justmunc Fictional 2017

[justmunc]

Hello All!

There have been a few of you who've followed my progress in completing the next installment of my fictional roster. For those who have not followed along, let me give you the run down.

I first got into MLB The Show back in 2014. I've always enjoyed playing my sports games as if it were a parallel universe. At the time, I couldn't find a fictional roster that suited me and didn't see that changing. With that, I decided to go ahead with the daunting task of single-handedly making a roster from scratch. After months of work, I was able to complete my first ever fictional set, but by the time it was done, the next game was already on its way! There were many flaws, as you could imagine, but I didn't know where to start to fix them. I only did minor adjustments in the next set, but found I was still unsatisfied with my own work so I decided to take a year and figure out the best way to go about this task.

This current project actually got started back in August of last year. I completely did away with my previous work and started from scratch. The process of creating players, finding the best team placements, editing equipment and contracts, took about 6 months! Unfortunately, because of the completely revamped player model in 17', the process will have to be prolonged. Further player editing is in order before the roster's unveiling, but I'm willing to put in the time to make sure this project is perfect.

Now, I can't promise a certain time frame due to my inconsistent schedule, but I will document my progress through this thread. When a team is complete, I will post a complete analysis (of that team) to give you an in-depth feel for the roster. My goal is for you to completely be submerged in this fictional world that you'll know these players as if they were real.

So, my progress will begin with the Baltimore Orioles and end with the San Francisco Giants. The moment when the Giants analysis is complete, so will the roster! If you have any questions regarding my methods, my thought process, or anything of that nature, please feel free to ask. Hopefully some of you will follow along and I hope all of you that do, will enjoy the ride! Thanks!


Here are some of my previous works throughout my time on OSFM:
http://www.operationsports.com/forum...al-roster.html
http://www.operationsports.com/forum...2700-base.html
http://www.operationsports.com/forum...oster-ps4.html

****UPDATE 06/16/2017****:

For all you loyal followers...I finally give you my completed 2017 Fictional Roster!

You can find this in the roster vault under the name: justmunc Fictional 17

If you enjoy the roster, I would greatly appreciate positive ratings in the roster vault so more gamers can find it! I also greatly appreciate any type of comments, suggestions, or even updates on your own experiences! Thank you guys


****UPDATE 06/18/2017****

Here is a link to walk-up songs for every position player on each 40-man roster. This was done a few months ago so newer songs may not be featured.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/oaj9uk3lklj9v6x/AAD4b7PaJk6Xg_Bb4WcUeHHWa?dl=0

[justmunc]

Re: justmunc Fictional 2017

I have completed the write up for the Orioles. After this, they should start coming in bunches.


Baltimore Orioles

Team Rankings
Hitting: 12th
Pitching: 22nd
Speed: 2nd
Defense: 6th
Overall: 15th

2017 Projected Record and Finish

96-66 (.593), first place in American League East (3rd overall)


The Case For Baltimore

The Orioles have one of the league's best offensive attacks. The top of the order consisting of Rollins, Tatis, Stevenson, and Trammel will give opposing teams nightmares. They're all threats to go deep and also have the ability to generate runs with their feet. Speed can also be found throughout the rest of the starting lineup.

Oh yeah, they also have the best first baseman in the entire league! Kyle Stevenson will benefit from having dangerous batters all around, not that he needed it, anyways. You can basically pencil him in for a 40/100/.300 line.

On the other side of the ball, the Orioles feature a very quality starter in Mac Overton. Overton will lead the rotation and will consistently produce quality outings.

Overall, the best thing going for Baltimore, is the rest of the division. We have them taking the AL East with fair ease, mostly due to their ability to over match the rest of the teams. What will happen in the playoffs? Who knows but besides an average Toronto team, the rest of the division won't have a chance.

The Case Against Baltimore

Besides the already mentioned Mac Overton, the other arms in the rotation/pen don't really jump off the screen. Mediocrity could doom them from the start, especially if Overton can't meet expectations.

With lofty expectations, the offense could easily find themselves under performing. That coupled with a questionable pitching staff, the Orioles could be in trouble.

The problem with having an MVP caliber player, if there was one, is that if his bat goes AWOL at any time, the rest of the lineup can instantly look a lot less intimidating.


X-Factor: Mac Overton

Overton can determine whether or not this is the season for Baltimore. The expectations that have been placed on him must be met or exceeded if they plan on playing meaningful games in September.

Scout's Takes

Most Overrated: Reuben Mesa SS

When looking at paper, you'll see that Mesa is listed as a top 5 SS in the league. What you also might find are the raves about his rocket launcher of an arm and above average defense. However, that out-of-the-world arm and solid defense can't hide how much of a liability he is at the plate.


Most Underrated: Seth Rollins LF

Often overlooked by the likes of Kyle Stevenson and Emilio Tatis, Rollins is an admirable top of the lineup guy. He carries a solid bat and has plus speed. What does that give you? Lots of runs. Look for him to carry .275/.335/.440 line plus about 15 stolen bases.


Prospect Scouting


Potential is based on the 20/80 scale

#1 C-Dan Portillo
Potential - 65
Strengths - Great defensive catcher and will thrive versus LHP pitching
Weaknesses - Has catcher speed. His arm strength will get tested plenty by
runners. Vision at the plate isn't tremendous
#2 LHP-Duncan DiBiase
Potential - 65
Strengths - Has a plus curveball in a 5 pitch repitore. Has swing and miss
stuff
Weaknesses - Control needs some work and home runs could be a problem
#3 RF-Travis McGraw
Potential - 60
Strengths - Perennial power, great discipline, and an above average fielder,
especially with his size.
Weaknesses - Prone to K's. Can be a liability against LHP. Not very fast
#4 RHP Peter Aaron
Potential - 60
Strengths - Performs well int he clutch, closer potential, lots of K's, great
fastballs (2SM & 4SM)
Weaknesses - Can lose consistency out of nowhere and he gives up a fair
share of hits
#5 C-Kevin Evers
Potential - 55
Strengths - Good stick against lefties and righties. Above average arm
Weaknesses - Discipline needs work and defense is below average
#6 LHP-Evan Kirkland
Potential - 55
Strengths - Doesn't give up the long ball often, 2SMFB is lively
Weaknesses - Doesn't have a clear put away pitch and prone to inconsistency
#7 RHP-Alexander Reyes
Potential - 55
Strengths - Lots of deception in his pitches, curveball can be a plus pitch
Weaknesses - Control could be a problem, lots of walks, and not particuarly
good under pressure
#8 SS-Grant Cannon
Potential - 55
Strengths - Already has an above average bat. Splits are identical. Solid arm
at SS
Weaknesses - Range will be tested, not incredibly fast for the position.
Almost already at his ceiling
#9 C-Rossmel Perez
Potential - 55
Strengths - Good contact, plus plate vision, plus arm, above average
defender
Weaknesses - Liability with RISP and is double play prone
#10 1B-Blake Millar
Potential - 55
Strengths - Sees both pitching sides well (better LHP splits), consistent good
at-bats, and arm is good enough to play across the diamond
Weaknesses - Not much pop against right handers and his aggressiveness on
the bases don't match his slow speed

[lek]

Re: justmunc Fictional 2017

I have been following and using your rosters from the start. Fantastic writeup. I just got the 2017 version of the game almost exclusively for the new set. Looking forward to the new ones and thank you again for all the amazing work!!!

[brent3419]

Re: justmunc Fictional 2017

I laughed when i saw the kingslayer on the roster lol. I can't wait to see this roster

Sent from my SM-J320P using Tapatalk

[justmunc]

Re: justmunc Fictional 2017

I laughed when i saw the kingslayer on the roster lol. I can't wait to see this roster

I had to add a little flavor

[jbdog3]

Re: justmunc Fictional 2017

How are you handling service time and contracts? Will every player have 0 service time and will all players start with a rookie salary. I think a fictional roster is a great idea, but I've always wondered how service time and contracts should be implemented.

[justmunc]

Re: justmunc Fictional 2017

How are you handling service time and contracts? Will every player have 0 service time and will all players start with a rookie salary. I think a fictional roster is a great idea, but I've always wondered how service time and contracts should be implemented.

My mindset in that was that it took so long to put this roster together and adding service time to all these guys would take even longer. What I did was give every single player a completely fresh time clock but gave out normal contracts based on the team. I haven't quite tested free agency with this method but it can't be that bad. If anything, the first few years may be a little funky and nontraditional.

[crques]

Re: justmunc Fictional 2017

Great job on the write up. Looking forward to this roster.

[justmunc]

Re: justmunc Fictional 2017


Pictured: Rey Peralta-SS

Boston Red Sox

Team Rankings:
Hitting: 4th
Pitching: 14th
Speed: 20th
Defense: 8th
Overall: 14th

Salary Cap: 158M

2017 Projected Record and Finish
83-79 (.512), Third place in American League East (15th Overall)

The Case For Boston

As stated prior, this is not the same great AL East that has been seen in years past. It wouldn't be too hard to imagine any team having a shot at the division title.

Boston, luckily, has some of the best talent compared to their Eastern foes. Stars such as Brad McDonald, Blaine Longoria, Tomas Acevedo, and Rey Peralta all have perennial all-star talent, if not MVP capable.

McDonald is a future star of the entire league and could possibly lead Boston into meaningful games in September. His potential is through the roof and his eventual breakout is without question on the horizon.

On the other side of the ball, Ace of the staff, Blaine Longoria, and bona-fide setup man, Evan Stacy, can lock opposing batters down.

Even against the projected record, it's not too far off to believe some Boston magic could lead to a chance in the playoffs


The Case Against Boston

As said before, there is plenty of talent on this Boston team. However, especially on the pitching side, the roster is very top heavy. Longoria and Stacy headline the stars but after that, the rest of the pitchers have big question marks. In the starting rotation, Longoria, Acevedo, and Stanton will be tasked with limiting runners in a very hitter friendly ballpark, but time will tell if they can handle that kind of pressure.

Evan Stacy is the lead horse in the pen, but he is not the closer. Stacy is best suited for his setup role in which he can shut the door in the 7th and 8th innings. That leaves a wide open spot at the closer position. It seems as though the team may have to use the "closer by committee" method to close out games, but we've seen how that can be disastrous.

The thing that plagues this team the most may just be the mediocrity that fills the holes of the roster. Outside of the main young guns, that mediocrity and age will haunt the everyday lineup. To top things off, those mediocre players have huge price tags that will make it hard to unload them at the deadline and during free agency.



X-Factor: Brad McDonald - 3B

There is one clear thing on this team: Brad McDonald is a future MVP of the league.

McDonald just signed a long-term deal, showing the team's faith in his MVP abilities. His leadership on the field and in the middle of the lineup will determine the success of the Red Sox.

With that said, the Sox can't afford any major slumps by this guy, and we know it's a common occurrence for young superstars to struggle when so much is placed on their shoulders.

Scout's Takes

Most Overrated: Johnny Welch - Closer

Welch simply struggles in his current position. He gets closer money but can't get the job done. Even though he is listed as a closer, it is entirely possible for this team to go to a "closer by committee" method, as stated before. The lack of options in the pen may be the saving grace for him, but in the end it won't be enough, as we project him to lose his role before the final game.


Most Underrated: Felix Saucedo - RF

For being a well-rounded player, Saucedo simply doesn't get the recognition he deserves. He's a solid number 2 hitter who generates runs with power and balanced hitting. He has a great bat, great glove, and great plate discipline, and he'll put on a performance every time he steps onto the field.

Prospect Scouting


#1 Michael Porter - OF
Potential - 70
Strengths - Has superstar power, and above average discipline
Weaknesses - Whiffs on a lot of pitches, fielding is sub-par

#2 Andre Robinette - RHP
Potential - 55
Strengths - Plus slider and good control
Weaknesses - Doesn't throw very hard, not much variation in pitches

#3 Joey Russell - RHP
Potential - 55
Strengths - Good movement on fastball and can be effectively wild
Weaknesses - Secondary pitches need plenty of work

#4 Felix Parra - LHP
Potential - 55
Strengths - Generates ground balls with 4SMFB/Change, and has the stamina to go deep into games
Weaknesses - Can be wild with command and doesn't strike out a ton

#5 Elliott Galvis - OF
Potential - 55
Strengths - Good pop for a CF, and has plus speed
Weaknesses - Defense is shaky, prone to injury, and a lot of swing and miss in his game

#6 Reynaldo Tavarez - 1B
Potential - 55
Strengths - Makes contact most of the time, can field his position
Weaknesses - Major injury risk, not much power for his position

#7 Jackie Pate - LHP
Potential - 55
Strengths - Plus fastball with movement, plus cutter, and comes clutch in big moments
Weaknesses - Can get hit hard and walks a ton. WHIP nightmare

#8 Andy Addison - 1B
Potential - 50
Strengths - Has good power and can field his position well
Weaknesses - Long swing that makes for a lot of strikeouts

#9 Carlos Beller - RHP
Potential - 50
Strengths - Good ground ball repertoire, and all pitches have strength
Weaknesses - Struggles in tough moments and can get hit hard sometimes

#10 Melvin Withenshaw - RHP
Potential - 50
Strengths - Throws hard, with movement. Effectively wild
Weaknesses - Control can elude him, doesn't K as much as he should

Extra Media


Pictured: Blaine Longoria - SP

Pictured; Jordan Carmichael - 2B

Cameron Merchant - 1B

[justmunc]

Re: justmunc Fictional 2017



New York Yankees

Team Rankings:
Hitting: 6th
Pitching: 19th
Speed: 13th
Defense: 21st
Overall: 19th

Salary Cap: 183M

2017 Projected Record and Finish

73-89 (.451), Fourth place in American League East (18th Overall)


The Case For New York

If bullpens win you games, then the Yankees are gonna win a lot of games. Mark Hutton, Chad O'Flaherty, and Warren Nitkowski all hold down a very solid relief squad.

Pitching is a big part of this clean-shaven team. This is even evident by their best prospects, some of whom will be waiting for their debut by mid-season.

In the lineup, Aaron Cruz sits in the middle as the AL's best third baseman. Some flash may also come from a guy named Justin Varner. This young second baseman can light a much needed fire in this offense and expect a slash line that looks like .275/.355/.440

The Case Against New York

This is where the bad news comes in.

The offense is a complete blackhole that is protected by Aaron Cruz. While Cruz is not an injury threat, anytime he is out of the lineup, pitchers will feast upon the lack of talent that floats around.

Along with the offense, the defense isn't much better. In fact, it's just not plain not good. Even with the great pitching, it'll be hard to get outs if the defense keeps airmailing the ball.

Overall, the team is just too mediocre to compete, even in this division filled with mediocrity. It'll take some wheelin' and dealin' by the Bronx brass to get this team in contention.


X-Factor: Aaron Cruz - 3B

Everything the Yankees are bad at, Aaron makes up for it. He has Gold Glove defense and a Silver Slugger bat. He won't commit more than a handful of errors and will probably mash in 40+ HRs and 100+ RBIs. But will this be enough?

Scout's Takes

Most Overrated: Darnell Sterling - LF

Much of the Bronx faithful put a lot of pressure on young Sterling's shoulders. Whether it be from peer desperation or the belief he can become the next Yankee great, but the 23 year old still has a steep learning curve before becoming one of the league's best. Unfortunately for him, he won't get much help from the rest of the lineup, so look for minimal production out of the lead off spot.


Most Underrated: Frankie Staton - SP

Often underminded by the ace, David Lockwood, Frankie Staton will be a pleasant suprise to a team that really needs it. Staton has great control over his fastball, changeup, and curve, which allows him to paint the strike zone. With that control, it's rare to see him walk more than a couple batters a game, if any.

Prospect Scouting


Other Media

[ILiveForThis]

Re: justmunc Fictional 2017

keep it up justmunc! i remember cameron merchant from the roster in the show 15 i believe? i loved using your roster for fantasy drafts!


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[justmunc]

Re: justmunc Fictional 2017

keep it up justmunc! i remember cameron merchant from the roster in the show 15 i believe? i loved using your roster for fantasy drafts!

Yes, Merchant along with a few others have survived my roster re-haul. Also, I know that the fantasy draft is widely used, but I developed the roster edits to match team specifics. I can't promise the equipment will be exactly on point when they get scrambled up.

[lek]

Re: justmunc Fictional 2017

Love the updates!!! Thank you so much!!! Also as a Yankee fan love the fact that the team is clean shaven.

[kcmr11]

Re: justmunc Fictional 2017

Hey man! I'm originally a hockey roster guy. I've always been a fan and player of the show games, but never really dabbled in the rosters for whatever reason.

This is a great idea and unique way to have tons of fun in the franchise realm of sports gaming. I wish more people got on board with this style and fully immersed themselves like you talked about in the OP. I will absolutely be using these when you're finished and I can't wait to see how they turn out.

You better believe you'll be seeing some franchise talk from me once these are done. I'm gonna stick with how you have them as well, no fantasy drafts. Great work man! Love the detail and story lines.


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[mikelecrenski]

Re: justmunc Fictional 2017

Hope you're finished soon! Will be doing a season with them.