONAL DIARY ENTRIES:
None.

TRADES
None.

TEAM NEWS

Friday 9/15/2000:
Jimmy Cobbs strikes out 12 against Florida.

Wednesday 9/20/2000:
Ferdy Puente slams 2 homers against Colorado.

MONTHLY AWARDS
Pitchers Of The Month: Jonathan Kiesel, NYY (4-1, 0.83) and Clifford Pina, FLA (2-0, 0.55)
Batters Of The Month: CF David Galloway, SEA (.389, 3, 18) and 2B Thomas Rasmussen, PHI (.333, 10, 31)

IMPORTANT LEAGUE NEWS
None.

MY SEPTEMBER CALL-UPS OF NOTE
None. Just a few vets.

[Ben E Lou]

2000 END OF REGULAR SEASON REPORT

Manager: Ben Lewis	Batting AVG: .252 (17th)
"Record: 77 Wins, 85 Losses, .475 Winning Pct."	Homeruns: 124 (22nd)
"Home Record: 45 Wins, 36 Losses"	Walks: 276 (30th)
"Away Record: 32 Wins, 49 Losses"	Stolen Bases: 139 (5th)
"1 Run Games Record: 21 Wins, 29 Losses"	Runs Scored: 649 (T-24th)
"X-Innings Record: 4 Wins, 8 Losses"	
"Record vs LHP: 23 Wins, 64 Losses"	Pitching ERA: 3.79 (12th)
"Record vs RHP: 54 Wins, 21 Losses"	Opponents AVG: .232 (2nd)
"Payroll: $55,140,471 (20th)"	HRs Allowed: 172 (25th)
Fan Interest: 33/100 (26th)	Walks Allowed: 406 (13th)
	Runs Allowed: 665 (9th)

Player	          #	Pos	Birthday	Bats	Throws    AVG        HR         RBI        SB	  OPS
CATCHERS										
Theodore Barrett	79	C	9/8/1967	Right	Right	0.261	14	71	2	0.782
Antonio Aguiar	76	C	3/17/1972	Right	Right	0.267	2	15	0	0.691
INFIELDER										
Benny Conde	96	1B	11/6/1972	Both	Right	0.311	7	31	2	0.792
Rodney Campbell	68	2B	3/19/1970	Right	Right	0.28	10	62	0	0.768
Anthony Schuster	24	3B	5/4/1969	Right	Right	0.292	27	96	10	0.86
John Blakemore	32	SS	8/24/1970	Right	Right	0.141	1	11	5	0.403
Eddie Lopez	95	2B	2/28/1974	Left	Right	0.237	5	18	3	0.76
Samuel Charneco	3	3B	10/13/1964	Right	Right	0.271	5	24	0	0.684
Emil Romero	97	1B	10/11/1965	Left	Left	0.305	13	62	2	0.826
Eduardo Fuensanta	53	SS	2/23/1967	Right	Right	0.273	21	71	0	0.802
OUTFIELDER										
Joseph Dyke	57	CF	12/28/1967	Right	Right	0.235	2	40	47	0.593
Andres Cobo	22	CF	10/13/1966	Right	Right	0.285	1	9	4	0.697
Michael Sylvain	35	CF	3/21/1978	Right	Right	0.252	2	20	7	0.679
Ferdy Puente	72	LF	6/8/1966	Right	Right	0.234	13	58	34	0.628
Antonio Mejia	78	RF	9/22/1969	Right	Right	0.228	0	28	15	0.532

Player               	#          Role	Birthday	Bats	Throws	ERA        W          L	    S        WHIP
STARTERS										
Jimmy Cobbs	91	SP	11/3/1967	Left	Left	2.6	9	6	0	0.93
Elliot Feder	50	SP	6/15/1969	Both	Right	3.76	12	16	0	1.12
Samuel Figueroa	75	SP	10/21/1974	Left	Left	4.21	10	11	0	1.1
Roberto Medina	60	SP	5/10/1966	Left	Left	4.29	9	10	0	1.3
James Shultis	43	SP	10/22/1967	Left	Left	3.85	7	10	0	1.24
William Braziel	93	SP	11/21/1969	Left	Left	5.79	1	1	0	1.43
John Washburn	43	SP	5/18/1965	Left	Right	0	0	1	0	
RELIEVERS										
Joshua Dinger	15	CL	7/8/1978	Right	Right	5.59	5	9	23	
Milford Holley	6	MR	3/12/1966	Left	Left	3.13	4	5	1	
John Honda          	7	MR	9/3/1970	Right	Right	4.52	7	7	8
Howard Boykins	37	MR	6/9/1974	Left	Left	3.14	4	2	2
Frank Kral	                73	MR	11/6/1972	Right	Right	4.32	0	1	2
Santiago Martines	30	MR	10/29/1967	Right	Right	3.38	6	3	0
Santos Saavedra	38	MR	3/4/1974	Both	Right	0	0	0	0
Tomas Nieves	48	MR	4/30/1974	Right	Right	3.12	3	1	0

[Ben E Lou]

2000 POST-SEASON REPORT

POTENTIAL FREE AGENTS/CONTRACT EXTENTIONS
3B Anthony Schuster—He had a very good year, our best prospect at the position (Muniz) just got called up to AA in September, and he only wants an increase of around $800K per year. I ink him to a 3-year extension for $3.99 per year.
C Theodore Barrett—He actually is asking for a little less money. We’ve got a five-star prospect at AA (McDonald). At age 33, I sign him to a 2-year extension. (He wanted three)
MR Milford Holley—He’s 34 years old, and wants a four-year deal for $3.35M per year. We’ve got a deep pen, with three 3 ½-star-or-better guys waiting in the wings at AAA. See ya Milford.
SP Jimmy Cobbs—He’s had three straight nice seasons, but he’s looking for a $1.5M per year raise, and we’ve got Willie “The Fireball” Prahl in AAA, who had a 13-8 record with a 3.91 ERA down there, and his ratings are up to 7/6/4. I let Cobbs fly.
MR Santiago Martines—Another MR who is wanting too much money. Bye.
SP John Washburn—He agrees to a minor league contract.
2B/SS Steve Fulmer—He only wants a near-minimum salary, and he’s still got “B” range at 2B. I sign him to a one-year deal for $350K.
3B Samuel Charneco—He gave me a decent bat off the bench, and is still rated 6/4/5. I give him a one year deal for $750K.
SP James Shultis—He went 7-10 with a 3.85 ERA, and still only wants $900K per year for three years. Sign him up!
SP William Braziel—Only wants $430K for 2 years. Rated 6/5/6. good insurance. I sign him.

MANAGER UPDATE
My reputation rises to Very Inexperienced. The owner mood is at 53. It has been a Relationship with Blaney for 10 months now. I pop the question and she still doesn’t want to get hitched yet. I get offered a 1 year contract extension for $550K.

RECAP
American League Rookie Of The Year Award:
Chester Urso (C()!
He batted .276 in 577 AB, with 20 homers and 67 RBI.

National League Rookie Of The Year Award:
Enrique Orozco (COL)!
He had a record of 14-6 with an ERA of 2.35.
In 31 games started, he pitched 210.1 innings, fanning 184 and walking 35 batters.

American League Cy Young Award:
Antonio Rosas (C()!
He had a record of 21-6 with an ERA of 2.35 and 4 shutouts.
In 35 games started, he pitched 253 innings, fanning 168 and walking 44 batters.

American League MVP Award:
Silvio Freire (DET)!
He batted .353 in 601 AB, with 41 homers and 132 RBI.

National League Cy Young Award:
Jordan Abston (NY)!
He had a record of 16-4 with an ERA of 1.99 and 1 shutouts.
In 31 games started, he pitched 190.1 innings, fanning 157 and walking 16 batters.

National League MVP Award:
Elmer Connors (SL)!
He batted .336 in 539 AB, with 43 homers and 111 RBI.

American League Gold Glove Award Winners:
Pitcher: Angel Camuñas (KC)
Catcher: James Skates (MIN)
First Base: Kenneth Sherman (TEX)
Second Base: Carl Rios (NY)
Third Base: Bill Stanton (BAL)
Shortstop: Gregory Coppin (TOR)
Leftfield: Silvio Freire (DET)
Centerfield: Joaquin Fernandez (TB)
Rightfield: Edward Watson (BOS)

National League Gold Glove Award Winners:
Pitcher: Robert Mcniel (PIT)
Catcher: Adolfo Payne (ARI)
First Base: Jose Medina (MIL)
Second Base: Rodney Campbell (ATL)
Third Base: Mariano Barrera (PIT)
Shortstop: Robert Broaddus (PIT)
Leftfield: Alejandro Sanchez (HOU)
Centerfield: Ivan Baca (HOU)
Rightfield: John Sapp (LA)

American League Standings:
(Name W L PCT GB AVG ERA)
Eastern Division
Boston 89 73 .549 -- .256 3.63
Baltimore 82 80 .506 7 .250 3.67
Toronto 71 91 .438 18 .244 3.84
Tampa Bay 69 93 .426 20 .246 4.43
New York (A) 65 97 .401 24 .253 4.45
Central Division
Detroit 101 61 .623 -- .269 3.60
Minnesota 88 74 .543 13 .267 4.19
Chicago (A) 84 78 .519 17 .252 4.06
Cleveland 81 81 .500 20 .261 4.17
Kansas City 73 89 .451 28 .243 3.93
Western Division
Oakland 93 69 .574 -- .259 3.69
Anaheim 82 80 .506 11 .249 4.03
Texas 81 81 .500 12 .253 3.78
Seattle 75 87 .463 18 .265 4.20

National League Standings:
(Name W L PCT GB AVG ERA)
Eastern Division
New York (N) 104 58 .642 -- .263 3.01
Florida 85 77 .525 19 .244 3.95
Philadelphia 84 78 .519 20 .255 3.60
Atlanta 77 85 .475 27 .252 3.79
Montreal 68 94 .420 36 .249 4.01
Central Division
Chicago (N) 96 66 .593 -- .264 3.96
St. Louis 89 73 .549 7 .272 3.84
Milwaukee 86 76 .531 10 .257 3.80
Houston 85 77 .525 11 .263 3.87
Pittsburgh 67 95 .414 29 .259 4.55
Cincinnati 60 102 .370 36 .251 5.15
Western Division
San Francisco 91 71 .562 -- .242 3.25
San Diego 85 77 .525 6 .245 3.41
Colorado 80 82 .494 11 .245 3.57
Arizona 74 88 .457 17 .244 3.77
Los Angeles 65 97 .401 26 .239 3.98

Playoffs :
Divisional Series :
Minnesota (1) against Detroit (3)
Boston (3) against Oakland (0)
St. Louis (1) against New York (N) (3)
San Francisco (1) against Chicago (N) (3)
LCS :
Boston (4) against Detroit (2)
Chicago (N) (4) against New York (N) (2)
World Series :
Chicago (N) (2) against Boston (4)

Leaders:
TOP 5 in BATTING AVG :
.357 Richard James(SEA)
.353 Silvio Freire( DET,AL)
.344 Roger Frey(SL)
.336 Elmer Connors(SL,NL)
.335 Seymour Werner(DET)
TOP 5 in HOMERUNS :
49 Larry Entwistle(C(,NL)
45 Laurence Tobar(FLO,NL)
45 James Parente(ARI)
43 Jose Cabello(MIL,NL)
43 Elmer Connors(SL,NL)
TOP 5 in RBI :
132 Silvio Freire( DET,AL)
119 James Parente(ARI)
117 Thomas Rasmussen(PHI)
113 Larry Entwistle(C(,NL)
111 Phillip Dileo(ANA,AL)
TOP 5 in ERA :
1.82 Ronnie Ramirez(MIL)
1.99 Jordan Abston(NY)
2.31 Wilbert Payton(BC,NL)
2.35 Antonio Rosas(C(,AL)
2.35 Enrique Orozco(COL)
TOP 5 in WINS :
21 Antonio Rosas(C(,AL)
19 Michael Diaz(SD,NL)
19 Arthur Jan(OAK,AL)
19 Patrick Spurling(BOS,AL)
18 James Lingerfelt(MIN)
TOP 5 in SAVES :
46 Chester Toombs(BC,NL)
42 Otto Deane(SD)
41 Mark Pellham(OAK)
41 Matthew Freeman(MIL)
40 George Dam( DET,AL)

THOUGHTS
Obviously, we have a promising-looking future with all those 4 and 5 star prospects advancing towards the majors.

[Ben E Lou]

STARS OF THE GAME UPDATE

RF Jose Cabello--Milwaukee, Age 32--6/10/5
Cabello had another outstanding year. He batted .322 (his highest ever) with 43 homers and 109 RBI’s. He led the league in slugging pct (.644). He made a run at the Triple Crown before fading a bit in September. He’ll certainly shatter the career home run record next season. He has 558, and the record is 567. He made his 8th All-Star appearance, and collected his 200th hit.

2B Laurence Tobar--Florida, Age 29--7/10/7
.298, 45 HR, 103 RBI. He also stole 21 bases. Tobar led the league in runs scored with 121, and was 2nd in homers with 45. He made his 4th All-Star appearance.

LF Albert Evans--Chicago(N), Age 34--9/7/5
Evans had a slight drop-off in power, but everything else remained about the same. He hit .317 with 23 HR, 88 RBI and 35 SB. He made his 7th All-Star appearance

Larry Gutowski--3B,Minnesota, age 33, 8/5/6
Gutowski racked up his 9th straight 300+ season, hitting .305 with 12 HR and 63 RBI. He missed five weeks due to various injuries, and his contact rating dropped from 9 to 8.

SP Raul "Goldie" Grajeda-Detroit--age 36--10/6/8
Goldie Grajeda may be fading. He went 13-15 with a 4.13 ERA this year.

SP Pedro Diaz--Montreal--Age 34--10/8/9/7
His streak of six straight seasons with an ERA under 3.00 was snapped this year, but his string of being either 1st or 2nd in WHIP was extended for a 7th season. He went 14-13 with a 3.20 ERA.

[Anrhydeddu]

You have thrown up a whole bunch of information and stats but you can step back and evaluate and tell us what it means as far your team, esp in relation to short and long term decision areas?

[Ben E Lou]

Originally posted by Anrhydeddu
You have thrown up a whole bunch of information and stats but you can step back and evaluate and tell us what it means as far your team, esp in relation to short and long term decision areas?

Well, first of all, baseball IS a game of statistics. I will continue to post all these stats so I can print them and go over them.

Apart from that, I believe I've done what you've requested throughout the narrative. I've discussed each solid minor league prospect, and my strategy for the timing for their arrival in the bigs. Apart from that, my goal is simply to stay afloat. With a team this bad in Very Hard manager mode, I'm just trying to avoid getting fired before my prospects make it to the bigs. I'm trying to make short-term decisions (hence shorter contracts) to keep enough talent around to keep the team able to meet owner expectations until I can get some real talent, then some wins, then increased fan support, then increased financial wherewithal, then be able to sign big free agents. I thought that was obvious.

[Ben E Lou]

2001 POSITION REPORT: Catchers

Theodore Barrett (6/6/7) had a pretty solid season last year (.261/14/71). 23-year-old 5-star prospect Walter McDonald (Good/Brl/Brl) appears to be the future. McDonald is now rated 3/5/8. He destroyed single-A pitching (1.112 OPS) and handled AA well also (.817). 28-year-old Antonio Aguiar (4/5/5) was a decent backup in his first year in the bigs, hitting .267 and playing decent defense. None of the other catchers in the organization appear worth mentioning.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: Barrett is 33, and signed through 2002. I’m hoping he can give me one or two more good seasons until McDonald is ready to go.

QUESTION FOR THOSE READING: Should I start a new thread for each season?

[Ben E Lou]

2001 POSITION REPORT: First Base

Emil “Space” Romero (6/6/4) makes $4M at age 35 this year. He’s still great defensively (“A”, .991). He was the left-handed half of a platoon last year, and performed well. 28-year-old Benny Conde (4/4/3) had a nice rookie year as the right-handed half of the platoon. He’s a switch hitter, and despite his not-so-great ratings, his over .300 in his last four seasons in the minors, and did likewise in his first season in the majors. 19-year-old Tyler Poulson (Good/Good/Avg), a four-star prospect, hit .323 in single-A, but appears to still be a few years away (ratings 2/2/3). Another guy who may be an option down the road is 1B/3B Cruz Muniz (Avg/Brl/Avg). He is 22, and had a .531 slugging pct in Class A.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: Well, our financial situation is not good, so this position is of particular concern. If Romero can give me one more good year, that will help. Once his $4M salary is cleared from my payroll, I’ll probably have to sign another FA to fill this position until Poulson or Muniz is ready. I’d LOVE to see Conde surprise me and continue to out-perform his ratings.

[Ben E Lou]

2001 POSITION REPORT: Second Base

Rodney Campbell (6/5/7), acquired by trade last year, won his first Gold Glove last year and hit .280. He’s 30 and in his prime. 22-year-old Alan "The Hammer" Dye (Good/Good/Good) is almost ready. The Hammer is rated the #18 prospect in all of baseball, and is almost ready (5/4/5).

OVERALL THOUGHTS: Clearly, "The Hammer" is the future here. I’d like to see him show some of that “Good” power in AAA before I promote him. He began to show some late last year, slugging .467. I really hope he can hit with power in AAA the first half of the season, so I can trade Campbell, who is in the last year of his contract, before the deadline. I would be GREAT to be able to call up The Hammer AND get something good for Campbell!

[Ben E Lou]

2001 POSITION REPORT: Third Base

Anthony Schuster (6/6/6), age 31, has been the starter for the past five seasons, and he was our best offensive player last year. He's good defensively as well ("B" range"). The aforementioned 1B/3B Cruz Muniz (Avg/Brl/Avg) is our best prospect here. 36-year-old 3B/LF Samuel Charneco (6/4/5) looks like he can still give us a decent right-handed bat off the bench. He hit .271 last year.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: Schuster is signed through 2003. This job appears to be his for a good while.

[Ben E Lou]

2001 POSITION REPORT: Shortstop

Eduardo Fuensanta (6/8/5), 33, returns for the final year of his $8.2M contract. He slugged .486 and played great defense. We have a four-star prospect in 22-year-old Robert Pauli (Good/Fair/Avg). Pauli has "B" range, but still appears to be a few years away from the bigs. He hit .277 in his third year of “A” ball last year. Maybe he’s finally ready for AA this year.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: Well, Fuensanta is in his last year, and no prospect is on the immediate horizon. Of course I’ll go with Fuensanta this year, and probably end up signing a free agent for next season, when he’ll be 34 and probably looking for a several-year deal.

[Ben E Lou]

2001 POSITION REPORT: Left Field
I overpayed via free agency last year for Ferdy Puente (5/4/6). He’s 34, and in the last year of a rather expensive contract ($5.2M) for someone who had a .628 OPS. He did play great defense though, and stole 34 bases. 4 ½-star prospect Sidney "Tumbleweed" Sutton (Good/Brl/Brl) is almost ready. This 25-year-old, the #68 prospect in the land, had a .798 OPS in two months at AAA, and is rated 4/6/8 right now. 3 ½-star prospect Jacobo Sousa (Avg/Good/Avg) hit .299 at AAA last year, and is rated 4/4/4. I like his "B" range at LF. 34-year-old Andres Cobo (4/2/7) can play all three outfield positions with "B" range at each and remains a good utility OF option.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: If someone is willing to take on Puente’s big salary, I’ll unload him right now and turn LF over to “Tumbleweed” Sutton. Otherwise, I’ll let Sutton remain in AAA for now.

[Ben E Lou]

2001 POSITION REPORT: Center Field

Joseph Dyke (6/2/6) has started in CF for the past four seasons. He's a good baserunner ("B" in both speed and stealing, 47 SB’s last year). He's signed through the end of this year. He's average defensively (C range, .992, C arm). 22-year-oldMichael "Superfly" Sylvain (Good, Brilliant, Good), hit .252 in 202 major league at bats last year in right field, after hitting .314 in AAA. He has 5/4/5 current ratings, “B” range in CF, and an “A” arm.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: Dyke is only making $1.1M in this, the final year of his contract. He’ll make a nice backup in CF and LF, but his days of starting in Atlanta are over. I’m turning over the reigns in CF to Superfly!

[Ben E Lou]

2001 POSITION REPORT: Right Field

30-year-old Antonio Mejia (6/3/5) got hurt and lost his starting job to Superfly Sylvain last year. He’s got “A” range in RF though, which is why I’m letting him start and benching Dyke for Sylvain. Mejia also has "A" stealing ability. Our big prospect here is 4-star talent Bryan Heasley (Good, Good, Avg). He's currently rated 4/3/3, and he hit .256 last year in his first season in AAA. He's got an "A" arm.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: Mejia is in the last year of his contract. I hope to have Heasley ready to go by the beginning of next year. Otherwise, I’ll probably need to sign a FA next winter to hold down the fort.[/b]

[Ben E Lou]

2001 POSITION REPORT: Starting Pitchers

34-year-old Roberto Medina (9/7/6) returns after a 9-10, 4.29 ERA season. He’ sin the last year of a $5.3M per year deal. James Shultis (7/6/6), 33, is cheap at $900K per year, and turned in a 7-10, 3.85 ERA effort. Youngster Samuel Figueroa(7/7/8) showed he was ready as a rookie last year, going 10-11 with a 4.21 ERA. If this young lefty can take it to the next level, I’ll be very happy. The scout says that 24-year-old Willie "The Fireball" Prahl (Good/Avg/Avg) is ready to face big league hitters. He’s rated 7/6/4, and has had three years in AAA with sub 4.00 ERA’s. his time is now. Elliot Feder (7/6/7/), who led all of baseball with 7 CG’s last year and has “A” endurance, returns at age 31 to be the ace of the staff. 31-year-old William Braziel (6/5/6) will start the year at AAA. He’ll serve as our rotation insurance policy.

The SP prospect pool is pretty decent for us. Discussion begins of course with 23-year-old Hipolito “The Terminator” Dominguez (Good/Good/Good), the #48 prospect in baseball. He struggled in a late-season promotion to AAA, but with his 4/6/6 ratings, I think that’s where he belongs to start this season. Chad Alejo (Avg/Good/Good, age 19, is a 3 ½-star prospect who’ll likely start the year at AA. William Bent (Good/Avg/Good) had a 2.72 ERA in A-ball last year. The 20-year-old will also be at AA. Yet another 3 1/2 –star SP is Jim Decker (Avg/Avg/Good). Decker’s 19 and will also be in AA. SP/RP Dean Sipe (Avg/GoodGood) hopes to make an impact one day, but for now is stuck in A-ball.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: The rotation looks decent as is, and only Medina will become a FA after this season, which is fine, since “The Terminator” should be ready to step in next year. With my financial struggles, this isn’t the year to sign a big FA, but before I can make a big run, I’m going to want a bona-fide ace. If one doesn’t emerge from among the ranks, I’ll have sign on as a FA eventually.