Owner Mode

[Canes5]

Re: Owner Mode

Well I got swept by the Braves striking out way too much (Hanley 0-4 4K's in the last game). I've altered the sliders a little as obviously I'm not as good at this game then some of you guys are. I don't want a game thats too easy but I want to feel the need to show up. So I have a 3 game set coming up with the Nationals starting with Jordan Zimmerman vs. Andrew Miller. I'm hoping I can keep up after adjusting the sliders

[hitstreak13]

Re: Owner Mode

Well I got swept by the Braves striking out way too much (Hanley 0-4 4K's in the last game). I've altered the sliders a little as obviously I'm not as good at this game then some of you guys are. I don't want a game thats too easy but I want to feel the need to show up. So I have a 3 game set coming up with the Nationals starting with Jordan Zimmerman vs. Andrew Miller. I'm hoping I can keep up after adjusting the sliders

Sorry about the sweep man. You just have to stick with it. Find sliders that will slightly benefit you at first, then adjust as the game becomes easier to make it even.

Well, played against the Atlanta Braves whom I am 12 games behind. This was a critical game because this series can make or break me. I lost by the score of 4-3. Casey Kotchman provided all the damage by hitting a solo HR in the 4th and another (a 3 run HR) in the 7th to put the game away. I made some noise in the 9th. Christian Guzman led off with a walk. After I bunted him over with Ron Belliard, Ryan Zimmerman was intentionally walked to face Elijah Dukes. On a 2-2 count, I decided to go bold and signal the hit n run. What happens next? Well, I hit the ball up the middle, but their SS was on his way to cover the bag so he easily scooped it up, tagged the bag, and threw to first for a game ending double play. The whole season was summed up on just that one play right there: Can't catch a break.

At 45-56, things are not looking good for the year. However, something good did happen after the game.

I traded Ron Belliard and pitching prospect Shairon Martis for RP Jose Arredondo and INF Sean Rodriguez. Here is why I made the trade. I needed to get rid of Belliards contract, so he was going to be part of a package regardless. I tried trading Belliard for Arredondo straight up but the Angels were smart enought to reject. So, I sweetened the deal. Yes, Martis is not only a top prospect in my organization, but the MLB as well. I used him as trade bait for one reason: He doesnt possess the type of stuff I am looking for. I am trying to build a power pitching staff, focusing on guys who can make people miss. My organization has pretty good SP prospects and am planning on using my first 2 picks in the draft on SP's. Therefore, Shairon became expendible. I wanted to recieve another prospect, but the Angels weren't listening so I settled for a good fielding, light hitting INF. My bullpen now has Joel Hanrahan and Jose Arredondo

For those of you who have been following, there is a trend going on. If you noticed, I obtained PJ Phillips and Sean Rodriguez (utility guys who can play anywhere), Kyle Blanks (who can fill in at 1B for a fraction of the cost and tons of power potential), Jose Arredondon (power arm), and Sean O'Sullivan (ability to spot start). As you can tell, my philosophy is going to rely on alot of versatility. I am in a 3 year re-building plan. Here is my year one goal/outlook:

Year 1- Get my pitching staff in order. My rotation is very young and have tremendous depth out in the minors. My focus this off-season will be to obtain 1 starter to go along with an improving Daniel Cabrera, reliable Scott Olsen, and promising RH Jordan Zimmerman. I am searching for a middle of the rotation type starter here. Second, I will seek a dominant reliever (willing to invest up to $5 million/year here) to complement hard throwing relievers Joel Hanrahan and Jose Arredondo. I want to make this a 6 inning game. I am pretty committed to using my first 2 picks on SP this year. By the way, my team ERA is a paltry 5.02 so that is why pitching is year 1 of my rebuilding plan.

Hope you enjoyed reading.

[Canes5]

Re: Owner Mode

Well I've found my sliders. After a couple blowouts in my favor, where I went from striking out to much to hitting too many HR's, I've found a good balance. I decreased the user contact by 1 or 2 and put the power at 7 or 8 and the hitting seems more set back. I also played with some of the pitching sliders about fatigue because I was tired of seeing my pitchers absolutely gassed after 5-6 innings even if their pitch count was in the 60s. But once again, thanks duke for the set to start off, I've now found a competitive game.

Against Scott Olsen and the Nationals (I now realize why hitstreak likes him so much) I picked up 6 hits and 3 runs while striking out 6 times (about realistic) and picked up a close 3-2 win to sweep the series. I did hit a HR with Hanley but it was on a fat pitch up in the strike zone so I felt like that was a realistic result. My other runs were on RBI singles by Cantu and Ross. Besides Bonafacio hitting an incredible .083 in the leadoff spot, none of my hitters are farther away than a couple 2-for-4 days to push there averages into the upper .200s or so.

[wpnads]

Re: Owner Mode

Hey guys! Did everyone quit playing their OMs? I have been out of state dealing with a family situation, so I haven't been able to play my OM. I was able to get the 2009 rosters from a friend so I probably be starting my new OM after this weekend. So Hitstreak, Duke, Canes let us know how yours is going.

[duke776]

Re: Owner Mode

Hey guys! Did everyone quit playing their OMs? I have been out of state dealing with a family situation, so I haven't been able to play my OM. I was able to get the 2009 rosters from a friend so I probably be starting my new OM after this weekend. So Hitstreak, Duke, Canes let us know how yours is going.

I've played a few games here and there, but not many. I have gotten wrapped up in some of my other games since summer started. I may eventually get back into this(besides the occasional game here and there), but that probably will be when I get tired of my other games.

[djp73]

Re: Owner Mode

ok how do I get this magical file for ps2???

[hitstreak13]

Re: Owner Mode

Wow, long time no post...LOL..I have been away from this game for awhile. I may get back into it. How are you guys doing in your franchise (If you are still playing it)? I have played a dozen or so games within the last months and had an itch to play again. I am 55-70 right now and am pretty much out of the playoff hunt. Hopefully some of you have progressed in your franchises. I would like to finish this one with the next month or so.

[wpnads]

Re: Owner Mode

Hey Hitstreak, Glad to see you back! The last time I posted I had just started a OM with '09 rosters. I was able to play until mid-June on the schedule, when the game froze! I did some investigating and soon discovered that the rosters I dl'ed would freeze unless you had a modded x-box. So, instead of restarting a new OM using my '05 rosters, I decided to take a little break. Now with the days growing shorter, as well as the baseball season, I decided to dig out my MVP '05 and decided to play a Dynasty until I receive my AR. If you all are interested, I'll keep you in the loop about it.

[hitstreak13]

Re: Owner Mode

Hey Wpnads, sorry about your dynasty. Man, it felt so good getting back into it. I have been working alot and playing football with my spare time. But MVP is starting to take time away from my other games...lol..Anyways, keep me updated man. Hope all is well.

[wpnads]

Re: Owner Mode

Yeah, Hitstreak, I know what you mean. Between work and a home improvement project I got going on, it has been difficult to find time. Anyways, since my AR hasn't arrived yet, I will be starting my Dynasty. I'm going to have some fun and do a fantasy draft. I'm going to use Pittsburgh and I will draft by the 2005 draft order on the game. That means I'll be drafting 11th. I'll focus on pitching (you can always trade a pitcher for decent prospects) and I'll be drafting ALL levels of the organization (I'm a glutton for punishment). So, wish me luck and I'll try to post my rosters after I finish.

[hitstreak13]

Re: Owner Mode

Ahh, I'm 55-72 right now. I am completely rusty right now. I am going to play an exhibition or 2 to get back into it. I have gotten shut out 3 out of the last 5 games and have scored a combined 3 runs during that span. So through 127 games, I am 17 GB from the Mets so I have already given up on the season (will still play all games though).

I did not make any other trades aside from the ones I listed awhile back which was a strategic mistake. On the bright side, my minor league staff is top notch and many of my AAA and AA players have produced. My number 1 goal was to improve my minor league system. Once I do that, I can build from within so that I would keep my payroll low, perhaps create happiness amongst players, and increase attendance. I have no choice because my team is in a poor market and won't recieve much media revenues. Even if I sign a big time player, his contract will exceed the additional revenue I would have obtained from the media. I will, however, shop around for an Ace.

[crob8822]

Re: Owner Mode

Ahh, I'm 55-72 right now. I am completely rusty right now. I am going to play an exhibition or 2 to get back into it. I have gotten shut out 3 out of the last 5 games and have scored a combined 3 runs during that span. So through 127 games, I am 17 GB from the Mets so I have already given up on the season (will still play all games though).

I did not make any other trades aside from the ones I listed awhile back which was a strategic mistake. On the bright side, my minor league staff is top notch and many of my AAA and AA players have produced. My number 1 goal was to improve my minor league system. Once I do that, I can build from within so that I would keep my payroll low, perhaps create happiness amongst players, and increase attendance. I have no choice because my team is in a poor market and won't recieve much media revenues. Even if I sign a big time player, his contract will exceed the additional revenue I would have obtained from the media. I will, however, shop around for an Ace.

Cool man, I am glad to hear someone who is still playing the game. I just started my 2014 season with the Dodgers. I really enjoy this game. My Dodgers won the western division in 2012 but lost in the NLDS against the braves.
In 2013 Injuries and lack of production sent my team to the bottom of the division.
But I am like you, building my minor league system especially the bull pen. I am looking to build more of a defensive club that wins with great pitching. Great post!!!

[tbrfan]

Re: Owner Mode

Hey Hitstreak, talk about coincidences. I have not played MVP since I named all my players back in Oct/Nov of '05. I sat down and fired up my trusty X-box and decided to start a OM with Tampa Bay (I lost my first game in 10 innings 4-3 to Toronto) and I thought I would come on-line and see if there was anyone still playing the game. Man, was I surprised not only to find this site but to see that there are actually people still playing! I sat down and read your thread (sounds like you got the Nats heading in the right direction) and now I'm hooked. If you don't mind and if everyone is interested, I'll keep ya'll informed with what's going on with my OM. Maybe I can make it to the WS by '08! Anyways, great thread hitstreak. I look forward to hearing more!

[hitstreak13]

Re: Owner Mode

Hey Hitstreak, talk about coincidences. I have not played MVP since I named all my players back in Oct/Nov of '05. I sat down and fired up my trusty X-box and decided to start a OM with Tampa Bay (I lost my first game in 10 innings 4-3 to Toronto) and I thought I would come on-line and see if there was anyone still playing the game. Man, was I surprised not only to find this site but to see that there are actually people still playing! I sat down and read your thread (sounds like you got the Nats heading in the right direction) and now I'm hooked. If you don't mind and if everyone is interested, I'll keep ya'll informed with what's going on with my OM. Maybe I can make it to the WS by '08! Anyways, great thread hitstreak. I look forward to hearing more!

Keep playing buddy and post your stats on here. I love reading what other people have to say. Sounds like a heartbreaker on opening day (had plenty of those). Plus, you are playing in arguably the toughest division in MLB.

[hitstreak13]

Re: Owner Mode

So I'm 56-73 on the season and am def. getting more into it. Scott Olsen threw a gem in his last start. He went 7 strong innings, allowed 8 hits, 2 ER, 2 BB, and struck out 6. It was def. an outing I needed. I'm still 17 GB with 33 games to go so its pretty much over for me. I am even 13.5 GB from the wild card. On the bright side, my minor league system seems to be going as expected. My AAA, AA, and A sqauds are rated 11th, 16th, and 2nd respectively (they started the year 15, 17, and 4th). Def. a step in the right direction imo. I may not compete until 07-08 because my pitching staff needs an immense amount of work (starters ERA: 6.33) and may take 2-3 seasons to fully develop a respectible staff that will compete in the NL east.