Owner Mode

[Sacrafice]

Re: Owner Mode

Hey man, welcome aboard. So did you play 09 the show on the ps3? Hell, even with the graphics, new features, etc. I still can't get to into it. I guess I'm trying to find ways to convince myself that I love that game. I do enjoy it, but I keep coming back to MVP for some reason. If only EA decided to go for the MLBPA instead of their crappy madden series, I'm sure we would have been alot happier.

Anyways, back on topic. I think having a Brewers chise going is a change of pace. I have a Nationals going (13-22 now) and Duke has a Reds one, so it should be interesting as to how far we will go. Do you have a list of your top prospects? I am curious as to how you are planning to bring them up. It is a tricky process. Some guys, like myself, prefer the patient approach. I will let guys develop 3-4 years before giving them a shot. Others like to throw them into the fire and hope they perform.

I almost NEVER use my minor league system as trade bait. The Yankees always did this in order to obtain proven talent, but I like the moneyball approach. Build from within is my motto because it is cheaper and a much safer approach. The only bad thing about this is that if you have crappy drafts year after year, your franshice will suffer. I'm not too keen on Free Agent signings. I like to go after guys who can do a little bit of everything (has 10-15 HR pop, can swipe 12-15 bags, and play a few positions) because those guys command $1-$3 million per year. Since I am strictly sticking to a $50 million payroll, I need to be smart with my drafts, trades, and the FA market. I am still trying to get Tony Armas Jr. but the Mets won't budge. I am not going to offer any 4 or 5 star prospects. Nick Johnson is a lock along with his $5 million contract. I may need to add a solid prospect to get them to give up Armas.

I play 09 (PS3) some. I prefer MVP though. 09 is just too frustrating for me. Something just don't fit right when I play it.

I prefer the approach the Brewers have been using since the new ownership. They still work hard on getting quality players through the draft and have been using the free agent compensation to work in their favor with guys like Sheets & Sabathia last year. Can't do that in 05, but that's still going to be my focus.

I have a good farm system in place and I have a few guys that are on the verge of making it to the big time right now, but with the Brewers most of the guys I got are young and talented aswell. This is where running the Brewers is going to be tough. I got a team of young guys where most are just hitting their prime with a few veterans sprinkled in. They are also a bat, a starter & a bull pen away from true contenders. Those few guys that are close to ready do I keep what I got and lose them? Do I bring them up and get rid of the current guys? The problem is that all the young talent in the minors don't play the same positions as the veterans nor is any of the pitching prospects ready or great. The Brewers top pitching prospects are on the big roster now really.

My Top Prospects are:
"AAA"
(SS) Acides Escobar
[C] Angel Salome
(3B) Mat Gamel
"AA"
(SP) Jeremy Jeffries
(3B) Taylor Green
(LF) Cole Gilespie
[C] Jonathon LuCroy
"A"
(2B) Brett Lawrie

I will sign a free agent if he is there and cheap, but I won't go after the huge dudes, but I have made some. Just not very often. I think my 96 mil salary is ok. I didn't change any of that stuff prior to starting so that is with game inflated numbers. Like Jeff Suppan makes 12 mil... Just too much! I got Ben Sheets for 4.8 mil and I had to get him back. Not because he is awesome, but he is still a Brewer in my opinion!

[hitstreak13]

Re: Owner Mode

Wow, how'd you get Ben Sheets for $4.8 million? The guy wants about $10 million per year in my franchise. When healthy, he is def. worth the money, but controlling the Nationals is what is keeping me from signing him. I only recieve about $39,000 or so in revenues per game (media, TV contract, etc) and that is not enough. Granted, my daily expenses aren't too high, but it goes to show I have a small market club. Therefore, I must be wise and not sign big name guys. If I do, I will def. be in the red and won't be able to get out. Sure my daily revenues will increase but the true question is: Will it increase enough to offset the daily expense of the huge contract? For Sheets, his $10 million contract will cost me $58,139 per day. If my daily revenues goes up by only $50,000 to $89,000 I will still be losing $8,139/day or $1.4 million in revenues per year. Now the only way to make up the difference would be a playoff berth which I am in danger of not doing. I think of these and alot of other things. I calculate my own secondary Avg. VORP, EqAvg. etc.

Yes, I do get into my franchises very much. If the Quakes didn't need me 45 hours per week, I'm pretty sure I would be at the all star break . As of now, I am getting in about 4-5 games per week, most comming during the weekend.

On a side note, the Show doesn't intrigue me anymore. I think it has to do with the fact that it doesn't feel fresh. Franchise, commentary, gameplay, etc. has been largely unchanged for the past 4 years.

Anyways, I am off work work until Friday morning so I will most likely play 2-3 games these next 2 days.

[maddeninyoeye]

Re: Owner Mode

the Show sucks to be honest!! i am playing mvp because it has the fun factor that the Show cannot accomplish. the Show tries to be too real and misses the boat!!

[AWS88]

Re: Owner Mode

Ahh that sucks. Are you having the same problem with the show? I see you had it for the ps3 as well. I just can't get into it. Although they have new franchise features, they have too many bugs. The DL glitch killed it for me. To answer your question, go to mvpmods.com or eamods.com and I'm sure you'll find your answer there.

Now on to owner mode. I played a few games and am now 13-25 which now puts me 10.5 GB from the Mets. Based on my calcualations, it may take me 130 games to climb back into the race based on my division, team makeup, and other variables (I wrote an essay about this and got an A in advanced statistical analysis ). Therefore, I gave myself until mid June to be at least 6 GB from first place. If I am not, I will then refocus my efforts and chase down the Wild card in which I am 6.5 GB. I may give up trying to obtain Tony Armas as the Mets are asking too much out of me. I will shop Mr. Johnson around and see if I have any takers. The only thing I am not interested in at this time is recieving prospects. I am giving myself and my fan base a chance to enter the post season. Plust, I am $2.2 million in the hole which is really killing me. Adding Ben Sheets is no longer an optiion since I lost Dunn, and Pedro Martinez signed with the Dodgers for a bargain price of $5 million per over 2 years.

Owner mode is by far supeior than anything the show offers IMO. The show is a solid game, but just can't get into it. Like they always say, "to each his own."

Yeah, The Show is a great game on the field, but everything outside of that seems to be broken. Its really frustrating wondering what i will find next that doesn't work.

I may go back to high heat 2004 on pc, or stick to OOTP.

[Sacrafice]

Re: Owner Mode

I just finished up a great game. It wasn't because of the score as I destroyed the Giant's #5 pitcher for a 9 to 3 victory, but in the 8th inning Mitch Stetter was struggling and loaded the bases. He then proceeded to throw a slider that went terribly wrong and hit Tony Phelps in the head injuring him, but also bringing in a run. 2 pop flies later a Giant's batter retaliated and drove a liner right off Stetter's nose shattering it, but J.J. Hardy was able to get the out off the deflection so in the end only 1 run scored out of that melee.

That was my 5th game. I am 2-3 so far. I opened the season in Chicago against the Cubs and they destroyed me for a total of 16 runs to 3 in the series. I have come back and put a whooping on the Giant's taking the first two games so far.

All in all not too bad. I make just under 200k per home game and lose 300-400k per road game. Not sure what exactly. I am going to get out of here and start moving. I will be without internet until Monday at the eraliest so I will have some updates then!

[hitstreak13]

Re: Owner Mode

Alright, I was able to get in 3 games so far these past 2 days and won 2 out of the 3, which is never a bad thing. My record currently stands at 15-26 and have a much better feeling of what my team is capable of. My staters' ERA thus far is a horrific 5.88 while my bullpen boast a respectable 3.63 ERA. I have altered my philosophy a bit and am now micromanaging every game I play. I have a breakdown on how my pitchers are doing in certain situations so I can play the percentages. As a GM of my club, I am a firm believer that my bullpen should go an inning or two at any given time. That is how I built it because I knew my starters weren't good enough to hold the fort. However, I am changing courses here. I have overhauled my pen a bit (all from within the organization) to better fit my new strategy. Instead of having guys go 1-2 innings at a time, I am now bringing in lefties to face lefties, righties against rights, sinker ballers with men on late in the game, etc. I have it all it figured out and each guy has a specific task at hand.

Joel Hanrahan is doing fantastic as of late. He has converted each of his last 4 save opportunities going: 4 innings, allowing 2 hits, 2 walks, and 7 strikeouts. Granted, he allowed his 5th HR of the year which is terrible for a closer. He is on pace to allow 20 HR this year which is unnacceptable. The only reason why he hasn't lost his job is because he mowing down 9.88 guys/9 IP. The second highest: Daniel Cabrera at a solid 7/9IP. In order for me to compete, I need to obtain a starter or 2. I am beginning to ponder whether or not I should give away my top prospects for proven talent. I am 10 games behind the Mets, and just by evaluating their roster and statistics, don't think they are going to give up a 10 game lead.

So, I will have to refocus my efforts on the wild card, in which I am 7 GB. Based on my calculation, even if I play .550 ball for 2 months, I will only stand to gain a mere 3 games from the wild card (based on many variables). I will continue to update as I progress.

By the way, I guess Ian Desmond has met his match. In AA ball, he is hitting .177 with 0 HR, an RBI and has made 2 errors (in 6 games). He made 2 errors in A ball in 30 games.

[raidersbball20]

Re: Owner Mode

I am going to get back into owner mode once I get my rosters back, this was really fun back in the day

[hitstreak13]

Re: Owner Mode

Ryan Zimmerman had 3 HR's today and am now 16-26 in my season. He had a 2 run shot in the 1st, a solo in the 3rd, and a 3 run in the 9th. He finished with a whopping 7 RBI's today and has 33 on the season to go along with 9 HR's. I think he has a chance at an MVP this season if he keeps it up. Here is what he is projected to do:

.267 AVG, 34 HR's, 127 RBI's, 40 2B.

He won't win any batting titles of course, but I don't need him to do that. Jason Bergmann (8.33 ERA going into tonights game) threw a solid game going: 6 1/3 innings, allowing 5 hits, 3ER, 3 BB, and 3 K's. What stood out the most during his outing was the fact that he induced 3 DP balls (all ended the inning). He is now 2-5 with an ERA of 7.69. I am still trying to obtain Tony Armas Jr. but doesn't look like a deal will get done.

Was thinking about getting top pitching for my top prospects, but reality quickly hit and decided that I was not going to jeoperdize my farm system for 1-2 guys. My system is ranked 4th in the National League (based on average rankings of all minor league organizations) and 10th in the Major Leagues. A good draft or two and I can get myself into the top 5.

Well, that is it for tonight guys. I will update either tomorrow night or Sunday for sure. So at 16-26, I think I have a legit shot of competing for the wild card.

[Queens, NY]

Re: Owner Mode

Quick question... Is anybody here playing owner mode on MVP difficulty with a bad team... such as the Pirates or Nationals. Just wondering cause I am in a deep deep hitting slump right now. I mean like last 7 games or so... my offense has averaged 1-2 runs a game. I'm 12-13 so far with the Nationals. It's almost as if the game decided " OK ur the nationals... we are not gonna let u keep winning games like this so we're gonna stop u from scoring" I was hitting fine early on and my record was like 11-7.. then I started to slide off. I don't have one 300 hitter in my team.. half my guys are below 200... and the others are at right around 200-250. Maybe I am just a terrible hitter... but what I think it is... is that I'm such a good pitcher... that the game has to keep my hitters at an extreme bay to stay in line with how bad the nationals are supposed to be as a team. What surprises me in this thread is the people who are having trouble pitching.... its the easiest part of this game. Are you playing on another difficulty or maybe ur just not as good a pitcher as I am. As long as u stay on the outside and low corner.... u rarely give up runs. Of my 5 starters.. I have 2 guys with sub 1.50 era's... couple of guys in the 2.00's and one guy with a 3.00 era.

[duke776]

Re: Owner Mode

Nice to see more people joining the topic, I've been reading all of your guys updates.

I have still been pretty busy recently, but I finally have some time to play again soon. I am planning on creating and signing 3 players who went to Wright State and are in the minor leagues now, but not in the roster. Don't worry, they aren't going to have high stats, they'll be based on how they have actually performed so far in the minors, and they'll have just a 1 or 2 star potential.

[hitstreak13]

Re: Owner Mode

Alright gentlemen, just got in another 2 games in. John Lannan was rocked for 6 runs, 9 hits, 3 BB, and 1 K in just 4 1/3 innings of work. I lost 9-3 and am now 17-27 for the season. Ryan Zimmerman continued his torrid hitting, going 3-8 in the 2 games with a HR (his 10th) and his 35th RBI. This guy is just killing the ball right now. Christian Guzman, who lacks pop, hit just his 2nd HR of the season. However, he is hitting .336 and an even better .355 against RHP. I made the adjustment and put Guzman to lead off instead of Milledge. Milledge has more pop (4 HR), but Guzman's .336 Avg. with an .403 OBP and 6 stolen bags has convinced me that batting leadoff is where he belongs.

Ronnie Belliard is starting to get things together. He was hitting a pedestrian .255 before going on a nice 5 game hitting streak, batting .455 during those games. His average is now at .272 and has seen his playing time increase. Willie Harris continues to struggle as he is hitting .202 with 4 HR, and 8 RBI's. Harris has some pop, but he either hits an extra base hit or strikes out. His playing time has increased since Adam Dunn is lost for about 2 months, Josh Willingham is battleing a sore elbow (out a few days), and Nick Johnson just went on the shelf for 12 days with a concussion. Aside from Zimmerman, I literally have no pop. Elijah Dukes has been sent to the minors after hitting just .188. I am unsure of who to bring up at this point.

And finally, Ian Desmond continues to struggle and is making my decision to promote him look bad. He is only hitting .191, with no HR, and just 2 RBI's. He made his third error in AA ball (after making just 2 in 30 A ball games). Ironically, the guy I swapped with him is hitting .444 with 2 HR and 6 RBI's out in A ball before hitting .222 with 1 HR, and 6 RBI in 22 games in AA. I may have to switch them to get Ian Desmond going again.

[Queens, NY]

Re: Owner Mode

I am playing Owner mode and I am great at pitching... even with bad pitchers. Would it be wise to sign the " average" starters I have right now to long term contracts.... so that then I wouldn't have to pay them more once the season ends and they have great numbers? ( cause of my great pitching)?

[duke776]

Re: Owner Mode

It's nice to see Zimmerman really breaking out for you, hitstreak. He looks like he's going to have a great season, hope he can keep it up because with that line up you definitely need someone like him in there.

I am playing Owner mode and I am great at pitching... even with bad pitchers. Would it be wise to sign the " average" starters I have right now to long term contracts.... so that then I wouldn't have to pay them more once the season ends and they have great numbers? ( cause of my great pitching)?

Honestly, it seems like there's no reason to unless you have a special attatchment to a player. If you can pitch great with decent or bad pitchers, then they're "a dime a dozen" so to say. You could just continually sign different low costing pitchers and save money...

[hitstreak13]

Re: Owner Mode

Hey Queens, I play on MVP with sliders. I can give you my sliders if you'd like. I love these because bad pitchers pitch poorly, aces pitch gems, and average pitchers pitch like: well average pitchers.

I have gotten some realistic results. Just played one more for tonight and won 6-5. Joel Hanrahan was fantastic, shutting the door 1-2-3 by striking out the side. Christian Guzman nearly hit for the cycle, just needing the HR. He is hitting .348 with an .420 OBP which is really helping me out. Here are my team statistics to show you what kind of results I have gotten through 45 games (18-27):

Team Avg. .244
Team HR: 36
Team R: 175
Team SB: 28
Team BB: 202
Team K: 399

Team W: 18
Team L: 27
Team ERA: 5.02
Team K: 333
Team BB: 79

Notice my team BB. I tweaked the pitching meter slider to make it more difficult and it is alot more fun. If you dominate with average to below average guys, you need to adjust your slider IMO.

I will update tomorrow guys.

-Hitstreak

[Queens, NY]

Re: Owner Mode

Hitstreak.. yea... I'd appreciate it if u wud post ur sliders. The one problem is.... the sliders I am using right now are from somebody on this board... and it was a legit person. In addition... the stats for the " other 29 teams" are pretty much what they are in real life baseball. I am the only team who's stats are unbalanced when it comes to pitching and hitting.... so maybe its just me being great at pitching and being awful at hitting... but post ur sliders... ill def try them out. If they are already posted on these boards... let me know whre to find them. Thanks