Owner Mode

[duke776]

Re: Owner Mode

I changed up my bullpen quite a bit before I played again, in hopes that it can be improved. I called up Bill Bray, Brian Shackelford, and Brad Salmon, who had all been shining in AAA. I sent down Jared Burton, Mike Stanton, and Jon Coutlangus, who had all been struggling in the majors.

Well, my play definitely showed I haven't played in a while. My first game was going great on the pitching side with Kyle Lohse on the mound. Through 7, he was pitching a shutout with only 6 hits allowed. I was up 1-0, and I decided to leave Lohse in there...bad idea. First pitch of eighth inning he gives up a solo homerun to Cory Hart. So, I sub him out for Eddie Guardado, who had been dominant so far. He ends up giving up a run, but escapes before they score any more runs. I cannot muster another hit the rest of the game. I had 2 hits all game, and only 4 base runners .

Next game against Miluwakee, Matt Belisle is on the mound. He's been decent, up until now. He gives up 5 runs in 4 IP. I only manage to get 2 runs on 5 hits. Dunn hit his 8th HR of the year, as I lose 8-2 and fall to 11-12 on the year.

I've got a tough decision to make, I have an outfielder , Marland Williams, in AAA who has been hitting .316 3 HR's 9 RBI's and was the AAA fielder of the month for my organization last month. Josh Hamilton has been struggling(.208 0 HR's in leadoff spot mostly), and has been limited to pinch hitting duties recently. I think I'll wait a few more games and see if Hamilton gets it going, but if he doesn't, he has to be gone because I actually have a decent shot at the Wild Card this year.

I think I'm going to leave Joey Votto(.309 5 HR's 10 RBI's) in AA for about another half month, and if he keeps it up I'm going to promote him to AAA. Drew Stubbs had been outstanding in A ball too, hitting .295 5 HR's and 10 RBI's. I think I may call him up soon because I have a lack of OF's in AA and I think he's ready for it. Homer Bailey(2.70 ERA) and/or Bobbly Livingston(1.88 ERA) may be up in the majors before May(which I just started) is over, because they've been domination, and my 4 and 5 starters haven't been that good.

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

I used to be in your situation(where any pitcher I pitched with dominated), something that helped it a lot was turning the user pitch control slider down all the way to -50. That makes my pitchers pitch closer to how good they are.

[Queens, NY]

Re: Owner Mode

That's the setting I have actually and pitching is still relatively easy. I changed Strikezone and hot and cold zone Off completely though... I had it on previously so it easy easy to nibble on the corners. I'm not sure if you have those two on.... but with those two off... it will defineely be harder to locate on the outside corner.

[duke776]

Re: Owner Mode

That's the setting I have actually and pitching is still relatively easy. I changed Strikezone and hot and cold zone Off completely though... I had it on previously so it easy easy to nibble on the corners. I'm not sure if you have those two on.... but with those two off... it will defineely be harder to locate on the outside corner.

Yeah, I turned those off a while ago. It definitely makes it harder. Also, do you have the ball cursor on or off? I have it set to off, and that makes it more challenging too.


Edit:

I won the final game in the Miluwakee series 6-3, Santos pitched good enough to get the win(5IP 3ER). Scott Hatteberg is making it harder and harder for me to justify getting rid of him. He hit his 4th HR of the year, and is batting in the upper .360's in his platoon with Jeff Conine. Brandon Phillips is in an awful slump right now, he's batting .237 down from around .290 about a week(game time) ago. Jose Guillen is in a bit of a slump too, he hasn't gotten a hit in a about 4 or 5 games. I really need Edwin Encarnacion to get his power going, because he still hasn't hit one this year. He is batting .333, but I am expecting him to have some decent power too.

Also, I may have found my solution to some of my pen problems. There is a computer generated Relief pitcher who is really good in the free agent pool, asking for $1.5 million per year. In order to do that, I need to trade someone away to clear up salary space so I don't go into more debt(projected -$5MM this year). I think I'll try to trade away Mike Stanton and Kirk Sarloos for some minor leaguer to clear up that space.

[hitstreak13]

Re: Owner Mode

Hey Duke, sounds like guys are terrorizing opponents in your minor league system. That is always a good luxury to have. So, what does your rotation look like Duke? I am pretty sure you have Harang, Volquez, Arroyo, and Cueto. I am assuming that Bailey is your 5th guy correct? Anyways, you are not off to a bad start as I am. At 18-27, I am at a point where I truly need to evaluate my organization from within. I need to project where guys may be 2-3 years down the road. Although Ian Desmond is struggling out in AA ball, I still think he can be my starting SS in about 2 years. Therefore, I will re-sign Guzman for 1 more year after this season. And if continues his torrid hitting, I will sign him to a 2-3 year contract and move Ian Desmond to 2B. Why would I move a proven guy somewhere else?

Queens, I used the same sliders as you probably then. I got them from this board as well, but I do one thing differently: I alter the batting and pitching sliders depending on where I am playing. If I am playing at Chase field, I up the batting sliders for both me and the CPU to give it more of a hitters park feel. If I play at PETCO i lower contact and power for both of us and slightly increase the pitching sliders to benefit both of us.

I get some awsome results. At Chase Field, you can get about 1-2 HR every game whereas I get 1-2 a series at PETCO park like real life. I find ways to make this game a much more pleasant experience.

[duke776]

Re: Owner Mode

Hey Duke, sounds like guys are terrorizing opponents in your minor league system. That is always a good luxury to have.

My minor league farm system seems loaded with pitching talent(well, starters at least). I just looked through a couple minutes ago, and in single A all of my starting 5 are under 3 ERA. My AA starting 5 is doing pretty well too. In AAA, I have 2 guys under a 3 ERA, two slightly above or at 3, and one above a 4 ERA. My minor league hitters is where my downfall is, I'm not too deep in hitting talent, but I do have a few solid hitting prospects(Votto, Bruce, Stubbs).

So, what does your rotation look like Duke? I am pretty sure you have Harang, Volquez, Arroyo, and Cueto. I am assuming that Bailey is your 5th guy correct? Anyways, you are not off to a bad start as I am.

Actually, I'm using rosters from 07 so it looks like this:

Harang
Arroyo
Lohse
Matt Belisle
Victor Santos

I do have Cueto and Bailey in my minors though. Cueto is in single A with a 2.66 ERA as a starter. Bailey is in AAA with a 3.00 ERA. Volquez is still with Texas.

At 18-27, I am at a point where I truly need to evaluate my organization from within. I need to project where guys may be 2-3 years down the road. Although Ian Desmond is struggling out in AA ball, I still think he can be my starting SS in about 2 years. Therefore, I will re-sign Guzman for 1 more year after this season. And if continues his torrid hitting, I will sign him to a 2-3 year contract and move Ian Desmond to 2B. Why would I move a proven guy somewhere else?

Sucks that Desmond is struggling. Hopefully he can be your SS or 2B of the future. I agree with you that if Guzman is still hitting good, and Desmond is ready that you shsould just move Desmond to second base. Guzman is a really good hitter, and if Desmond develops to be a good hitter that would nice middle infield combination you have there.

Also, I signed that RP I was talking about. He's only 19 years old, is major league ready and has a 5* potential(I read the thing on his info before signing him and thought he might be a 3 or 4* potential but was suprised when I signed him to see it at 5*). He does have a decent stamina rating(62), so I may turn his into a starter at some point in his career.

[hitstreak13]

Re: Owner Mode

Sounds like a good signing Duke. Can't beat signing a 19 year old of that caliber. No one in the draft will be that good, so you got a steal. If he develops his stamina, he can perhaps be an Ace for you one day. How much did you sign him for? Keep us informed on he well/bad he does

Just played a game today and lost 4-1. My offense was literally non-existent as I was able to only get 4 hits, 2 walks, and struck out 11 times! Guzman ended his hitting streak, but is still hitting .339 which isn't too shabby at all. At 18-28, 10.5 GB from the Mets, it is starting to look as if I may have to become a seller at the trading deadline. I am currently $2.2 million in the Red and fans are not comming to the games. I have been averaging 8000 people in my last 6 contest. I need to find a way to bring fans to the seats.

[duke776]

Re: Owner Mode

Sounds like a good signing Duke. Can't beat signing a 19 year old of that caliber. No one in the draft will be that good, so you got a steal. If he develops his stamina, he can perhaps be an Ace for you one day. How much did you sign him for? Keep us informed on he well/bad he does

Signed him for 2 years @ 1.5 million per year. Even if there was someone in the draft that good, I'd probably never get him, all my drafts in this game have been terrible(). He did terrible his first appearance, giving up 3 or 4 runs. Eddie Guardado gave up the lead, so I figured I'd give Donnely(the guy I signed) a shot to get out of the inning and keep it tied. It did not turn out well, the cardinals just started to go off on him. Maybe I was wrong about him being major league ready, if he doesn't improve I might send him to AAA for a little bit.

Just played a game today and lost 4-1. My offense was literally non-existent as I was able to only get 4 hits, 2 walks, and struck out 11 times! Guzman ended his hitting streak, but is still hitting .339 which isn't too shabby at all. At 18-28, 10.5 GB from the Mets, it is starting to look as if I may have to become a seller at the trading deadline. I am currently $2.2 million in the Red and fans are not comming to the games. I have been averaging 8000 people in my last 6 contest. I need to find a way to bring fans to the seats.

That sucks, do you have any high impact games coming up soon? Because that should help a lot. The series I'm in right now against the cardinals is a 6/10 impact and I got 16000 to come out to the first game(which I raised the prices for and made over $500K for the first game).

Also, I know what it's like to have a non existent offense, especially recently. 3 of my last 4 games I got less than 5 hits in each game(don't rememberhow many walks though). The game I just played I got 3 hits, reached on an error, walked once, and struck out 15 times(I hate that dang create a stadium backdrop), but I did manage to get 3 runs via 2 homeruns.

[Queens, NY]

Re: Owner Mode

Duke...Yea, I turned off strikezone and hot/cold zone off and it is much harder to pitch, especially with the average pitchers.. my bullpen has blown a few leads already where as before I cud easily hold a lead by nibbling the corners. As far as the sliders Hit... it turns out my sliders were fine... I was suffering from the " close game" aspect of this game. I think u know what i mean... this game gives the " edge" to the team that is losing. The problem was... I was pitching so great( due to strikezone and hotcoldzone being on) that the computer had to make up for it in some way( so they made it tougher for me to hit to keep the game close). Now since I turned the strikzone off its harder to pitch and I allow more runs.... so the " game itself" is letting me score more runs to keep the game close. Now my offensive numbers are where they should be.

[Queens, NY]

Re: Owner Mode

Also... wanted to ask... as far as hitting goes. I noticed that when you are trying to hit a HR with a righty hitter and u shift the L thumbstick diagnolly to the left up side... is it better to full force to the left/top side... or is it better to hold it to the left topside but don't actually touch the top part.( loosely) I noticed that if u do it loosely.... it makes a difference. Maybe its just coincidence.

[duke776]

Re: Owner Mode

Also... wanted to ask... as far as hitting goes. I noticed that when you are trying to hit a HR with a righty hitter and u shift the L thumbstick diagnolly to the left up side... is it better to full force to the left/top side... or is it better to hold it to the left topside but don't actually touch the top part.( loosely) I noticed that if u do it loosely.... it makes a difference. Maybe its just coincidence.

Uusally I'll just put it all the way up to the top left corner, touching the outside ring. I think I have tried to just move it slightly, but not all the way, but it was only once or twice. That's mainly because when pre place the left stick to try to hit a homerun, I really need a homerun there. I might test it out in the batting mini game and see if I notice a difference.

[hitstreak13]

Re: Owner Mode

Alright gentlemen, I am now 18-30 on the season. So far, I have played every single game. Am not a big fan of skipping games. I enjoy producing my own stats. Anyways, I'm now 12 GB from the Mets and believe 9 from the Wild Card. This is def. not looking good at all. With Adam Dunn slated to come back about mid-late August, Nick Johnson out for about another week, Willingham for another few days, and now Christian Guzman for 15 days, I am beginning to give up on the season (I dont mean quitting of course but offering players with big contracts to contending teams in exchange for prospects). As of now, I have the 10th best farm system in the game (based on my formula) and would like to get it into the top 5 going into next year.

My lineup has taken a beat down. Injuries have forced me to insert 3 unproven rookies into the lineup, while my rotation keeps faltering. I calculated my ERA from my starters and it is an astonishing 6.03 while my bullpen is a more respectable 3.59. This is really getting out of hand. I should have made a better effort to get Tony Armas as I see him having a 5-3 season out in AAA of the Mets farm system with 66 K's. Thats why you can't be afraid to pull the trigger . So 48 games in and 12 GB, I will need a miracle for the division. I have a couple of options I am pondering:

1. Trading away guys with large contracts (Nick Johnson when he gets healthy, Young, etc) for prospects.
2. Take my gamble and wait until they are healthy and make a run for it. In the meantime, my priorities will be focused solely on pitching help to compensate for my injuries.
3. Start giving prospects some playing time now and use my vets as pinch hitters, defensive replacements, etc.
4. Give away top prospects for good talent and just go for it!

I haven't decided on which one to lean yet. I only make $39,000 in revenues per game so if I unload some contracts, that number may go down significantly, furthermore, will cause me to reduce payroll even more next year to off-set this lost. There are some decisions to be made people. If things become worse, I may have to liquidate my assets and get some money back

[duke776]

Re: Owner Mode

That is a tough decision. Injuries are the devil :wink:

Anyways, I probably wouldn't go with option 3 because then you'd still be paying the big contracts of those players, but they wouldn't really doing much.

Option 4 would be the biggest risk, something that could potentially put you in deep deep debt or leave you with little minor league talent. On the flip side though, you could make a playoff run, win lots more games, get more fans to the park. Tough tough decision, I just have to say that I am glad I do not have to make that decision(right now at least).

Trading away veterans for good young prospects would be ideal, although like you said your media revenue would decrease(yours is actually $3000 higher than mine), and you might continue to struggle which could mean less and less fans.

Good luck, and keep us updated on what you decide to do.

[hitstreak13]

Re: Owner Mode

Just finished 2 games today. I won both of them and in dramatic fashion. First game, I was losing 4-3 going into the bottom of the 9th inning. Ryan Zimmerman took the first pitch he saw and launched it over the wall for his 11th of the season. The following batter was josh willingham (fresh off his injury) and he drove it to dead center but just short of a HR and settled for a double. Next up was pinch hitter Ron Belliard. He took 4 straight pitches for balls and took first. Then I decided to bunt them over with struggling Willie Harris and succeeded despite fouling off the first two. Then the Braves made a smart move and walked Jesus Flores intentionally to load the bases and go for the double play. I go to my bench and pinch hit Lastings Milledge, who I gave the day off. He hits a dribbler to second who fired it to second for the out, but I take out their SS out and wasn't able to even throw the ball. 5-4 Nationals!

Second game, I am up 3-2 in the top of the 9th. Joel, HR allowing, Hanrahan gave up his 7th HR of the season! It was a solo shot, but nonetheless 7 is a huge number through 50 games for a closer. However, he struck out the next 3 to get out of the inning. Bottom 9th again, and Christian Guzman leads off with a single to up his average to .339. I bunt him over with Milledge to bring up Ryan Zimmerman. With Guzman on 2nd base, I decide to hit and run with man on 2nd with 1 out. The count was 2-1 so I figured, what do I really have to lose being 12 GB? Anyways, Zimmerman lined one up the middle, scoring Guzman easily from second for my second straight win. The Mets only lost 1 game during my 2 games so I am now 11 GB from them.

I am playing small ball here guys. Just hit 1 homer during the two games and won both. I had 5 sacs during the 2 games after having 11 all year (all by pitchers). I think I am gonna go for it guys. All I need is 2 bonifide starters and 1 solid bullpen arm and I have a chance, especially once Nick Johnson and Adam Dunn come back full force.

[duke776]

Re: Owner Mode

Nice to see you've found a type of ball that works for you. Hopefully it will continue to work(at least until your power hitters are back). Also, who do you think you will target when you look to make a trade?

Well, haven't played any games since last update, been doing a research paper. But, I was bored during study hall this week, so I decided to make a chart of about 10 of my top prospects. I estimated when they would be up, and most would be up around 07(3rd season), maybe beggining of 08(4th season). I usually don't expect to make it through many seasons in a franchise mode, but since owner mode is so strategically fun, and summer is only a little less than a month away I think this owner mode will last a pretty long time.


Edit: I also might start using GABP as my home stadium until I upgrade my scoreboard to where that white strip is covered up. I'm getting a little tired of striking out 10-15 times a game due to the backdrop.

[Queens, NY]

Re: Owner Mode

Anybody see that article on Operation Sports comparing MVP 05 to The Show 09. The editor simply saying that after playing The Show for months... it doesn't really matchup to MVP 05 in terms of greatness. I was thinking about getting a PS3 for that game alone. I am glad I decided to buy Action Replay/ used copy of the game for Xbox. The only REAL ISSUE i have ever had with MVP is it gives an edge to the losing team and its not completely random but even with that they never literally take a game away from you forcibly, you still have an opportunity to win so it's that big of an issue.