Owner Mode

[hitstreak13]

Re: Owner Mode

I am officially a week from the all star break. I finally won a game (6-2) and am now 35-47 on the season. Scott Olsen, among the major league leaders in Wins, pitched 6 1/3 steller innings to earn his 8th win of the season. Not only did he allow only 1 run, but did not walk a man for the for the first time this season.

Wil Nieves, Olsen's personal catcher, connected twice! He connected for a 2-run shot in the 2nd, and another 2 run shot in the 8th. He came into the game with 7 RBIs and will leave with a respectable 12.

In other news, I just recieved an email from my advisor and told me that I am $5 million in the hole! I need to cut payroll fast and perhaps liquidate some of my assets. That is the only way to recuperate some of the money.

Would you guys be interested in me posting up stats for my top minor league players?

Sorry for the short post. I have to finish something for work tonight. Hope you guys enjoyed reading.

[duke776]

Re: Owner Mode

My goodness, I am on pace to lose 94 games.

Better than my pace for 103 losses

Avg.


5. Joey Votto (CIN)-------.333





HR's
9. Jay Bruce (CIN)---17
10. Brandon Phillips (CIN)---16

RBI's
7. Jay Bruce (CIN)----62
8. Brandon Phillips (CIN)---59

Go Reds! How are they doing record wise? It seems like they may be doing pretty good, well at least these 3 are.

I am officially a week from the all star break. I finally won a game (6-2) and am now 35-47 on the season. Scott Olsen, among the major league leaders in Wins, pitched 6 1/3 steller innings to earn his 8th win of the season. Not only did he allow only 1 run, but did not walk a man for the for the first time this season.

Wil Nieves, Olsen's personal catcher, connected twice! He connected for a 2-run shot in the 2nd, and another 2 run shot in the 8th. He came into the game with 7 RBIs and will leave with a respectable 12.

In other news, I just recieved an email from my advisor and told me that I am $5 million in the hole! I need to cut payroll fast and perhaps liquidate some of my assets. That is the only way to recuperate some of the money.

Would you guys be interested in me posting up stats for my top minor league players?

Sorry for the short post. I have to finish something for work tonight. Hope you guys enjoyed reading.

Still not having any luck trying to trade Johnson?

Also, it would be interesting to see the stats for your top minor league players.

I've been continuing to lose, although I am getting realistic results so it's more of bad playing and not slider issues which is a good thing. I am 16-27, hopefully I can get it together. I've decided not to trade for Volquez, as I'd like Hamilton to be a starting outfielder sometime next year since Dunn will be in his last year of his contract and may be traded to dump salary and will most likely not be re-signed due to payroll concerns. After next week, it's summer break and I'm sure I'll get into a mood to play this a lot since I'll have a lot of free time(unless I find a job).

[hitstreak13]

Re: Owner Mode

Go Reds! How are they doing record wise? It seems like they may be doing pretty good, well at least these 3 are.



Still not having any luck trying to trade Johnson?

Also, it would be interesting to see the stats for your top minor league players.

I've been continuing to lose, although I am getting realistic results so it's more of bad playing and not slider issues which is a good thing. I am 16-27, hopefully I can get it together. I've decided not to trade for Volquez, as I'd like Hamilton to be a starting outfielder sometime next year since Dunn will be in his last year of his contract and may be traded to dump salary and will most likely not be re-signed due to payroll concerns. After next week, it's summer break and I'm sure I'll get into a mood to play this a lot since I'll have a lot of free time(unless I find a job).

Hey Duke, first and foremost good luck with your job hunt. It has been pretty tough out there and wish you all the best. I am fortunate enough to have a job with the Quakes. Not my dream job, but at 23, still have a long ways to go. And in regards to the Reds. Yes, they are doing ok (.500) only because their pitching isn't doing so well. They don't have one guy in the top 15 in the NL in wins so there you have it. I am looking through their rotation and it looks as they have only one guy with 5 wins (Harang). However, looks like the injury bug hit as only one guy has 16 starts (Volquez is 4-9 with an ERA of 5) while Harang is a distant 2nd with only 12.

Ok, on to baseball. I didn't get to play a game because of my busy schedule, but did do a few administrative task. First and foremost, I finally was able to get rid of Nick Johnson for 2 Angel prospects. Here is who I recieved:

1. Sean O' Sullivan- Not an elite prospect by any means, but is a solid pick up nonetheless. I project him as a middle reliever who can perhaps start a few games if need be. Yes, he started 12 games in the Angels AA team, but I feel he can be more of an asset as a long/middle reliever for my club. He doesn't have overpowering stuff, but my minor league manager focuses on the pitching aspect while my minor league pitching coach is perhaps one of the best in the business. All in all, good value here. With the right seasoning, he may develop into the perfect end-of-the rotation type.
A look at O'Sullivan's stats with the Angels (Arkansas):
3-5, 4.77 ERA, 44 K's, 24 BB


2. P.J. Phillips- Here is an interesting pickup. The brother of Reds 2B Brandon Phillips, P.J doesn't have the power of his older brother, but may match him in speed. I really like this kid and was glad I was able to get him in the deal (Angels Single A). I don't project him as a starter, but he can perhaps be a super utility man. He can pinch hit, pinch run, play most of IF positions, and even sock 5-10 HR per year if given playing time. Oh, can't forget to mention that he can steal you about 20 bags.
A look at P.J Phillip's stats with the Angels (Rancho Cucamonga):
.234 Avg. 2 HR, 22 RBI, 19 SB, 6 Errors, 19 BB

Good bye Nick Johnson. I negotiated with most of the teams and they weren't willing to depart from their top prospects (the knew). Instead, I traded a brittle 1B to the Angels for 2 so-so guys. I even wanted Eric Aybar or Macier Izturis in the deal and said no to both. Oh well, two guys who are under 20 isn't too shabby. I am putting my money on the table that at least one of those guys comes through. If one does, I will look like a pretty damn good GM.

Top minor league stats for my team comming up....

Hope you enjoyed reading.

[MrArlingtonBeach]

Re: Owner Mode

Hello again everybody!

I am back with some great news about my Royals fantasy draft Owner Mode. I have defeated the Oakland A's 4 games to 1 to win the 2007 American League pennant!

I will be facing the Mets in the Fall Classic, in hopes of bringing a World Championship to Kansas City. I am at work right now, but can provide some more details on the World Series later tonight or tomorrow.

Not only am I excited to be playing for the title, but this will be sure to help boost revenue big time. After going last offseason without signing any big-name free agents, I will try to make a move or two this upcoming offseason in hopes of landing some quality starting pitching. In the playoffs, I have had to rely strictly on A.J. Burnett, Cliff Lee and Edwin Jackson. My bullpen also needs some bolstering.

Offensively, I am set and have plenty of upcoming talent to fill in. Jeff Francouer is all but guaranteed a spot in my outfield next season, after hitting in the .370s in AAA for two straight seasons - the only problem is that he is a free agent after this year, and Craig Monroe tore it up for me in 07 and Sizemore and Ichiro are set in the lineup. So I have to decide...do I keep Monroe and let Francouer go or do I make a trade to send either Monroe or Ichiro elsewhere? Ichiro does have the biggest contract on my team, but is also my most consistent, productive hitter. Plus, he can steal bases almost at will. Big questions loom in the offseason...

Now for the financials/upgrades update...My stadium is currently at 33,000 capacity and I have all souvenir stands purchased. My current team payroll is at a paltry $69 million. With the added WS revenue and that low of a payroll, I hope to make a killing in free agency.

[duke776]

Re: Owner Mode

Hey Duke, first and foremost good luck with your job hunt. It has been pretty tough out there and wish you all the best. I am fortunate enough to have a job with the Quakes. Not my dream job, but at 23, still have a long ways to go. And in regards to the Reds. Yes, they are doing ok (.500) only because their pitching isn't doing so well. They don't have one guy in the top 15 in the NL in wins so there you have it. I am looking through their rotation and it looks as they have only one guy with 5 wins (Harang). However, looks like the injury bug hit as only one guy has 16 starts (Volquez is 4-9 with an ERA of 5) while Harang is a distant 2nd with only 12.

Ok, on to baseball. I didn't get to play a game because of my busy schedule, but did do a few administrative task. First and foremost, I finally was able to get rid of Nick Johnson for 2 Angel prospects. Here is who I recieved:

1. Sean O' Sullivan- Not an elite prospect by any means, but is a solid pick up nonetheless. I project him as a middle reliever who can perhaps start a few games if need be. Yes, he started 12 games in the Angels AA team, but I feel he can be more of an asset as a long/middle reliever for my club. He doesn't have overpowering stuff, but my minor league manager focuses on the pitching aspect while my minor league pitching coach is perhaps one of the best in the business. All in all, good value here. With the right seasoning, he may develop into the perfect end-of-the rotation type.
A look at O'Sullivan's stats with the Angels (Arkansas):
3-5, 4.77 ERA, 44 K's, 24 BB


2. P.J. Phillips- Here is an interesting pickup. The brother of Reds 2B Brandon Phillips, P.J doesn't have the power of his older brother, but may match him in speed. I really like this kid and was glad I was able to get him in the deal (Angels Single A). I don't project him as a starter, but he can perhaps be a super utility man. He can pinch hit, pinch run, play most of IF positions, and even sock 5-10 HR per year if given playing time. Oh, can't forget to mention that he can steal you about 20 bags.
A look at P.J Phillip's stats with the Angels (Rancho Cucamonga):
.234 Avg. 2 HR, 22 RBI, 19 SB, 6 Errors, 19 BB

Good bye Nick Johnson. I negotiated with most of the teams and they weren't willing to depart from their top prospects (the knew). Instead, I traded a brittle 1B to the Angels for 2 so-so guys. I even wanted Eric Aybar or Macier Izturis in the deal and said no to both. Oh well, two guys who are under 20 isn't too shabby. I am putting my money on the table that at least one of those guys comes through. If one does, I will look like a pretty damn good GM.

Top minor league stats for my team comming up....

Hope you enjoyed reading.

Nice trade, I really like that trade for you. You didn't get top talent, but that's not what Johnson can pull. Seems like you got a decent pitching prospect, and a possible utility player(who IMO can be valuable especially when injury and fatigue hits). Not to mention you shedded Johnson's contract(which is about half of it's original value now).

Hello again everybody!

I am back with some great news about my Royals fantasy draft Owner Mode. I have defeated the Oakland A's 4 games to 1 to win the 2007 American League pennant!

I will be facing the Mets in the Fall Classic, in hopes of bringing a World Championship to Kansas City. I am at work right now, but can provide some more details on the World Series later tonight or tomorrow.

Not only am I excited to be playing for the title, but this will be sure to help boost revenue big time. After going last offseason without signing any big-name free agents, I will try to make a move or two this upcoming offseason in hopes of landing some quality starting pitching. In the playoffs, I have had to rely strictly on A.J. Burnett, Cliff Lee and Edwin Jackson. My bullpen also needs some bolstering.

Offensively, I am set and have plenty of upcoming talent to fill in. Jeff Francouer is all but guaranteed a spot in my outfield next season, after hitting in the .370s in AAA for two straight seasons - the only problem is that he is a free agent after this year, and Craig Monroe tore it up for me in 07 and Sizemore and Ichiro are set in the lineup. So I have to decide...do I keep Monroe and let Francouer go or do I make a trade to send either Monroe or Ichiro elsewhere? Ichiro does have the biggest contract on my team, but is also my most consistent, productive hitter. Plus, he can steal bases almost at will. Big questions loom in the offseason...

Now for the financials/upgrades update...My stadium is currently at 33,000 capacity and I have all souvenir stands purchased. My current team payroll is at a paltry $69 million. With the added WS revenue and that low of a payroll, I hope to make a killing in free agency.

Good luck in the world series. The revenue you get from the playoffs will be nice to have. One suggestion that I have that you could do with the outfield situation is re-sign Francoeur(if not very expensive) and see how him and Monroe perform and try to trade the one that won't be starting. Also, Francoeur is younger than Monroe so that would be a plus with Francoeur. Seems like you're on a good track right now.

[Canes5]

Re: Owner Mode

Good bye Nick Johnson. I negotiated with most of the teams and they weren't willing to depart from their top prospects (the knew). Instead, I traded a brittle 1B to the Angels for 2 so-so guys. I even wanted Eric Aybar or Macier Izturis in the deal and said no to both. Oh well, two guys who are under 20 isn't too shabby. I am putting my money on the table that at least one of those guys comes through. If one does, I will look like a pretty damn good GM.

Top minor league stats for my team comming up....

Hope you enjoyed reading.

You finally got rid of Nick Johnson, and for 2 prospects that can be serviceable in the future. How are the funds looking after the trade? Are you still projected to lose money?

[hitstreak13]

Re: Owner Mode

Canes, I just got your email and will give it out today or tomorrow ok? I apologize for the lateness.

I have been incredibly busy, but managed to get in 4 games these past 5 days. The good news is that I went 2-2 and my record now stands at 37-49 which isnt too bad. The bad news is that I am alittle worried that my financial standing may not hold up, especially that I am in danger of not making the playoffs. I was able to liquidate a few assets, dump Nick Johnson, and increased my fan base alittle.

Things are going pretty well within my minor league system. Kyle Blanks just hit his minor league leading 17 HR of the season and continues to rake AA. I will most likely keep him there this season because I want to see how he progresses. Ron Belliard has done an adequate job filling in 1B since the trade hitting .286. Nick Johnson is actually doing quite well with the Halos so far, hitting .333 with 3 RBI's for them. Thank goodness I traded him to an AL team rather than a team within my division. Chris Marrero, who is a 1B in A ball, is hitting .261 with 10 HR and 48 RBI's so there is some decision making to do. Who do I keep? Do I move one to the other corner or outfield? Who will progress faster? Who will draw more prospects as trade bait? Who will project to hit more HRs? Who will bring in more revenues? All these questions are tough. As of now, I will keep both of them. I gave up Bernadina and Chico for Blanks so I am def. committed to him for now. Marrero is a top 100 prospect so I am happy about that.

So in essence, my first order of business with this franchise is to rebuild the entire minor league system before I build my MLB roster. I just hope my financial advisor doesn't give me an email saying I have to forfeit or I'll be pretty upset. By liquidating assets and having 6 home games (4 already played), I am at negative $3.2 million so I may be under $3 million in debt by the time I hit the road. However, I have a 10 day road trip ahead so I will lose an estimated $2.3 million and that would put me at a projected ($4.2) million dolloar in the hole. Decisions decisions.

Hope you enjoyed reading.

[Canes5]

Re: Owner Mode

Canes, I just got your email and will give it out today or tomorrow ok? I apologize for the lateness.

Hitstreak, don't worry about it. I understand you're busy and you're doing me the favor so I will wait patiently. When I get your e-mail I'll let you know, so you know when its on its way.

[duke776]

Re: Owner Mode

I had an amazing game today against the Washington Nationals. It was Bobby Livingston, who was making his 2nd start of the season for me, vs the spot starter Matt Chico(I love how the CPU will use a spot starter every once in a while in this game).

Austin Kearns blasted a homerun in the 1st inning to put the Nats up 2-0. Ryan Freel would lead off the bottom of the 1st with a single, and stealing 2nd base on the next pitch. Jeff Keppinger hit a line drive double to the gap to knock in Freel.

Bottom of the third I get a nice rally going. Dunn steps in with bases loaded and hits a line drive single down the right field line to put us up 3-2.

Top of the 4th Kearns is back, hitting another homerun to dead center tying the game. Brian Schieder later knocked in a runner to put the Nationals up 4-3.

Livingston gets pulled after 4 and 2/3, giving up 4 ER on the day. Brad Salmon comes in and pitches 2 and 1/3 inning of scoreless ball. LaTroy Hawkins shuts the Nats down in 2 innings of work. It was nice to have my relief pitchers pitch multiple innings because my pen was drained.

Matt Chico had a nice start, going 6 inning giving up 3 ER. Joel Hanrahan and Pedro Astacio both pitched 1 inning of scoreless relief. Not looking good for me, as I'm going into the 9th down 4-3.

The Nats bring in their closer Chad Cordero. I pinch hit Javy Valentine for Jose Guillen because Guillen was 0-3 and Javy has some pop. Cordero gets Valentine easily. Brandon Phillips steps in and hits a single up the middle. David Ross steps in and hits a bomb off the left field wall, which I thought was going to be gone, but just missed a homerun. He gets a double, and it's 2nd and 3rd one out. Dewayne Wise pinch hits for the pitcher, and gets a clutch single to right field, knocking in both runners to win the game for us 5-3.

I'm now 17-27 on the season, with $1.3 Million in the bank. I'm projected to make $2 million this year, so that money may go towards a FA this offseason(because I think if we got an impact bat we could be contenders).

[hitstreak13]

Re: Owner Mode

I had an amazing game today against the Washington Nationals. It was Bobby Livingston, who was making his 2nd start of the season for me, vs the spot starter Matt Chico(I love how the CPU will use a spot starter every once in a while in this game).

Austin Kearns blasted a homerun in the 1st inning to put the Nats up 2-0. Ryan Freel would lead off the bottom of the 1st with a single, and stealing 2nd base on the next pitch. Jeff Keppinger hit a line drive double to the gap to knock in Freel.

Bottom of the third I get a nice rally going. Dunn steps in with bases loaded and hits a line drive single down the right field line to put us up 3-2.

Top of the 4th Kearns is back, hitting another homerun to dead center tying the game. Brian Schieder later knocked in a runner to put the Nationals up 4-3.

Livingston gets pulled after 4 and 2/3, giving up 4 ER on the day. Brad Salmon comes in and pitches 2 and 1/3 inning of scoreless ball. LaTroy Hawkins shuts the Nats down in 2 innings of work. It was nice to have my relief pitchers pitch multiple innings because my pen was drained.

Matt Chico had a nice start, going 6 inning giving up 3 ER. Joel Hanrahan and Pedro Astacio both pitched 1 inning of scoreless relief. Not looking good for me, as I'm going into the 9th down 4-3.

The Nats bring in their closer Chad Cordero. I pinch hit Javy Valentine for Jose Guillen because Guillen was 0-3 and Javy has some pop. Cordero gets Valentine easily. Brandon Phillips steps in and hits a single up the middle. David Ross steps in and hits a bomb off the left field wall, which I thought was going to be gone, but just missed a homerun. He gets a double, and it's 2nd and 3rd one out. Dewayne Wise pinch hits for the pitcher, and gets a clutch single to right field, knocking in both runners to win the game for us 5-3.

I'm now 17-27 on the season, with $1.3 Million in the bank. I'm projected to make $2 million this year, so that money may go towards a FA this offseason(because I think if we got an impact bat we could be contenders).

Ahh yes, I forgot about the casual spot starter. I find that highly realistic and I just had one today. It adds another dimension to the game. Looks like your season isn't going too bad. If you string together a 3-4 game winning streak, you will be right back in the hunt.

Your financials look like they are in good standing, unlike mine. I am projected to lost $8.9 million, but I'm sure it will go down as I near the season. I am near the All Star break, so I am really excited about that.

So I just played today and won 7-5. Ryan Zimmerman continues to rake lefties and is hitting them at a .400 clip this season which is tops in the major (50 AB min). He is hitting .319 with 16 HR and 44 RBI's overall this season. (59 gms) Too bad he missed 16 games or he would have been having a monster year. So at 38-49, my season isn't looking too dire as I am beginning to renew my faith and am thinking of making a run for it. However, I am a bit cautious here. If I make a trade and increase payroll, I will be screwed beyond belief if I do not make the playoffs. Ben Sheets is doing pretty well for the Braves as he is 5-3 with a 3.95 ERA.

News Around the League

• Carl Crawford finally stole his 40th base of the season. It took him 5 games to do so.
• Roy Halladay just won his MLB leading 13th game of the season.
• Johan Santana struck out 11 guys and now has 133 on the season, which tops the majors.
• Eric Aybar is suspended for 6 games.
• Adrian Gonzalez now has 25 Homers and 80 RBI's on the season (tops in the bigs). However, he is hitting .261

Hope you enjoyed reading.

[Queens, NY]

Re: Owner Mode

Quick question... Do you guys have " pitch cursor" on or as fade?... the reason I ask is because I have it on fade and pitching is too easy... and its definetely not my settings cause I have it on MVP and I used one of ur guys sliders. I'm guessing the pitch cursor is the reason.... its too easy to paint corners even with strikezone off...

[Canes5]

Re: Owner Mode

Quick question... Do you guys have " pitch cursor" on or as fade?... the reason I ask is because I have it on fade and pitching is too easy... and its definetely not my settings cause I have it on MVP and I used one of ur guys sliders. I'm guessing the pitch cursor is the reason.... its too easy to paint corners even with strikezone off...

I've been wondering that too (cursor, hot/cold zones, camera angles).

Also, I've been playing around with sliders on all star and on default MVP difficulty, but both seem a little off (lack of hits on MVP while batting practice on all star sliders). I'm pretty sure duke said he's got all star sliders, and I know hitstreak changes his, but I just want a good set, all star or mvp.

[duke776]

Re: Owner Mode

I have pitch cursor, hot cold zones, and strike zone set to OFF. My camera view is pitch6/bat4. So, it's harder to locate pitches when pitching from the behind the pitcher view IMO. I also find it extremely hard to throw balls, that's where I made my pitchers fatigue faster so they can't easily pitch late into games. This makes it harder to locate your pitches(unless you take stuff off of the pitch, which makes the pitch less effective). If you guys are interested in what I have some of my sliders at, I'll post them when I get home tonight. I'm about to leave so I can't do it now, but I'll gladly do it late tonight if you guys want me to.

[Queens, NY]

Re: Owner Mode

So I played my first game without the pitch cursor and won 7-4. The one issue I had with it is strikeouts...I can't imagine getting a realistic # of strikeouts over a course of a year. It was a lot harder to strike guys out without being able to pinpoint where you want the ball( computer kept making contact).. any pointers? other than me just getting better at locating without it as time progresses.
Also... I have having a hard time hitting the corners perfectly now. I rarely do it.. it's so hard to pull the left thumbstick just enough but not too much without the pitch cursor... is this because I suck and I am doing something wrong? or is it just that hard to pitch without the pitch cursor on mvp difficulty?

[Canes5]

Re: Owner Mode

I have pitch cursor, hot cold zones, and strike zone set to OFF. My camera view is pitch6/bat4. So, it's harder to locate pitches when pitching from the behind the pitcher view IMO. I also find it extremely hard to throw balls, that's where I made my pitchers fatigue faster so they can't easily pitch late into games. This makes it harder to locate your pitches(unless you take stuff off of the pitch, which makes the pitch less effective). If you guys are interested in what I have some of my sliders at, I'll post them when I get home tonight. I'm about to leave so I can't do it now, but I'll gladly do it late tonight if you guys want me to.

I would like to see the sliders you're playing with. I've tried a couple I've found on the internet, but it was too much of a slugfest. I won 8-7 but there were about 4-5 HR's hit.