Q&A: Phillyfan33

Pawtucket Penny Pinchers (AL) phillyfan33 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Who is phillyfan33
38-year-old man from New York, now living in Tennessee. Married 8 years, to a wonderful wife, and have a 18-month-old son we adopted when he was 3 days old.

How did you learn about whatifsports.com?
Was actually a part of kbrick's AAA league, and heard about this through that.

Which games of ours have you played?
Sim leagues basketball, and baseball, tried Dynasty basketball, 1 season of football, and now only am involved in HBD

Besides sports, what are some of your other interests and hobbies?
loving spending time with my wife and son, after being in a family that was not close, I vowed to be the opposite with my family.

Which five people, past or present sit at your dream roundtable discussion?
Reba McEntire, Kelly Clarkson, Ronald Reagan, Pete Rose , and finally for comedy Dean Martin

Who are your favorite players of all-time?
Mike Schmidt, John Kruk, Steve Carlton, and Cole Hamels

Which are your favorite teams of all-time?
Phillies, long time fan since 76'

Did you play baseball or basketball (or other sports) growing up?
played baseball for 12 years, some in college, tried football a couple years in High school, we won state title 1 year, and lost in the second.....13-0 12-1, last game of the year I got 5 ribs broke on a sandwich hit across the middle....that was enough for me to see I was not a "football" player

What is the top sports-related thing you want to do in life that you have not yet done?
I want to take my wife and son to a pro game, when he is old enough, experience it, and have the memories I have of being at a game.

What would you consider your greatest WIS moment?
just last season in another league. I made it as a division winner, 81-81, and knocked off 2 teams in the playoffs with over 100 wins, 104 and 100 wins. than lost in the LCS....

In Hardball Dynasty, how do allocate your budget?
honestly it depends on my plan for that year, whether I need more for free agents, or if I try and rebuild, and allocate my money to prospects and scouting.....

How do you approach off-season events with players such as arbitration and free agency?
I honestly have a plan before the season ends, and I look at all franchises, to see who is up for free agency, and if I would be interested in pursuing a certain player.....about half way through the season, or later, I always make some "cheap" FA signings and to this point, they have been great.

What is your general strategy for hiring/re-hiring coaches?
I try to see who wants to stay, and re-hire them, and the ones that want to change levels, I try to balance who I want where, and if I need to pursue a big time coach or not.....If I am allocating money to rebuild, I want a great coach at the levels my young guys are in

How do you finalize rosters at each level? What role does spring training play in your decision making?
before spring training was a time to play some young guys and get them the experience at the Ml level, but with the rule passed a little while ago, players ratings could be affected by not playing them, so now I try to play my starters at least half of the games, and than spot fill the young guys here and there.

What is your basic strategy for setting your starting lineups and pitching rotation?
starting line-up really needs a speedy guy, and than a contact player to set the table for a few power hitters. After that, a couple of middle of the road hitters, followed by a good contact hitter, or sacrifice bunt guy, before the pitcher's position.

What do you believe are the most important individual player ratings for performance?
batting eye, glove, and gb/fb ratio's

How do you approach in-season player events like the draft, international prospects, waivers and promotions/demotions?
most of the time, I see what my players at the Ml level would be doing in a few seasons, I.E. retiring, free agents, etc. I try to visualize that and then build my draft settings to help my ML team out by their departures. waivers have been great to do right as the season is coming to an end, players are cheap, and they have signed back with me at least 75% of the time the following season.

Do you think your strategy will be conducive to building a multi-season dynasty? Or, do you feel that your team may be great for a couple seasons, but then must rebuild?
I feel that someday I will get a nice system, after being so 'trade happy" early on, I am finally learning a bit on how to run a team, but I feel my team always under achieves for some reason.

Do you have any favorite players from any of your HBD teams?
one of my favorites was from my early season in philly, was StuffY O'Malley. 100 power 0 contact. Ronnie Dunn was my biggest mistake, should have never traded him away. Julio Salinas is my best pitcher, keeps plugging along near the end of his career. I have a guy in Mr. October, Mel Elder, he is going to be a beast, and I would love to see how many MVP awards he will receive

How much time do you spend on your Hardball Dynasty teams? How much do you think is necessary to be competitive?
I think your should spend at least 15-20 minutes a day for each team you have....at least I do

Who are the users you respect the most?
many many users, included are kbrick, schlemiel, ferguson, sbarrouque, goldenboy, basilleaf, nordique, yanks21, mrploppie, blownranger, eacadca, philpitt, poconomets, koby, and many more from previous leagues

What is your favorite aspect of HBD?
no matter how poorly I do, or how bad I stink, no one can fire me, all I have to do is re-up and try it again next season

What is your least favorite aspect of Hardball Dynasty? As it is still a relatively new game, if you could change three things about HBD, what would they be?
coach hiring, way too long, and If I could change it, there would be 3 year deals for all coaches, and eliminate part of the frustration before the season begins. Also a button to automatically re-sign your minor league players, instead of having to submit an offer to one at a time. Kind of long if you have 30 or so.

If you were in one of our games, which sport would you play? At which position? And, what would you be rated?
HBD baseball....third base/outfield decent power, contact, very good defense, and I am very patient.

New Britain Bombers (AL) 2U23L View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Q: Who is 2U23L?
A: I am a 36-year old child in view of God's mercy, from Manchester, New Hampshire.

Q: How did you learn about whatifsports.com?
A: I don't recall exactly, but I am positive it was inevitable.

Q: Which games of ours have you played?
A: All simleague games, Basketball Dynasty, and this one.

Q: Besides sports, what are some of your other interests and hobbies?
A: Sports is my passion. It helps pass the time in this facade. Besides sports, it would have to be everything behind the curtain.

Q: Which five people, past or present sit at your dream roundtable discussion?
A: Michel de Nostradamus, Enoch, John Titor, king Kukulkan, and my best freind Aaron all hosted by Jesus Christ.

Q: Who are your favorite players of all-time?
A: Reggie Jackson, Ozzie Smith, Pete Rose, Mario Lemieux, Barry Sanders, Tom Brady, Pedro Martinez, Spud Webb, and Michael Jordan.

Q: Which are your favorite teams of all-time?
A: Montreal Canadiens, Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, and the Boston Celtics.

Q: Did you play baseball or basketball (or other sports) growing up?
A: I played Baseball, Basketball, Football, Hockey, and Tennis

Q: What is the top sports-related thing you want to do in life that you have not yet done?
A: Play pro ball

Q: What would you consider your greatest WIS moment?
A: Winning the American League 3 years in a row

Q: In Hardball Dynasty, how do allocate your budget?
A: Right now it's all about signing my core players to long term contracts and keeping them healthy, and giving them the best chance to win through coaching.

Q: How do you approach off-season events with players such as arbitration and free agency?
A: I do not haggle wth free agents. I wait until the moment the free agency period is over and sign quality players who weren't acquired probably due to a draft pick that noboby wanted to part with. Case and point Kordell Hollandsworth. As far as arbitration is concerned, if i feel a player will be a "core" player I will sign him to six-year deal. If not I may arbitrate him once, and release him the following year or try to trade him during that year.

Q: What is your general strategy for hiring/re-hiring coaches?
A: I try to hire the best coaches I can. Top 5 if possible. Loyalty is a key factor in how I hire.

Q: How do you finalize rosters at each level? What role does spring training play in your decision making?
A: Best players possible, spring training play is of no importance to me.

Q: What is your basic strategy for setting your starting lineups and pitching rotation?
A: Again best players possible

Q: What do you believe are the most important individual player ratings for performance?
A: All of them. Different kinds of players need to excel in different ratings.

Q: How do you approach in-season player events like the draft, international prospects, waivers and promotions/demotions?
A: Right now i have scrapped the entire prospect part of the game to focus on keeping my team competitive and healthy for a good length of time. I will however take for instance a number of first-round picks from previous years and try to package them for 1 good prospect that could eventually become a core player.

Q: Do you think your strategy will be conducive to building a multi-season dynasty? Or, do you feel that your team may be great for a couple seasons, but then must rebuild?
A: I think my strategy is definitely conducive to building a multi-season dynasty.....Unfortunately the National League will not comply.

Q: Do you have any favorite players from any of your HBD teams?
A: I only have 1 team, and my favorite players are the Benson brothers, Roger O'Donnel, and John Hernandez.

Q: How much time do you spend on your Hardball Dynasty teams? How much do you think is necessary to be competitive?
A: Alot!! I couldn't say how much is needed

Q: Who are the users you respect the most?
A: I respect all the users in this league . . . but if i had to name-drop. I think nordique93 makes me angry with his ability to acquire players. As good as I think I am at this game I am always learning or being beaten to the punch by him. I also think that phillyfan33 embodies the entire soul of all the users who make up the general personality of this league.

Q: What is your favorite aspect of HBD?
A: All

Q: What is your least-favorite aspect of Hardball Dynasty? As it is still a relatively new game, if you could change three things about HBD, what would they be?
A: None

Q: If you were in one of our games, which sport would you play? At which position? And, what would you be rated?
A: I would be Todd McLain of the Cinncinatti organization - take 40 rating points from his power and distribute those points equaly between health, durability, and arm accuracy. Man would I love to get McLain on the Bombers!

Q&A: Lenbo1212

Salem Buck-Toothed Walruses (AL) lenbo1212 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Q: Who is (Lenbo1212)? A: My name is Len. I'm a 44 yr old tax accountant, married, and father of two boys, ages 10 and 8.

Q: How did you learn about whatifsports.com?
A: Saw it mentioned in a Sports Illustrated note in 2001, logged on, tried a spring training team and have been hooked ever since.

Q: Which games of ours have you played?
A: Sim League Baseball, Hoops Dynasty, Hardball Dynasty and recently Clutch Racing Dynasty.

Q: Besides sports, what are some of your other interests and hobbies?
A: Astronomy (and the US Space program history in particular), orienteering and strategy games.

Q: Which five people, past or present sit at your dream roundtable discussion?
A: Hmmm, first would be any of the astronauts who walked on the moon. I'd love to hear a first-hand account of the experience. Otherwise anyone who was a pioneer in his/her field to try and gain insight into their motivations, thought processes and inspirations - people like the Wright Brothers, Beethoven, any of the founding fathers.

Q: Who are your favorite players of all-time?
A: I always had a soft spot for Jay Johnstone. Currently I'd go with Chase Utley.

Q: Which are your favorite teams of all-time?
A: Any Philly team will do but no season will ever compare to the 1993 Phils (although this year's edition is giving them a run).

Q: Did you play baseball or basketball (or other sports) growing up?
A: I ran track until sophomore year in high school.

Q: What is the top sports-related thing you want to do in life that you have not yet done?
A: I'd love to attend a World Series game involving the Phils. Short of that a Ryder Cup match will suffice

Q: What would you consider your greatest WIS moment?
A: Has to be my first World Series win with a $160M White Sox team. Ed Walsh single-handedly carried that team through the playoffs.

Q: In Hardball Dynasty, how do allocate your budget?
A: As I was too loyal in the beginning to the veterans on the team most of it goes to player salaries. I've totally bagged international scouting for all the reasons previously mentioned and used those funds for advance scouting and training/medical.

Q: How do you approach off-season events with players such as arbitration and free agency?
A: I try to avoid arbitration if at all possible by either signing them to contracts or releasing them if the demands are totally ludicrous. I'll use free-agency to fill a hole or two where my minor leaguer is still a year or two away.

Q: What is your general strategy for hiring/re-hiring coaches?
A: Rehire anyone who wants to come back and then find the best value for the open positions.

Q: How do you finalize rosters at each level? What role does spring training play in your decision making?
A: You know spring training messed me up for a few seasons and I got caught up in some gaudy numbers from some prospects only to have them bomb in the regular season. Then I remembered the words of Lou Brown regarding Willie Mays Hayes hitting off a guy who'll be "bagging groceries next week" and I took it for what it is. Give the prospects a look and avoid injuries till the season begins.

Q: What is your basic strategy for setting your starting lineups and pitching rotation?
A: I'll look over the sims suggestions and laugh. Then I go for speed at the top, good contact at 2 and 3 and the power at 4. If the makeup allows I'll repeat the same pattern for 5-8.

Q: What do you believe are the most important individual player ratings for performance?
A: Judging from my past performances I have no clue, lol. For hitters I look for high contact and a similar rating against both righties and lefties. For pitchers I'm a control freak (Mitch Williams in 1993 taught me the value of control) and similarly the ability to get batters out from both sides of the plate.

Q: How do you approach in-season player events like the draft, international prospects, waivers and promotions/demotions?
A: I just be sure to draft enough at each position to fill the rookie league. I don't do much in-season promoting except for the higher round draft choices who will hopefully be the nucleus in the near future.

Q: Do you think your strategy will be conducive to building a multi-season dynasty? Or, do you feel that your team may be great for a couple seasons, but then must rebuild?
A: I fully expect to have to rebuild almost every year.

Q: Do you have any favorite players from any of your HBD teams?
A: Calvin Cho was a favorite even though he frustrated me to no end. Currently Josh Davis would be my favorite.

Q: How much time do you spend on your Hardball Dynasty teams? How much do you think is necessary to be competitive?
A: I usually get about 20 minutes a day which is probably at least half as much as is needed for sustained success in this game.

Q: Who are the users you respect the most?
A: I've always had great respect for eschwartz67. He's always been willing to offer advice to the newbies or just provide insight on something he's discovered.

Q: What is your favorite aspect of HBD?
A: Watching the draft picks develop to the point they are ready for the bigs.

Q: What is your least favorite aspect of Hardball Dynasty? As it is still a relatively new game, if you could change three things about HBD, what would they be?
A: Can't find much fault with the game. I do go along with the hire coaches for multiple years idea. Or at least make loyalty rating mean something. It drives me nuts when a 70 loyalty is ready to go in one year.

Q: If you were in one of our games, which sport would you play? At which position? And, what would you be rated?
A: I'd like to think I'd make a decent AA bench coach.

Q&A: Vdaino

Santa Cruz Zumans (NL) vdaino View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Q: Who is vdaino?
A: vdaino is a 39 year old entrepreneur from New Jersey. I am married and have a beautiful 3 year old daughter who is the center of my world.

Q: How did you learn about whatifsports.com?
A: Bill Simmons, of course.

Q: Which games of ours have you played?
A: Everything except Hockey and Car Racing (are you kidding? CAR RACING? LOL).

Q: Besides sports, what are some of your other interests and hobbies?
A: reading, writing, guitar, music, coaching and eastern "religion"

Q: Which five people, past or present sit at your dream roundtable discussion?
A: Muhammad Ali; Buddha; Ralph Waldo Emerson; Neil Young; and Jenna Jameson

Q: Who are your favorite players of all-time?
A: Pete Rose; Steve Carlton; Charles Barkley; Moses Malone; Marvin Hagler; Aaron Pryor; Evander Holyfield

Q: Which are your favorite teams of all-time?
A: '80 Phillies; '82-83 Sixers; '86 Penn State Nittany Lions

Q: Did you play baseball or basketball (or other sports) growing up?
A: I played baseball and basketball . . . SS, 3B and pitcher (usually after a flame thrower, my painfully slow stuff would throw them off) and point guard (who liked to post up Moses-style.)

Q: What is the top sports-related thing you want to do in life that you have not yet done?
A: I want to participate in a white-collar boxing match.

Q: What would you consider your greatest WIS moment?
A: beating the heavily favored schedule1's New Orleans Magnolias in 5 games to win the L.E.G. championship

Q: In Hardball Dynasty, how do allocate your budget?
A: mid-level payroll, heavy on all scouting, medical and training, zero international

Q: How do you approach off-season events with players such as arbitration and free agency?
A: I usually go through arb with 1st year arb eligible players, 2nd year players I sign long term if they are core players and release/trade players with high demands. Free agency, I usually pick up bullpen help, backup catchers and OF bats.

Q: What is your general strategy for hiring/re-hiring coaches?
A: Re-hire as many as I can. I HATE COACH HIRING

Q: How do you finalize rosters at each level? What role does spring training play in your decision making?
A: I do not pay much attention to the minor leagues. I just make sure my top prospects advance and that I have every position covered . . . and still my pitchers get fried.

Q: What is your basic strategy for setting your starting lineups and pitching rotation?
A: High OBP players at a premium, control and vs. RH and LH is what I look for in starting pitchers. I always seem to have shut-down closers.

Q: What do you believe are the most important individual player ratings for performance?
A: Good question. let me know when you know the answer.

Q: How do you approach in-season player events like the draft, international prospects, waivers and promotions/demotions?
A: I am spending more time on the draft as a series of poor ones have hurt me. I am ranking my top 50 - 60 now. I target 5 - 6 players at levels I think I can get them. I do not chase international players anymore, too expensive. I check waivers every so often and let Sparky handle in-season promotions in the minors.

Q: Do you think your strategy will be conducive to building a multi-season dynasty? Or, do you feel that your team may be great for a couple seasons, but then must rebuild?
A: my strategy is to have a competitive team every year with a chance to compete for the championship every year.

Q: Do you have any favorite players from any of your HBD teams?
A: Sam Rodgers; J.D. Seneca and Jake Berry from Evangeline; Adam Foster; Chad Lee (never should have traded you, Chad); Footsie Stewart; Matty Fernandez and Hal Sheldon from L.E.G.; Bosco Morton, Magglio Bennett and Bartolo Escobar from Stickball . . . no one from the Negro League yet . . . BUMS!

Q: How much time do you spend on your Hardball Dynasty teams? How much do you think is necessary to be competitive?
A: I spend too much time and not enough time . . . I am competitive but I'm no sched.

Q: Who are the users you respect the most?
A: kbrick; Schlemiel; schedule1 and bbqjason are all great owners

Q: What is your favorite aspect of HBD?
A: the sheer depth of the game. . . It is amazing and an incredible value at the price.

Q: What is your least favorite aspect of Hardball Dynasty? As it is still a relatively new game, if you could change three things about HBD, what would they be?
A: Did I mention that I hate COACH HIRING? 1) Coach hiring sucks 2) and Coach hiring; and 3) Coach Hiring

Q: If you were in one of our games, which sport would you play? At which position? And, what would you be rated?
A: I would play SS in HBD. i would be a speedy great fielding SS with a great eye, a real pest at the plate; a clutch hitter who delivers in the crunch.

Q&A: Eyetoeye

Salt Lake City Steamboats (AL) eyetoeye View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Q: Who is eyetoeye?
A: John, 40 year old living in Lancaster County Pennsylvania. Have also lived in Ohio, California, Connecticut, and New Jersey.

Q: How did you learn about whatifsports.com?
A: I was a Strat-o-Matic freak as a kid and found their online game through the Sporting News web site (I believe). One of the owners on that site asked if I had ever heard of WhatIfSports and suggested I try it.

Q: Which games of ours have you played?
A: Just Sim League baseball.

Q: Besides sports, what are some of your other interests and hobbies?
A: Reading, TV, current events.

Q: Which five people, past or present sit at your dream roundtable discussion?
A: Jesus, Roger Staubach, Drew Pearson, Hank Aaron, and Jim Tressel.

Q: Who are your favorite players of all-time?
A: Being a Reds fan, any of the Big Red Machine of the 70's. I also loved Nolan Ryan and George Brett.

Q: Which are your favorite teams of all-time?
A: The '76 Reds, the greatest lineup in the modern era. Also a Cowboys fan in football and Ohio State fan.

Q: Did you play baseball or basketball (or other sports) growing up?
A: Just baseball. I was a fairly good player in my younger days. I led my little league in home runs one season, and led my junior high team in batting one season, hitting over .500. It started to go downhill once I hit high school.

Q: What is the top sports-related thing you want to do in life that you have not yet done?
A: Attend a Game 7 Reds World Series victory, or attend a Super Bowl. I would also like to visit Wrigley Field.

Q: What would you consider your greatest WIS moment?
A: I still remember my first sim league champion. It was a very low salary cap league and every platoon I had worked perfectly. I also won a league with only players from 1985. I remember the 1985 John Tudor was pretty unbeatable.

Q: In Hardball Dynasty, how do allocate your budget?
A: I play with a low player salary, just because it interests me more. Therefore I am usually heavy into scouting. With the lower player dollars I am able to place more than average dollars in most categories.

Q: How do you approach off-season events with players such as arbitration and free agency?
A: Arbitration is on a player-by-player basis. I don't mind paying for producers and want no part of underachievers. I am not a big player in free agency, other than filling a spot, here and there, with someone who I think I can develop.

Q: What is your general strategy for hiring/re-hiring coaches?
A: I rehire everyone I can. There are certain coaching spots that I won't overpay for, and I really haven't noticed any difference in my team's performances. I think if you have solid players, you win, regardless of the coaching. Although I don't despise coach hiring as much as most owners, it would be nice to sign them for 2-3 year contracts. Everything in this game is so realistic, I don't know why they haven't added that, yet.

Q: How do you finalize rosters at each level?
What role does spring training play in your decision making?
A: I usually use spring training to determine my 24th or 25th roster spot. However, it seems that a sizzling spring training usually translates into a lousy first month of the regular season. As for minor-league promotions I make sure my major-league prospects keep on track, and moving up, based on performance.

Q: What is your basic strategy for setting your starting lineups and pitching rotation?
A: Nothing high tech, my best players play. I do value good defense up the middle and will sacrifice a little offense for it. As for pitching, I had several years of agonizing bullpens. I made a focus of fixing that, and I finally have a group I like.

Q: What do you believe are the most important individual player ratings for performance?
A: Splits for hitters and pitchers. Control for pitchers, since there is enough offense in the game, I don't need to help by walking alot of people. I like starting pitchers with three good pitches.

Q: How do you approach in-season player events like the draft, international prospects, waivers and promotions/demotions?
A: I take the draft very seriously. I usually spend a few days reorganizing my draft list, and have gotten some really good 3rd-7th round picks, as a result. I enjoy trying to find the diamond in the rough. I've recently cut back on the international prospects, even though there are superstars to be had, there. . . I just don't like the huge price tags. I'll keep an eye on the waiver wire when I feel like I need to add someone at a specific postion.

Q: Do you think your strategy will be conducive to building a multi-season dynasty? Or, do you feel that your team may be great for a couple seasons, but then must rebuild?
A: I always laugh at this question. I'm waiting for the first person to say "Yeah, I shut down my entire minor-league system to try to win this year." I like having a competitive team, but haven't quite gotten over the hump, yet.

Q: Do you have any favorite players from any of your HBD teams?
A: Wesley Jordan has been my catcher since year 1 and just produces every year. I had to let Bobby Joe Monroe go, this year, which was tough. He is my franchise's all time wins leader. I also like any player who exceeds his ratings. I root for them even if they never make it out of Low A ball.

Q: How much time do you spend on your Hardball Dynasty teams? How much do you think is necessary to be competitive?
A: I check in every cycle and spend 10-30 minutes "managing." As for how much time is necessary to be competitive, I would defer to the guys who have won titles, on that one.

Q: Who are the users you respect the most?
A: Kbrick is great and has always runs a great league, even back to the AAA sim leagues. I also respect all of the owners who have won titles. It is so difficult to do and I try to analyze their strategies.

Q: What is your favorite aspect of HBD?
A: Just managing "my team." It is such a great stress reliever to log on and disappear into the fake world that is HBD.

Q: What is your least favorite aspect of Hardball Dynasty? As it is still a relatively new game, if you could change three things about HBD, what would they be?
A: I don't hate anything about the site, I really like that they are constantly tweaking the game, making it better. Three things I would like added, or changed are the multi-year coaching contracts. I wish there was some benefit to keeping the older vets on your roster; like a coaching or mentoring rating that would mirror their value in real life. And I wish 100 health rating players wouldn't get injured.

Q: If you were in one of our games, which sport would you play? At which position? And, what would you be rated?
A: Definitely HBD. I would be a first baseman, good glove, no speed, good eye, doubles power, and good makeup. A Mike Lowell type player.

Q&A: Johnnydancer

Santa Fe Conquistadors (NL) johnnydancer View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Q: Who is JohnnyDancer?
A: My name is Johnny and I am a dance instructor by trade. I am in my early forties, married, a native Texan and am a die-hard sports fan.

Q: How did you learn about whatifsports.com?
A: Three years ago, I was surfing the net in search of a challenging sports game to play when I came across whatifsports.com. I have been hooked ever since.

Q: Which games of ours have you played?
A: All of the dynasty games, but HBD is by far my favorite. I currently have three squads in HBD: the Conquistadors (formerly the Texas Swingers) the Florida Mojitos in OCD World and the Los Angeles Avengers of The New Guys World

Q: Besides sports, what are some of your other interests and hobbies?
A: Movies, reading and dancing.

Q: Who are your favorite players of all-time?
A: Roger Staubach, Fran Tarkington, Hank Aaron, Nolan Ryan and Carl Yastrzemski

Q: Which are your favorite teams of all-time?
A: Dallas Cowboys

Q: Did you play baseball or basketball (or other sports) growing up?
A: Played football, basketball, baseball, soccer and track from childhood up until my senior year in high school.

Q: What is the top sports-related thing you want to do in life that you have not yet done?
A: Play one game of hockey and see what it is like.

Q: What would you consider your greatest WIS moment?
A: Making the playoffs for the first time in HBD.

Q: In Hardball Dynasty, how do allocate your budget?
A: I spend most of my budget on returning players and coaches.

Q: How do you approach off-season events with players such as arbitration and free agency?
A: In order to fill holes in my lineups, due to retirements, free-agency or injuries, I usually like to promote players from within my farm leagues first. I will only use free-agency as a last resort. I usually try to make my team as young as possible (easier said than done).

Q: What is your general strategy for hiring/re-hiring coaches?
A: Besides their loyalty to the team: Wins and losses.

Q: How do you finalize rosters at each level? What role does spring training play in your decision making?
A: At the beginning of the season, I pretty much know who is, or not, going to be on my team. Spring Training has little to do, if any, on who is going to be on my final ML roster. I rarely do trades and I use free agency to fill in gaps.

Q: What is your basic strategy for setting your starting lineups and pitching rotation?
A: I prefer to have a five Starting Pitcher rotation, one Mop-up, two Long Releivers, four Set-ups and one closer. I prefer pitchers with control and stamina. Having an offensive-minded philosophy for my team, I tend to favor players that specialize in power hitting.

Q: What do you believe are the most important individual player ratings for performance?
A: Pitching Control

Q: How do you approach in-season player events like the draft, international prospects, waivers and promotions/demotions?
A: Although I prefer offensive-minded team, I still try to draft the best pitchers possible and then gradually work them through my farm system

Q: Do you think your strategy will be conducive to building a multi-season dynasty? Or, do you feel that your team may be great for a couple seasons, but then must rebuild?
A: In my experience, my teams do pretty well for a couple of seasons and then they go into a major slump fo a couple more. At this time, I'm still looking for the right balance i order to sustain winning seasons.

Q: How much time do you spend on your Hardball Dynasty teams? How much do you think is necessary to be competitive?
A: On average, I spend at least a half hour a day on my teams.

Q: Who are the users you respect the most?
A: kbrick and leecountry (OCD World)

Q: What is your favorite aspect of HBD?
A: The opportunity to rebuild and improve your teams over a period of seasons.

Q: What is your least favorite aspect of Hardball Dynasty? As it is still a relatively new game, if you could change three things about HBD, what would they be?
A: Coaching, Coaching and Coaching. Coaches should be allowed to sign muti-year contracts with their respective teams.

Q: If you were in one of our games, which sport would you play? At which position? And, what would you be rated?
A: I would want to play football and be the quarterback.

Q&A: Reigny

Burlington Mountaineers (AL) reigny View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Who is reigny?
Reigny is really Jeff, a 41 yr old from Northern VA who only has two beliefs to base his life on. 1) Baseball is Life... the rest is just details. 2) I don't wanna grow up...I'm a Toys R Us kid.

How did you learn about whatifsports.com?
I played a free season of SIM baseball and got hooked.

Which games of ours have you played?
HBD, GD, Clutch Racing, SIM baseball, Soccer Dynasty, and HD

Besides sports, what are some of your other interests and hobbies?
I tend to read a lot, and I'm a couch potato for the History Channel and the Fox Soccer channel.

Which five people, past or present sit at your dream roundtable discussion?
Albert Einstein, Atilla the Hun, Thomas Jefferson, Ted Williams, Sarah Pallin (sorry, she's hot)

Who are your favorite players of all-time?
Ted Williams, Lou Gehrig

Which are your favorite teams of all-time?
2004/2007 Boston Red Sox, 2005 Washington Nationals, and any Green Bay Packer team

Did you play baseball or basketball (or other sports) growing up?
Baseball from T-Ball through high school, Soccer from first walking through my scholarship at Loyola

What is the top sports-related thing you want to do in life that you have not yet done?
I want to finally pass my Scuba Instructor's licensing test and then open my own scuba charter company in Australia.

What would you consider your greatest WIS moment?
Winning the division in the ARomano world with a team that had no chance

In Hardball Dynasty, how do allocate your budget?
I used to follow the Yankees.... buy buy buy. Now I keep payroll low and try to build up with IFA and draft. All scouting is at least 20 MIL per year.

How do you approach offseason events with players such as arbitration and free agency?
I've never had reliable results with FA, so I pretty much let them go. In terms of arbitration, if the player has performed well, I'll sign for the long term, if not.... I release them.

What is your general strategy for hiring/re-hiring coaches?
I try to keep them as long as possible. But when the salary demands get too high, it's just time to hire new.

How do you finalize rosters at each level? What role does spring training play in your decision making?
Spring training decides my ML, AAA, and AA teams. The Hi-A, Lo-A, teams are made up of my Rookie team getting promoted.

What is your basic strategy for setting your starting lineups and pitching rotation?
Strategy is pretty much going with the flow. If a player or pitcher is on a roll, they play. If they hit a wall, I bench them.

What do you believe are the most important individual player ratings for performance?
The R/L splits, but also the temper and health numbers.

How do you approach in-season player events like the draft, international prospects, waivers and promotions/demotions?
The draft takes me about two days to evaluate who I think I want. Out of 25 picks, if I can land 5-8 of my "wish list", then I'm happy. IFA players only if their numbers look good, waivers to help my minors more than anything. Promotion/demotions are always happening in my organizations.

Do you think your strategy will be conducive to building a multi-season dynasty? Or, do you feel that your team may be great for a couple seasons, but then must rebuild?
I'm still looking for my first year of a multi year dynasty.

Do you have any favorite players from any of your HBD teams?
Khoury Shaw (DH Monterrey Desert Dawgs/ Rice Not Lynn). He was my first trade and he'll retire a Desert Dawg when he wants.

How much time do you spend on your Hardball Dynasty teams? How much do you think is necessary to be competitive?
I spend about 2 hours a night on my teams. (After my wife and my daughter go to bed, because family is still more important)

Who are the users you respect the most?
ewd330 (allowed me to join the RNL league which got me hooked. madmuldoon -- My mother in law was diagnosed with M5 Leukemia and I was missing major time with all my teams. Patrick sitemailed me and took over all of my teams for awhile. He pretty much gave me the time needed to work through it. He was the reason why I play.... he's become my best friend (my worst enemy when we play)and I think he's the perfect example of what this game should be to us..... Friends coming together not only in game but in real life if needed.

What is your favorite aspect of HBD?
the amatuer draft

What is your least favorite aspect of Hardball Dynasty? As it is still a relatively new game, if you could change three things about HBD, what would they be?
1. Let's be able to hire coaches for multiyear contracts
2. We should be able to trade RL players the year they are drafted and also be able to trade away or trade for draft picks
3. Instead of FA demanding a certain amount of pay and refusing all, we should be able to negotiate more with them.

If you were in one of our games, which sport would you play? At which position? And, what would you be rated?
HBD... third base ... and I'd be a player rated in the high 60's or low 70's at the 27 yr old mark.

Q&A: Campbell1972

Las Vegas One Arm Bandits (AL) campbell1972 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Q: Who is campbell1972?
A: I am a Winnipeg (Canadian) born high school geography and history B.Ed. graduate who is currently seeking work in Korea for a second tour. My first name is Campbell and am married without children with my wife of four years, Tiffany.

Q: How did you learn about whatifsports.com?
A: Some North American teachers were playing it in Korea to pass the time while I was there the first time. They got me hooked.

Q: Which games of ours have you played?
A: I have been into the hockey for three years now and am now coming up to 10 months in this league.

Q: Besides sports, what are some of your other interests and hobbies?
A: Tons. Outdoors and film, music and travel, geography and history, whatever hits me at the moment. I am currently working on designing my own home which I hope to have built within the next five years.

Q: Which five people, past or present sit at your dream roundtable discussion?
A: Gene Roddenberry, Leonardo DaVinci, William Lyon Mackenzie King, Herbert Hoover, Queen Elizabeth I, the inventors, the intiators of development and change and the ones who saw it all. King and Hoover were odd ones but they were privvy to the goods of the 20th century. There are many others I would add like Kennedy, Roosevelt, Churchill, Trudeau, Castro, Gorbachev, Reagan, Mandela etc., etc.

Q: Who are your favorite players of all-time?
A: I am primarily a hockey fan and loyal to the home team but I would have to say my favorites to watch were Wayne Gretzky and Dominic Hasek in hockey, Michael Jordan in basketball, Rickey Henderson and Nolan Ryan in baseball, Doug Flutie and Warren Moon in both CFL and NFL and Tiger Woods. Only the best here.

Q: Which are your favorite teams of all-time?
A: Winnipeg Jets, Quebec/Colorado, Ottawa Senators, Edmonton Oilers, Detroit Red Wings (NHL). Toronto Blue Jays (sorry Dique) MLB, Winnipeg Blue Bombers (CFL). Most other sports I am impartial. Maybe Buffalo Bills (NFL).

Q: Did you play baseball or basketball (or other sports) growing up?
A: Hockey, soccer, swimming, diving, track.

Q: What is the top sports-related thing you want to do in life that you have not yet done?
A: It would have been nice to compete at a professional level but it was never quite in the cards. I am now working on the golf and curling skills. Still into rec hockey though. I have no real designs on awards or championships other than WIS now, lol.

Q: What would you consider your greatest WIS moment?
A: Currently have back to back Stanley Cups in one of the hockey Dynasty leagues I created. I have created a true Dynasty team. I am looking forward to going for a third.

Q: In Hardball Dynasty, how do allocate your budget?
A: I am still green at HBD but I have been trying to plan for the major changes in veterans and much of the rest of it is for rookies. I would like to increase my scouting budget because I know I am missing some of the prime picks. I don't like missing out on the good ones.

Q: How do you approach off-season events with players such as arbitration and free agency?
A: I just decide whether they will be valuable to the team the next season or not. I have a tendency to be too loyal at times though. I probably should have cut ties with Eugene Morgan but signed him on this season anyway. He has been on the ML with the franchise since game 1.

Q: What is your general strategy for hiring/re-hiring coaches?
A: Loyalty is important as is potential. I have been doing the same thing with the coaches as I have with the players, youth movement. I only have 3 coaches over 45 and they are highly skilled and highly loyal. I will spend big money on coaches who will negotiate less often. Saves money in the long run I think and reduces the PITA (pain in the ass) factor during the hiring process.

Q: How do you finalize rosters at each level? What role does spring training play in your decision making?
A: The rosters are based on many factors. Performance, price and protected list are the three main things I look at when deciding on season rosters. Who is going to put up the numbers, who is going to put up value for the money and who is most likely to do so down the line. Spring training is restricted to the ones who have the most potential to make the ML. More towards the developing players than the veterans too. This is why my preseason stats are never very good, lol.

Q: What is your basic strategy for setting your starting lineups and pitching rotation?
A: Go with the best one with the most energy. That's it. I am hands on with this though. I hate the AI.

Q: What do you believe are the most important individual player ratings for performance?
A: I avoid assessing single stats. I look for the peaks and valleys. If they are lacking in one area they better have some really good stats in another area or I won't take them. From my International Signing history I am not overly picky though, lol. Some stat combos will only reach certain levels but I don't focus too hard on one stat or another. How they fit with the team is more important.

Q: How do you approach in-season player events like the draft, international prospects, waivers and promotions/demotions?
A: I look at everything and give them a shot if I can. The numbers can be unpredictable sometimes. You never really know what is going to work. I keep a few mobile utility players and have a system for placement, releases/waviers and substitution that seems to be working as well. I believe in building from within too so you won't see me trade very often.

Q: Do you think your strategy will be conducive to building a multi-season dynasty? Or, do you feel that your team may be great for a couple seasons, but then must rebuild?
A: nordique93 and I seem to have the hockey worked out though our styles are very different. More often than not it has been one or the other of us running the dynasties in hockey (mostly him, lol). I think I can work out a consistent strategy and perform at a high level mostly because I don't like to lose.

Q: Do you have any favorite players from any of your HBD teams?
A: I am not really a 'favorites' person. I enjoy the whole picture.

Q: How much time do you spend on your Hardball Dynasty teams? How much do you think is necessary to be competitive?
A: Too much just ask my wife, lol. I can spend hours on the WIS every day. I am an addict. I like to spend at least a few minutes checking things out before every game. I have also spent 12 hours or more through both days of a weekend doing hand-picked drafts in hockey. My wife is a good one for sure. She has done a bit of both hockey and baseball on WIS herself.

Q: Who are the users you respect the most?
A: Again I am not a favorites person. I have respect for most of the users out there. The hockey guys here and in my dynasties and the rest of the owners in this league all show good sportsmanship and attitudes. Honorable mention to steveajolie in hockey. He is a real leader inside and outside the game.

Q: What is your favorite aspect of HBD?
A: The extent of management and variability in strategies. Hockey, I hate to say, is far more limited in this. Most of the time I only spend a few minutes on hockey. Most of my time is spent here because there is so much you can do.

Q: What is your least favorite aspect of Hardball Dynasty? As it is still a relatively new game, if you could change three things about HBD, what would they be?
A: My least favorite aspect is the contract bidding and lack of long-term coaching contracts. I want to know who else is bidding how much and reduce the tedious amount of time wasted guessing how much I should be offering to land a player or a coach. I would also like to see more variety in the AI settings and heirarchies to save some time.

Q: If you were in one of our games, which sport would you play? At which position? And, what would you be rated?
A: If I were a hockey player I would be a two-way, playmaking corner-digging, shorthanded specialist, right shooting left-winger with good skates and shoft hands or an offensive right defenseman 95 in both cases with high defense and speed and fairly high shooting. I would be a catcher in baseball because I need to be in the action all the time. I'd be about a 75 with solid fielding and a solid leadoff basestealing batting skill. Not a home run king but I'd keep the pitchers honest. I would be a point guard in basketball or a wide out or punter in football. Speed and finesse is my game no matter the sport.

Blog Interview: Noccolo

Austin Black Socks (AL) noccolo View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Q: Who is noccolo?
A: My name is Nick, 27 years old from Austin Texas. I work in property management. Favorite team is the Texas Rangers (we're getting better, watch out).

Q: How did you learn about whatifsports.com?
A: Someone mentioned it one day on a Rangers blog, lonestarball.com, I checked it out, and have played it since.

Q: Which games of ours have you played?
A: Just Hardball Dynasty.

Q: Besides sports, what are some of your other interests and hobbies?
A: Damn, besides watching baseball, bit of a computer nerd, and enjoy movies, and shiner beer.

Q: Which five people, past or present sit at your dream roundtable discussion?
A: I'll limit it to baseball, Nolan Ryan, Orel Hershisher, Ted Williams, Roberto Clemente, and the man in the original San Diego Chicken suit.

Q: Who are your favorite players of all-time?
A: Nolan Ryan, Ken Griffey Jr., Bobby Brower.

Q: Which are your favorite teams of all-time?
A: Texas Rangers.

Q: Did you play baseball or basketball (or other sports) growing up?
A: In middle school we didn't have baseball, so I played everything, football, baseketball, soccer, track, in high school i played baseball, pitched a few times though no one was fooled by my 60mph fastball.

Q: What is the top sports-related thing you want to do in life that you have not yet done?
A: Well theres sports related things that I wish I could do, like throw a 95mph fastball or an 80mph curve without my arm falling off, but I would love to attend a WS game at the ballpark in arlington watching my rangers.

Q: What would you consider your greatest WIS moment?
A: Making it to the playoffs with this team. It was my first team, and I did good job of butchering it the first 2 years learning how to play, so to come back from that and make the playoffs was something special.

Q: In Hardball Dynasty, how do allocate your budget?
A: 20m for Prospects, try to get 20m for Advance scouting, the rest I play with, Keep my Player budget near what it is, rarely do I budget for a bigtime FA, figure that money is better spent in keeping my current players from getting hurt, or better hs and coll scouting.

Q: How do you approach off-season events with players such as arbitration and free agency?
A: FA try to sign my guys before someone else can, typically cheaper to do that. Arb, if its a guy that I know I want to have for years, I may sign him in his 2nd or 3rd year of arb before he hits FA, a little more money now but saves you some in the long run.

Q: What is your general strategy for hiring/re-hiring coaches?
A: Oh wow, is there a more annoying part to WiS, can't even talk about it.

Q: How do you finalize rosters at each level? What role does spring training play in your decision making?
A: Spring training very little if any. I already have a good idea where I want my guys, and have a good idea who the future ML are going to be. Try to be aggressive on the promotions of thsoe guys unless they have a long way to assume their max potential then I'll drag their development a bit. Also to finalize rosters, always pick up 2-3 pitchers and a position player or 2 per level to sit in inactive in case of injuries.

Q: What is your basic strategy for setting your starting lineups and pitching rotation?
A: Starting Lineups, kinda like the pros, fast OBP guys at the top, mashers in the middle, and fast not so OBP guys at the bottom, though the bottom typically becomes your slick fielding no bat SS. Rotations, many stats i look at there, sta/dur vR/vL Control, Pitches. I keep 5 starters, 2 Long men, 3 set up guys, Closer, and Mopup.

Q: What do you believe are the most important individual player ratings for performance?
A: For hitter, Most important to me Power, but batting eye, splits and contact are also very important. For pitchers control. but again they have a lot of other very important ratings as well.

Q: How do you approach in-season player events like the draft, international prospects, waivers and promotions/demotions?
A: International Prospects is random, unless I really need a certain position at my lower minors I hold out for the sure thing MLers, draft I try to set my top 50 guys, again typically guys I know will make the majors in some capacity, after that if I have time I'll set up for decent minor leaguers and the off shot MLers.

Q: Do you think your strategy will be conducive to building a multi-season dynasty? Or, do you feel that your team may be great for a couple seasons, but then must rebuild?
A: My current team is still young but getting expensive, the trick to continually contending is good drafts, smart trading to get younger, and getting lucky in the International draft

Q: Do you have any favorite players from any of your HBD teams?
A: Yes, but I just traded him, he'll hit 40+ homeruns and steal 70+ bases for a long time for the Expos. With him gone probably Tommy Sweeney, my first 1st round pick so I'm a little partial to him too.

Q: How much time do you spend on your Hardball Dynasty teams? How much do you think is necessary to be competitive?
A: it varies usually multiple times a day for only about 15-30 min at a time. Of course during the draft and preseason you need a lot more time to get things set and going.

Q: Who are the users you respect the most?
A: I typically dont interact much in chat, typically just to congratulate a division mate or the WS winner, or to announce a firesale. But being my first league all the owners here have been awesome and informative and I've appreciated this league immensely.

Q: What is your favorite aspect of HBD?
A: The fun of it all.

Q: What is your least favorite aspect of Hardball Dynasty? As it is still a relatively new game, if you could change three things about HBD, what would they be?
A: Coach hiring, make it shorter, maybe make even a higher percentage of current coaches stay. and the only other complaint would be a little more stability in RPs. It seems they can have awesome ratings and still end up with ERAs above 5, then have a sub 1 era the next year then back to above 5 again. Too random in my opinion for being a randomized game

Q: If you were in one of our games, which sport would you play? At which position? And, what would you be rated?
A: I'd be in this one, as a Pitcher still hanging around in Rookie League praying for a Diamond in the Rough.

Week 1 Blog Interview: PoconoMets

San Antonio Cowboys (AL) PoconoMets View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Q: Who is PoconoMets?
A: 45 M from NY PA and now Vegas

Q: How did you learn about whatifsports.com?
A: playing sim baseball

Q: Which games of ours have you played?
A: Tried Basketball

Q: Besides sports, what are some of your other interests and hobbies?
A: Fantasy Baseball, Football

Q: Which five people, past or present sit at your dream roundtable discussion?
A: Roberto Clemente, Nostradamus, Bill Clinton, Ponce de Leon, Princess Diana

Q: Who are your favorite players of all-time?
A: Roberto Clemente, Mike Piazza, Tom Seaver

Q: Which are your favorite teams of all-time?
A: NY Mets, NY Giants

Q: Did you play baseball or basketball (or other sports) growing up?
A: Baseball and Football

Q: What is the top sports-related thing you want to do in life that you have not yet done?
A: Visit other major league parks

Q: What would you consider your greatest WIS moment?
A: Haven't had any yet.

Q: In Hardball Dynasty, how do allocate your budget?
A: I'm a Steinbrenner type, so I have extra cash for Free Agents and trades

Q: How do you approach off-season events with players such as arbitration and free agency?
A: Try to keep those players that are worth keeping, but always looking for that impact player, mostly pitchers

Q: What is your general strategy for hiring/re-hiring coaches?
A: Absolutely hate it.

Q: How do you finalize rosters at each level? What role does spring training play in your decision making?
A: Look at the players coming up in the system and try to move them up accordingly.

Q: What is your basic strategy for setting your starting lineups and pitching rotation?
A: I like to keep the same lineup until i start losing then change it around a bit.

Q: What do you believe are the most important individual player ratings for performance?
A: Glove and speed

Q: How do you approach in-season player events like the draft, international prospects, waivers and promotions/demotions?
A: Try to recruit as many pitchers as possible, mostly for trade bait. I don't like bidding wars for Internationals

Q: Do you think your strategy will be conducive to building a multi-season dynasty? Or, do you feel that your team may be great for a couple seasons, but then must rebuild?
A: I've gotten close a couple of times to the playoffs. Apparently my strategy to win now hasn't produced a winner, so maybe i need to change my thinking.

Q: Do you have any favorite players from any of your HBD teams?
A: My favorite would be a pitcher with a good era and lots of strikeouts.

Q: How much time do you spend on your Hardball Dynasty teams? How much do you think is necessary to be competitive?
A: I'm on every cycle and spend about 30 minutes. I think you have to keep a limited number of teams to devote enough time to be competitive.

Q: Who are the users you respect the most?
A: I respect the commisioners, you do a great job of keeping us informed and keeping the league running smoothly

Q: What is your favorite aspect of HBD?
A: the 31 other owners, it's a great place to have fun as we compete

Q: What is your least favorite aspect of Hardball Dynasty? As it is still a relatively new game, if you could change three things about HBD, what would they be?
A: Coach hiring is the worst. We should be able to hire for multiple seasons and be done with it.

Q: If you were in one of our games, which sport would you play? At which position? And, what would you be rated?
A: HBD Baseball, Second Base. High contact, great glove and base stealing threat.

NEWSBREAK: Welcome new owners for season 10

We have two new owners for season 10.

• Johnnydancer returns to the franchise he had previously, replacing Spainard and moving the team from Nashville to Santa Fe.
• Reigny, a hardball veteran, has replaced Jwrap and moved the AL East team from New York to Burlington. Jwrap says he is likely to return next season with a different franchise, if we have an opening.

BLOG INTERVIEW: Buddy bee

Wichita Thatita (NL) buddy_bee View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Who is buddy_bee?
My name is Peter. I am 22 and attend Yale University. I am from Hartford, CT and Buddy Bee was the name of the mascot of the former Red Sox AA affiliate in New Britain, CT.

How did you learn about whatifsports.com?
I read an article on Slate.com about an “addiction” to online simulated baseball and figured I’d check it out. I stared playing a little more than one year ago.

Which games of ours have you played?
Except for one sad forgotten season of Gridiron Dynasty, only HBD. I bounced around a few leagues and had multiple teams at one time, but now the Wichita Thatitas are my only HBD team.

Besides sports, what are some of your other interests and hobbies?
Music videos, movies, singing, politics.

Which five people, past or present sit at your dream roundtable discussion?
Michel Gondry, David Foster Wallace, Jhumpa Lahiri, Neil Armstrong, Jacques Cousteau, and a sixth: Magellan

Who are your favorite players of all-time?
Ken Griffey Jr., Ichiro Suzuki, Tony Gwynn, Ricky Henderson, (and hopefully on that list will be Kevin Youkilis and Dustin Pedroia when I am an old(er) man)

Which are your favorite teams of all-time? Did you play baseball or basketball (or other sports) growing up?
Played baseball year-round until my size or lack thereof, 4’8” 90 lbs. soaking wet, led me to track and cross country in high school.

What is the top sports related thing you want to do in life that you have not yet done?What would you consider your greatest WIS moment?
Having not yet had too much playoff success, I have to say knocking off the three seed the last 2 years as the six seed in the NL playoffs.

In Hardball Dynasty, how do allocate your budget?
I have kept my payroll pretty low (around $60 million) since I took over this team, but I am looking to make a push in upcoming seasons as I have a very solid young core of players who I think can help me move further in the playoffs. I am very interested to see how I decide to manage my payroll as they become arbitration eligible and I decide who gets long-term deals. It will really depend on how well I have drafted. I have some very big payroll decisions to make in about 3-5 seasons. I like to max out Training and keep Medical pretty high. I do about $11-$12 million for Coaches and have been satisfied with the results. I will look over my minors and see which levels have my better players and spend on better coaches there.

How do you approach off-season events with players such as arbitration and free agency?
I have been really reluctant to give away draft picks in the last few seasons because players stick to singing slot money and for $10 million in a draft you can get 5 times the return on an IFA, so I have been pretty low-key in signing type-A FA’s. However, I have been able to make some solid signings with B’s and waiting until after the free-agent signing period. I prefer to have stability in my payroll and so I will usually sign a guy long-term or cut him loose after two arb-cycles at the most. I also like getting back draft picks so I try to plan to be able to let guys go and have a replacement ready so I can pick up some extra draft picks.

What is your general strategy for hiring/re-hiring coaches?
I hate having to re-hire coaches every year. I am willing to overspend a little money in the minors where I will have the players I see as definite future MLers and to get solid ML coaches.

How do you finalize rosters at each level? What role does spring training play in your decision-making?
My ML roster is usually finalized before the season starts and then I use FA or trades to fill any holes that I see in my roster. Spring training is only a development tool for me and has no effect on my rosters. My ML roster is the only roster where I am looking to win. I consider all the minor leagues to be only a development tool and besides my legitimate ML prospects I could care less about most of the minor league players. I keep tabs on all my legit prospects and make sure they do not sit in low levels and try to sneak an extra promotion growth bonus. I start all prospects (good IFAs included) in Rookie ball to take full advantage of possible promotion bonuses. I move my prospects up a level a year and base promotions not on performance but on how close they are to their projected ratings.

What is your basic strategy for setting your starting lineups and pitching rotation?
For batting it is all about OBP and SLG. Get guys on base and then drive them in with homers. I have made a concerted effort to get walks as I play in a pitchers park and now for the first time I am leading the Majors in BB which is pretty exciting.

What do you believe are the most important individual player ratings for performance?
Batting Eye and Power for offense. Control and L/R Splits for pitching, although I have come to put more stock in individual pitch splits as well. I think that finding a good pitcher (aside from obvious studs) is a bit more nuanced than hitting.

How do you approach in-season player events like the draft, international prospects, waivers and promotions/demotions?
I am always checking out waivers to try and grab some who can help. I got Scott Priest off waivers and he is a real solid SP2. I am very careful about promotions with legit prospects and try to time them to get an extra improvement cycle, and I never demote a legit prospect. But if I don’t think a guy will be an MLer I don’t care where he plays and will move guys all around my minor league system to fill holes. I like the draft a lot. First I set my draft settings and then I go through the lists of players sorting them by projected stats to eliminate high overall rated but not good players. I always hand rank through my second round picks so that I know who the worst guy I can get will be. This last draft I actually got the first guy on my board with the 19th pick because I think people had concerns about his health, but if I can keep him healthy and get him to the ML he will be probably the best 2B in the game. I only look at IFA’s after the draft. Then I know my payroll situation and can transfer extra if I want and I can go after the guys I want without having to worry about signing draft picks.

Do you think your strategy will be conducive to building a multi-season dynasty? Or, do you feel that your team may be great for a couple seasons, but then must rebuild?
If I can keep bringing in good talent in the draft I think I definitely can. Ask me in 4 seasons because I will have a lot of young talent that will be hitting arbitration and needing long term deals and if I can keep payroll under control and still bring in good players in the draft then I should be OK. I don’t think I will let myself totally sellout the future and go high payroll but if I really want a WS, who knows.

Do you have any favorite players from any of your HBD teams?
I like Ricardo Ordonez because he was my first draft pick after I took this team over, as well as Scott Priest because he was one of the first players I brought in.

How much time do you spend on your Hardball Dynasty teams? How much do you think is necessary to be competitive?
A few more hours than I should right after rollover and the draft, but besides from that just enough time to check in and maybe explore a trade now and then. I don’t think it takes too much time, but again ask me in 3 seasons after my remake of the franchise is almost totally put in place and we’ll see if I’m right.

What is your favorite aspect of HBD?
Play by play box scores, without those I think the game would be too shallow to really enjoy.

What is your least favorite aspect of Hardball Dynasty? As it is still a relatively new game, if you could change three things about HBD, what would they be?
I’ll just say coach hiring since it always bugs me whenever I have to do it. But three changes hmmm … The only real change I can come up with would be to allow some way for established leagues and owners to exceed some of the precautionary measures against team destruction like 5 year contracts and limited budget changes year to year. I plan on staying in this league for a while and it would be nice to sign a good player to a longer deal than 5 years, as well as have total control of my budget. Just a random though I had while filling this out. I don’t expect HBD to be exactly like MLB (and don’t think it would be best), but I find the greatest disconnect is that HBD is much more of a budget management game because of the predictable player development and well defined attribute system. This means that the value of drafts picks increases exponentially because the only uncertainty is the depth a the talent pool, not the talent of individual players. When you give up a pick it is not on a possible Mler, you know exactly what you passed up immediately after the draft and it will certainly affect your team down the line. However, without solid play growth models and defined attributes it would be extremely hard to define talent and really frustrating to develop and draft players. I see HBD as much more of a strategy game between owners, especially with the same budget, as opposed to the “business” of baseball and the tough job of picking and developing possible ML talent.

If you were in one of our games, which sport would you play? At which position? And, what would you be rated?
I'd be a singles hitting defensive oriented CFer with a high OBP and 35-40 stolen bags a year.

BLOG INTERVIEW: Captain10A

Tucson Scarlet Fire (NL) captain10a View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Who is Captain10a?
Cap is a 28 year old, youth minister at St. Joseph Church. I live in New Jersey, near the car theft capital of Newark. I graduated from Montclair State University with a degree in History and Political Science. I love the Yankees, they are my first sports passion. I am also a fan of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Rutgers Football, and the New York Rangers.

How did you learn about whatifsports.com?
From a weekly email that I receive from a youth ministry Web site. Each week they send out a newsletter and in one of them, it had links to other interesting Web sites. I love sports, so I went to it and was hooked.

Which games of ours have you played?
Used to play Gridiron Dynasty, but didn't like that the season was so short, it flew by. I then gave HBD a try, I currently have 4 teams, which is maybe just 1 too many, but I manage well.

Besides sports, what are some of your other interests and hobbies?
I actually started reading a lot. I love books on baseball, history, and religion. I love taking a book down to the Jersey shore. Sunday BBQ's are a favorite, I enjoy cooking outside.

Which five people, past or present, sit at your dream roundtable discussion?
Saint Paul, George Washington, John Adams, Phil Rizzuto, Joe Namath

Who are your favorite players of all-time?
I loved watching Ryne Sandberg and Jeff Bagwell. Paul O'Neill was the heart and soul of the Yankee Dynasty in the late 90's, he helped make you passionate. Dan Marino it was fun to watch him throw to Clayton and Duper. Brian Leetch was always the epitome of class for the New York Rangers.

Which are your favorite teams of all-time?
The 1994 Stanley Cup championship New York Rangers. I remember every playoff game. Messier guaranteeing victory and then scoring a hat trick, Leetch, Ricther stoning Pavel Bure on a penalty shot, Graves scoring 50 goals, Matteau's wrap around to beat the Devils in 2OT. That was a great season. The 1998 Yankees were the most dominant team that I ever saw, but the 1996 team was a lot of fun and it was the first of the Yanks championships since '78, so the town was going nuts.

Did you play baseball or basketball (or other sports) growing up?
I played baseball, hockey, and football. Hockey and baseball were my favorites. I started playing Roller Hockey in high school and played in some big tounraments all over the country which was very cool. My baseball playing has turned into softball, which I actually enjoy a lot.

What is the top sports-related thing you want to do in life that you have not yet done?
I am currently in the midst of seeing every MLB stadium. I have 8 down , so I still have a ways to go. I enjoy seeing the different parks, the local beers and local foods at each stadium. I have also never rushed the field at a college game. Rutgers gave me some oppotunities, but I watched them on tv.

What would you consider your greatest WIS moment?
I am still without a championship, so my greatest moment had to be the 20 game turn around that my Cincinnati team made in Public Works from season 5 to season 6. I took over a team and built it up with homegrown players.

In Hardball Dynasty, how do allocate your budget?
I like to get as close to max on advanced scouting, medical and health. I then usually put more cash into college scouting. I try to keep players' salary around 70 to 60 Million.

How do you approach off-season events with players such as arbitration and free agency?
I don't really sign any big free agents. Their prices get out of hand quickly. I usualy use free agency for the bullpen and maybe a platoon player. I usually try to lock up a good player by the 2nd time he is in arbitrtation.

What is your general strategy for hiring/re-hiring coaches?
I try to rehire as many coaches as possible, unless they are really bad ratings wise, but most of the time I get good to pretty good coaches. I may overpay for minor league coaches if I have good prospects at that level.

How do you finalize rosters at each level? What role does spring training play in your decision making?
I hate spring training, I shuffle line-ups a lot to keep AB's and innings pitched down. I usually have my team set, but I may try out a couple Rule 5 players that I picked up.

What is your basic strategy for setting your starting lineups and pitching rotation?
I run a 5 man rotation, but have been considering going to a 4 if I can get 3 high quality pitchers. My bullpen usually has 3 LR and 4 SU. For my lineup, I usally look for guys with a good Batting Eye at the top and good splits throughout the lineup. I do platoon players, so I may have a someone with hgih vRH and another who has a high vLH.

What do you believe are the most important individual player ratings for performance?
I love guys with high batting-eye ratings. I also like high R/L ratings. And both have to be about the same. For pitchers I look for guys with a good R/L rating with both being similar and at least 2 top pitches and a 3rd good one.

How do you approach in-season player events like the draft, international prospects, waivers and promotions/demotions?
I spend a good amount of time preparing for the draft and I have done well recently especially in the rounds 2-8, I have found ML players even in the 10th round, there are a lot of good relievers if you look for them. I usuall sign one IFA but don't spend more than 5 million on them. I check the waiver wire all the time for a good replacement. I rarely demote players, but promote minor leaguers in season to keep them progressing.

Do you think your strategy will be conducive to building a multi-season dynasty? Or, do you feel that your team may be great for a couple seasons, but then must rebuild?
Once my strategy is in place, I think it will build a solid team for years to come. Even when I draft later in the first round, I still am able to come up with good players. I am just getting to a point where my young talent is hitting arbitration and free agency, so we will see how much I can retain with a resonable budget.

Do you have any favorite players from any of your HBD teams?
Theodore Green is an upcoming pitcher on my Cincinnati team in Public Works, one of my first draft picks, so I have seen him develop. He is going to be a stud. Howie Thomas has been on the team since I took over, he is the proto type player for me and my teams.

How much time do you spend on your Hardball Dynasty teams? How much do you think is necessary to be competitive?
I check in each cycle and usually late night is when I do a lot of catching up and looking in on the minor leagues. I micro manage a lot so, usually each day I check on a different team's minor league system. All in all, I spend about an hour a day. I like the way it helps me to unwind at night.

Who are the users you respect the most?
JJconcy helped me when I first came into the game. Pancho11 and the other long-time owners in Public Works. Jaymd is my AL East rival in there and he keeps me on my toes. Mfoster is a very involved owner and puts alot into the game, I like to see that kind of passion.

What is your favorite aspect of HBD?
I really like the complexity of the game. I like hobbies that make me think and this one keeps my brain going, but still distracts me from work when I need it to. I also like getting to play against others who have a passion for baseball.

What is your least favorite aspect of Hardball Dynasty? As it is still a relatively new game, if you could change three things about HBD, what would they be?
Coach hiring of course is annoying. A GM should be able to sign a coach for 2-3 years. It doesn't make sense when good coaches want to leave when I am going to give them good money to stay on the team they are on. I think there are too many worlds right now and that it gets frustrating waiting to fill 4 spots in a world. Not sure what to do about that though. I also would change the GM page, so that you can do a few moves at a time. It would speed things up if I could add some one to the DL and activate a player in the same move. Maybe give each player a drop down with the options in them.

If you were in one of our games, which sport would you play? At which position? And, what would you be rated?
I would be in HBD. I would be a SS or 2B with good contact, no power and decent splits. I would be good defensively, but my range would decline each year. After each game, I would need to ice my arm and have a few beers to recover for the next game.