2043 Media Day

[earlweaver]

Time for our annual preseason media day.  Spring training is about to begin.  If you have time, answer these questions and let the league know what you have been upto

1.  In general, how did the offseason go?
2.  What's the most significant change you made to your team?
3.  Who are you going to miss the most off of last years team?
4.  Did ootp18 do anything to change your strategy?  Did you make any adjustments?
5.  Whose the worst dude in the league.  The one player you hate.  The one player you wish a career ending injury to every day?(Will Taylor)
6.  What's your greatest moment in the PBL?  Win, signing, trade, whatever, just that moment you look back on fondly!
7.  Who is your biggest rival, and, will they win a World Series in the next 5 years?
8.  PBL World Series prediction.  Who is playing and who is winning.

[Peter - Boston Red Sox]

1. In general, how did the offseason go?

The Cubs made the postseason for the first time in years last season.  The goal going into the offseason was to 1) Acquire a lockdown closer, 2) Improve the depleted farm system, and 3) Re-sign Jose Baez.  We accomplished all three!  Tim Fernandez was brought in to lock things up in the 9th inning.  His pedigree is impressive and he is still young at just 27 y/o.  Several young players were brought in when the Cubs traded Pantoja and Aitcheson.  3B Mark Cochran (from SF) and RF Kevin Edwards (from MN) are looking like they may be able to make an impact this season. 

Cubs fans were hugely disappointed with the trades of Aitcheson and Pantoja.  We will miss certainly miss their bats!  Two fantastic players who I am positive will do well for their new teams. 

 
2. What's the most significant change you made to your team?

Trading Pantoja and Aitcheson.  Not sure how I can replace Pantoja's BA and power. 

3. Who are you going to miss the most off of last years team?

Shocker....Alfredo Pantoja!  Without a doubt. 

4. Did ootp18 do anything to change your strategy? Did you make any adjustments?

I am paying more attention to the clubhouse.  It seems like my guys played harder last season when the clubhouse was "ecstatic."  I'm watching a little more for clubhouse leaders and guys who will be positive influences on the team. 

5. Whose the worst dude in the league. The one player you hate. The one player you wish a career ending injury to every day?(Will Taylor)

I dislike Jose Vera and Jeremy Miller of the Reds. 

6. What's your greatest moment in the PBL? Win, signing, trade, whatever, just that moment you look back on fondly!

Ending the Cub's 10 season playoff drought.  Guiding the team to an over .500 record for the first time in 10 seasons.

 
7. Who is your biggest rival, and, will they win a World Series in the next 5 years?

The Reds.  They made a bunch of moves this offseason including bringing in former Cub SP/RP Gabe Camacho.  I hated trading Camacho to the Indians last season but financial woes made it necessary to do so.   

8. PBL World Series prediction. Who is playing and who is winning.

Cubs and Twins.  Cubs in 7.  Bullpen is stronger this season and the starting rotation should be much better with a full season of Jose Baez, Jeff Lewis, John Miller, and Trinidad.  I have a feeling a couple of the youngsters I picked up in trades this offseason will contribute this season.  I am fired up!  Let's play!      

[MetDaMeats]

1. In general, how did the offseason go?
Eh. The trading block's been real quiet this winter. I picked up a few guys to hit from the left hand side, and lost out on a couple free-agent relievers. Nothing major. 

2. What's the most significant change you made to your team?
Traded our 4th outfielder for a minor league reliever...

3. Who are you going to miss the most off of last years team?
Maybe Orlando Dominguez? He wasn't a bad reliever when he was healthy.

4. Did ootp18 do anything to change your strategy? Did you make any adjustments?
None.

5. Whose the worst dude in the league. The one player you hate. The one player you wish a career ending injury to every day?(Will Taylor)
You know who gave me fits in the playoffs last year? Joe De Ios on the Dodgers. He always seemed to be getting inconvenient hits when I could least afford them.

6. What's your greatest moment in the PBL? Win, signing, trade, whatever, just that moment you look back on fondly!
I can't think of any big events occurring recently...

7. Who is your biggest rival, and, will they win a World Series in the next 5 years?
The Oakland Athletics. Any team with Orlando Perez has a chance to take it all.

8. PBL World Series prediction. Who is playing and who is winning.
The Colorado Rockies repeat. Against... I dunno. The Pirates? Seems like a safe bet they'll take the NL.

[Commish_Ron]

1. In general, how did the offseason go?
It went well.  Getting out from under Rivera's contract allowed for some much needed financial flexibility.

2. What's the most significant change you made to your team?
Padres added $16 million to this seasons salary and brought in 6 badly needed arms off the free agent pool to supplement their suffering pitching staff.

3. Who are you going to miss the most off of last years team?
Arturo Rivera.  It is definitely with mixed emotions that we see him go.  It is huge to be out from under that contract but he was arguably the best player to ever don a Padres uniform.

4. Did ootp18 do anything to change your strategy? Did you make any adjustments?
0.5 star RP Victor Sanchez has a shot at making the squad just because he is a prankster.

5. Whose the worst dude in the league. The one player you hate. The one player you wish a career ending injury to every day?(Will Taylor)
No one at the moment.  It used to be anyone from the Diamondbacks pitching staff but honestly I've been a little checked out the last couple seasons as the Padres had to rebuild again.  You have to emotionally detach a little when you know you are not going to be good.

6. What's your greatest moment in the PBL? Win, signing, trade, whatever, just that moment you look back on fondly!
5 consecutive 100 win seasons with 2 championships was a really fun run.

7. Who is your biggest rival, and, will they win a World Series in the next 5 years?
Pretty much even between Giants, Diamondbacks and Dodgers.  We have all had success and gone head to head with great teams.  Absolutely the NL West will get a championship in the next 5 years.  Print it.

8. PBL World Series prediction. Who is playing and who is winning.
Pirates over Indians.

[Ryan_NatsGM]

1. In general, how did the offseason go?
About as well as I could expect. The free agent market was a little thin, but a substantial budget increase let me aggressively pursue short term solutions. We've added some senior citizens impact vets to go along with our younger core, and should have our best team in over a decade.

2. What's the most significant change you made to your team?
Brought in Mike Lucas and Warren Smith to add some firepower to the top of a previously solid-but-unspectacular rotation. Also added some Raymond Harrington guy who's probably a future HOFer, but if Giralldo Croner can't get in then who knows.

3. Who are you going to miss the most off of last years team?
There's still a chance I resign Chris Sampson, so I'll go with longtime Nationals fixture SP Jim Mallon. Doomed with fans for being know as pretty much all we got out of the Mario Soto trade, he was never anywhere close to an all-star, but could be counted on to deliver league average numbers year in and year out.

4. Did ootp18 do anything to change your strategy? Did you make any adjustments?
Nothing yet. I mostly tuned out at let the people who knew what they were doing work through the conversion issues.

5. Whose the worst dude in the league. The one player you hate. The one player you wish a career ending injury to every day?(Will Taylor)
No one I really hate, but I remember John Watts just destroying us in a three game series in 2041 back when we were trying to crash the playoff race.

6. What's your greatest moment in the PBL? Win, signing, trade, whatever, just that moment you look back on fondly!
Get back to me in a year.

7. Who is your biggest rival, and, will they win a World Series in the next 5 years?
Atlanta is the team to beat in the NL South, but I have to get a lot closer to them before I'd consider it a rivalry. Decent chance they win a title in the next five years considering they won 103 last year and still have a handful of top 100 prospects waiting in the wings.

8. PBL World Series prediction. Who is playing and who is winning.
Pittsburgh over Oakland in 5.

[Mac_Yankees GM]

1. In general, how did the offseason go?
Very well actually. I was able to add a veteran starting pitcher in 15 game winner Dave Bean to head my young and getting even younger rotation. I finally added the power hitting right fielder to boost my high average/low punch outfield with the acquisition of Patrick Bennett from the Mets. And in effort to upgrade last season's bullpen the Warhounds signed Iron Man reliever Alejandro De Jesus. De Jesus has delivered 40 or more games for 12 straight seasons and should provide depth to an improving relief corps.

2. What's the most significant change you made to your team?
As has been the case the past few seasons the most significant changes are going to come from within as young prospects graduate to the big club. 2 years ago it was Jose Garza and Jose Jimenez. Last season it was Manuel Rosado. This season look for a trio of rookie contributors in Carolina. 1st baseman Clint Lindsey has hit .371 and .354 in Double A and Triple A the past 2 seasons and shows every indication that he ready to star in the show. Left fielder Jim Shaw was risen rapidly through the farm system since being drafted in first round just a year ago. Like Lindsay he projects to be a high average, high on base guy. The 3rd guy to watch is starting pitcher Howard Nichols. Nichols was first round draft pick in 2040 and has been successful at each level. He might not break camp with the Warhounds but he it is almost certain he will be pitching major league innings this season. 

3. Who are you going to miss the most off of last years team?
There really is no one from last years 92 loss season that has departed that I am really going to miss. 

4. Did ootp18 do anything to change your strategy? Did you make any adjustments?
No not really. I am just trying to stay faithful to the rebuilding plan I started 2 seasons ago. Step 1 was to rebuild the depleted farm system which we have accomplished and now have a solid group of prospects throughout the organization. Step 2 was to fix the financials. After 3 seasons of bleeding red ink, we turned a small profit season and now look to be on solid financial ground now with a $25m profit projection. So I am staying the course.

5. Whose the worst dude in the league. The one player you hate. The one player you wish a career ending injury to every day?
No comment 

6. What's your greatest moment in the PBL? Win, signing, trade, whatever, just that moment you look back on fondly!
I have nothing to brag about yet. Hopefully soon.

7. Who is your biggest rival, and, will they win a World Series in the next 5 years?
The Braves have been at the top of the division every year since since I have joined the league, so yeah their my biggest rival. As far as a World Series goes, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if they take home the trophy this season.

8. PBL World Series prediction. Who is playing and who is winning.
Atlanta beats Boston in 7

[David_ExposGM]

1. In general, how did the off-season go?
Slowly and methodically moving the chess pieces on the board to try and make something out of nothing in Montreal as we continue to focus well into the future. Actually, at this point, it's still more like moving the checkers pieces on the board, I would not qualify things in Montreal as "chess" quite yet. But, we improved in my mind and that is the main idea behind any and every off-season. How much, we shall see.

2. What's the most significant change you made to your team?
Hard question because there really is not one "significant" change to be made yet. I made lots of small changes to work to a much larger goal.
- I used our moderate profit and increase in budget from the owner to adjust our scouting and development budgets.
- I waited and then pulled the trigger on several deals to bring in some veteran talent to try and look respectable while our youth develops.
- I combed through our minors to make sure we're developing our talent. And "owner goal" is to be #6 farm or better and we sit at #8 as I write this (and have actually dropped a bit this off-season as prospects advance and retreat a bit).
- I resisted doing anything drastic with our ticket prices, having made significant adjustments last season to tweak the prices (down) to maximize the attendance so that when we do edge it up, hopefully the attendance numbers will stay and the revenue pour in. Another "owner goal" is to reach 41,000 through the gate, which we should this season). The result on the graph was interesting.



3. Who are you going to miss the most off of last years team?
We don't have the kind of talent one would miss should they depart... yet.

4. Did ootp18 do anything to change your strategy? Did you make any adjustments?
Gonna say no.

5. Whose the worst dude in the league. The one player you hate. The one player you wish a career ending injury to every day?(Will Taylor)
Haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate
Players gonna play, play, play, play, play
I just Shake it Off!

6. What's your greatest moment in the PBL? Win, signing, trade, whatever, just that moment you look back on fondly!
Making the post-season for the first time after building up the Angels. Fully expecting that same feeling someday in Montreal. Great being a relative term of course, because the minute you pass that first hurdle, you set another and in the NL East, there are plenty to set and pass for years to come.

7. Who is your biggest rival, and, will they win a World Series in the next 5 years?
Might have said this last season, but I still consider the Mets to be my biggest (and gladly say friendly) rival. We're both building for the future and (and I am certainly not discounting Philadelphia at all, but they're just on a different development arc at the moment) we both have a common, and substantial, obstacle in the division.
Should either of us happen to exceed our goals in the future, I would be totally thrilled!

8. PBL World Series prediction. Who is playing and who is winning.
Oakland and Atlanta this year and OAK takes it in 7 games!




Good Luck everyone!!!

[NickP_DBacksGM]

1.  In general, how did the offseason go?

Great! We had a plan to upgrade the offense and I believe we did so.

2.  What's the most significant change you made to your team?

Adding a leader in DH Richmond to anchor our lineup was priority #1.

3.  Who are you going to miss the most off of last years team?

SP Camacho that we dealt to Cincy, could have a break out year and we'll miss the player but not the 16mil he was owed.

4.  Did ootp18 do anything to change your strategy?  Did you make any adjustments?

Not really. You just have to hope your prospects are treated fairly during the transition.

5.  Whose the worst dude in the league.  The one player you hate.  The one player you wish a career ending injury to every day?(Will Taylor)

Anyone on the Twinkies will do.

6.  What's your greatest moment in the PBL?  Win, signing, trade, whatever, just that moment you look back on fondly!

The day Dad and I decided to combine our talents to run the Indians. It's been cool to see us focus on one team and to have it pay off with success.

7.  Who is your biggest rival, and, will they win a World Series in the next 5 years?

Twinkies & no.

8.  PBL World Series prediction.  Who is playing and who is winning.

Atlanta & LAA

Atlanta in 6.

[Sean_RedsGM]

1. In general, how did the offseason go?
Overall, I think we filled most of our needs. The free agent market wasn't as strong as past years, so we had to acquire some of our needs through trades. We were in on SP Mike Lucas, but that GM in Washington gave him an extra guaranteed year. I don't blame Lucas one bit, but when SP Gabriel Camacho became available we had to pull the trigger.
 
2. What's the most significant change you made to your team?
Our starting pitching in general has always seemed to be one of our strong points, so I'm going to go with our starting LF and leadoff man Jeremy Cooper. Cooper fits our need for a true leadoff man and plays strong defense in LF. His addition allows us to slot the rest of the lineup into better roles for their production. Jeremy Miller will slot into the 2 hole with Roberto Limon slotting into the 5 spot. In past years, Miller and Limon could be seen regularly in the 1-2 spots of our lineup.

3. Who are you going to miss the most off of last years team?

Since I have to pick someone, Dave Bean. We will miss his leadership, especially as we transition to a younger rotation but we will not miss his $24.5 mil per year contract. Injuries suck, and last year Bean finally put up decent numbers/stayed healthy.

4. Did ootp18 do anything to change your strategy? Did you make any adjustments?
Nothing too major. Each version of the game seems to change just enough to make things interesting. 

5. Whose the worst dude in the league. The one player you hate. The one player you wish a career ending injury to every day?(Will Taylor)
Every year it's the same guy for me, 3B Myles Howard. For some reason, he seems to alternate having really good years. Last year wasn't so hot, so here's to hoping for a rebound! He's always confused me though because it seems like after putting up good numbers he takes a hit in his ratings.

6. What's your greatest moment in the PBL? Win, signing, trade, whatever, just that moment you look back on fondly!
Winning the NL Central 9 out of 10 seasons has to be it, but I still haven't completed my ultimate goal which is to bring a Championship back to Cincinnati.

7. Who is your biggest rival, and, will they win a World Series in the next 5 years?
I've had a few side rivalries in the past but the one true rivalry for the Reds would be with Pittsburgh. We've had 3-1 leads in the playoffs only to have Shane and his Pirates come back and knock us out. I wouldn't call it a rivalry where the two teams hate each others guts though. It's more of a respect deal from the Reds perspective, and we respect what the Pirates have built. To be the best, you gotta beat the best!

8. PBL World Series prediction. Who is playing and who is winning.
The AL East is always strong, with Boston and Baltimore leading the division but I wouldn't look past New York. They are quietly rebuilding that franchise with young talent. This might not be their year to truly compete for the division, but they aren't that far behind. Toronto has some nice young pieces as well, especially with the middle infield tandem of Miles and Boucher.

The AL Central looks to be a two team race between the Twins and Indians. The Twins look to be slightly ahead, lead by 1B Cal Stone who appears to be the player that most don't know about but should. He's like a Jose Vera that can play elite defense too.

The AL West is going to quite the battle to watch this year. Three teams arguably have a shot at taking the division (Colorado, LA, and Oakland). I'm not going to bet against Duane Hansen though, so I think Colorado's balanced lineup will prevail there.

The AL South appears to be the Rays to lose but the Rangers are building something there to compete again in the near future. This might not be their year but they are trending in the right direction.

I'm going Rockies vs Pirates in 6 games with the Pirates prevailing. 

[earlweaver]

1. In general, how did the offseason go?

Weird offseason.  We got two big budget bumps, and didn't really have alot to spend it on.  So it went well, just felt different

2. What's the most significant change you made to your team?

The trade of Greg Larmour, and the addition of his replacement Charles Edouard Poulin to replace him.  Larmour is a beast, but probably needs a new team every 2-3 year, as he can be a cancer.  I felt Poulin was a top 3 bat available in free agency, and was excited to pick him up.

3. Who are you going to miss the most off of last years team?

Mike Preston joined the Boston Red Sox.  I wanted him to be a lifer in Baltimore, but he just wanted to get paid.  Mike i was gonna bring you back, you just had to be patient.  It's ok.  I will forgive you, eventually.  The fans will forgive you, eventually. 

4. Did ootp18 do anything to change your strategy? Did you make any adjustments?

Paid closer attention to the clubhouse.  According to OOTP18, our clubhouse was bad.  No leadership. That's changed.

5. Whose the worst dude in the league. The one player you hate. The one player you wish a career ending injury to every day?(Will Taylor)

Um, Will Taylor.  He's easily the worst person in the league.  That loser just admitted in the news that last year was his fault.  That's BIG of you Will.  Redeem yourself on the mound.

6. What's your greatest moment in the PBL? Win, signing, trade, whatever, just that moment you look back on fondly!

Winning my World Series title.  No doubt.  It's why we are playing.  I am lucky enough to have that experience.

7. Who is your biggest rival, and, will they win a World Series in the next 5 years?

The Boston Red Sox.  We play 121 times a season.  We play in the playoffs alot, and we are always battling in the division.  Yes, they will win a World Series in the next 5 years.  Derek is too good not too.

8. PBL World Series prediction. Who is playing and who is winning.

The Dodgers are still great, the Rockies are the champs, theres a lot of very good teams oer there.  Is it the Braves time?  I say Dodgers win the NL pennant!

[Dustin Ackley]

Jun 19, 2017 8:54:54 GMT -5 earlweaver said:

Is it the Braves time?

I hope it is....

[BrianTwins]

1. In general, how did the offseason go?

Overall it went very well. The biggest challenge this offseason was the departure of many members of the bullpen via free agency. Goal number one was to shore up the back end of the pitching staff. This was accomplished by the re-signing of Sherman Robinson, who has been a quality innings eater over the past two seasons, and by the free agency additions of Donald Morgan and Gilberto Rivera. Rivera also brings added insurance to the starting rotation as a potential veteran spot starter should the need arise. Filling out the 5th starting spot is likely going to be rookie Masa Washington. Towards the end of last season Washington was able to improve his control ratings to a level which should allow him to cut down on his walk rate and provide the team an opportunity to be competitive when it is his turn in the rotation.

The second goal of the offseason was to improve the collective offensive production from the outfield. The addition of Joe Aitcheson as a high caliber leadoff hitter will go a long way towards accomplishing this. Young outfielder Bob Simmons came on stronger during the second half of last season, hitting .385 over 96 AB’s during September before being sidelined with a fractured thumb. Hopefully Simmons can continue this upwards trajectory while avoiding another trip to the DL. Possible additions of rookies Louis Montes and Robert Patterson also should provide quality depth at all three outfield positions.

This all should set up the Twins to have solid pitching from top to bottom. The rest becomes the Scott Gains, Cal Stone and Joe Aitcheson show. The Twins should go as far as those bats will take them.

2. What's the most significant change you made to your team?

This offseason it would have to be the addition of Joe Aitcheson. Though the addition of Donald Morgan now gives the bullpen 3 players who could serve as closers if needed.

3. Who are you going to miss the most off of last years team?

Gabor Niepoort was a quality SS that was lost to free agency. If he was healthy, he could be counted on for 3.0+ WAR per season. This year will see top prospect Guillhem Ciaravella take over at SS. Ciaravella should have the tools to succeed, but time will tell.

4. Did ootp18 do anything to change your strategy? Did you make any adjustments?

Not so far.

5. Whose the worst dude in the league. The one player you hate. The one player you wish a career ending injury to every day?(Will Taylor)

Anyone who plays for Texas. They all play for a tyrant of a GM who must be humbled at all costs!

6. What's your greatest moment in the PBL? Win, signing, trade, whatever, just that moment you look back on fondly!

Thus far it would have to be making the playoffs this last year. The Twins had last made the playoffs in 2026, and only had had one season above .500 from 2027-2039.

7. Who is your biggest rival, and, will they win a World Series in the next 5 years?

Texas. By definition, if Texas has won the World Series they would have had to beat the Twins in the playoffs. This will not be allowed.

8. PBL World Series prediction. Who is playing and who is winning.

Twins (duh) over Pirates (Ok...NL, can we talk for a second? Could one of you please take Shane down...I want to pick somebody else...but the bookie in my head is giving me just about 1:1 odds on this one. Prove me wrong please.)

[Tim_GiantsGM]

1. In general, how did the offseason go?

The off-season was a quiet one. Seven veterans became free agents, we negotiated a trade for a much-needed power hitter, and we signed one reliever to add depth to the bullpen.

Fan interest is extremely strong. Season tickets once again are expected to exceed 23,000 seats, thus providing a solid revenue base as we embark on another campaign. We fully expect to maintain average attendance numbers close to capacity. We are projected to earn a decent profit for the year. Financially, we are ready to roll.

On the field, several questions remain outstanding. Spring training should enable the front office team to determine which rookies will travel north with the major league squad. As always, injuries no doubt will play a role in the decision-making process. Hopefully we will avoid any major injuries as we tune up for Opening Day.

2. What's the most significant change you made to your team?

Clearly the acquisition of Alfredo Pantoja was our most significant move. Our offense needed a boost. We are pleased that our lineup features a player with the power to drive in runs while batting in the heart of the order. Home runs are hard to come by in AT&T Park, but Pantoja has the power to deliver.

3. Who are you going to miss the most off of last years team?

Cristian Medina will be missed. Acquired from San Diego in November 2032, Medina was a fixture at shortstop for ten seasons wearing the orange and black. In five of the seasons he compiled a WAR of 4.8 to 6.7. His defensive prowess will be missed as will his normally reliable contributions at the plate, usually batting second in the order.

Also, we fully expect that former closer Danny Winters will fail to make the team this year. Danny began his PBL career in 2032 as a starter before assuming the role of closer. In 2033 he saved 35 games in 35 opportunities - a perfect season. Then he proceeded to register 30 or more saves in eight of nine seasons from 2033 through 2041. Currently he has 312 career saves, a 2.99 career ERA, and a 1.11 career WHIP. Danny always was a fan favorite in San Francisco. We will miss him.

4. Did ootp18 do anything to change your strategy? Did you make any adjustments?

The prevalence of day-to-day injuries, which occur more frequently than in prior versions, has prompted me to pay close attention to the severity and type of injury before I decide whether to: a) DL the player; b) bench the player for x number of days; or, c) allow the player to play through the injury.

5. Who is the worst dude in the league. The one player you hate. The one player you wish a career ending injury to every day?(Will Taylor)

I don't hate any player in the league. And I certainly do not want anyone in the league to suffer a career ending injury. About 12 seasons ago, one of the better players in the league - I don't recall the name at the moment - suffered a CEI before he had an opportunity to truly make his mark. That was terrible.

6. What's your greatest moment in the PBL? Win, signing, trade, whatever, just that moment you look back on fondly!

I look back fondly on 2029, the year in which my Giants won our 3rd consecutive NL West pennant and eventually lost to the Pirates in the NLCS. Following Ramon German as he compiled a 22-4 record and garnered Cy Young Award honors was a real treat.

A second, fond memory was the 2037 season. In that year we set out to rebuild the team and then unexpectedly won 89 games and captured a playoff berth. It was an amazing season of expectations exceeded by leaps and bounds. 

7. Who is your biggest rival, and, will they win a World Series in the next 5 years?

The teams in the NL West are our biggest rivals. Through the years, we have had some tremendous pennant races. The Dodgers could win another title in the next five years, but I hope they do not. 

8. PBL World Series prediction. Who is playing and who is winning.

I will put the hex on the Braves over the Rockies.

[BlueJaysGM_Fin]

1. In general, how did the offseason go?

The off-season was a successful one on many fronts for us. 1) My top pitching prospect, Kevin Lopez, received a generous bump to his ‘stuff’ rating and is ready to anchor our staff; 2) Our fan interest hasn’t been higher since the 2034 season (65); 3) Our projected season ticket sales are 120% higher than last year, with our projected revenue per game up +90% over last season; 4) Our finances have been rebuilt and we are projected to make a profit in the double digits this year. We also loaded up on our development budget to fuel our prospects; 5) The signing of veteran bullpen/outfield depth to shore up the overall depth of the team;
6) Added some additional on-base potential to the lineup

2. What's the most significant change you made to your team?

The most significant change was releasing RP Arturo Sierra. Sierra was signed to a 4 year deal to be an innings eater, and initially was going to be a 4th/5th starter while I continued to develop prospects. Sierra was a 96, 75, 73 ERA+ pitcher for us in the first 3 years of his deal. Within a year of signing, his control rating went from a 5 to a 3. His walk rate went as follows: 6.8, 7.3, 7.4. It was time to cut bait and it is significant because we won’t have his 5.57 ERA as an albatross around the team’s neck anymore!

3. Who are you going to miss the most off of last years team?

I traded OF Patrick Bennett to the Warhounds and wish him well. He was a homegrown talent but the Inn was full, as was the 40 man roster. Someone had to go but his switch-hitting ability with doubles power will be watched from afar with interest.

4. Did ootp18 do anything to change your strategy? Did you make any adjustments?

Why yes, yes it did. Tim hit the nail on the head for some of the new adjustments I will implement when the day to day injuries come along. I also loaded up on depth and feel confident i can sustain short periods of injury time without missing a beat.

5. Whose the worst dude in the league. The one player you hate. The one player you wish a career ending injury to every day?(Will Taylor)

CL Phillip Dalton is my new enemy number one. With a career 2.81 ERA, he was brought in during the off-season for $4M+ to add an experienced bullpen arm. What does he do? Suffers a torn labrum in the first week of Spring Training and is out 7 months. It was a one year deal, so I’m not concerned about the money in the deal. I also have several backups to deploy down there to offset the loss of Dalton. I also won’t wish him a CEI, but holy mother you piece of rat-dropping, couldn’t you at least pitch in a game that matters before going home to collect your money for the season? By the way, your stadium pass has been revoked you smegma.

6. What's your greatest moment in the PBL? Win, signing, trade, whatever, just that moment you look back on fondly!

The 2033 season was a magical ride for the Mets. 97 wins and our one and only playoff appearance, missing the division by 2 games over the tough Pittsburgh Pirates. The season before we won 77 games, the season after we won 73 games. We blew it up in the 2035 season. Tim Rogers led the league in wins with 20 as a 37 year old and a 2.87 ERA. Tony Shelton slashed .326/.385/.530 for a 154 wRC+. Such a great over-achieving team!

7. Who is your biggest rival, and, will they win a World Series in the next 5 years?

I love the friendly rivalry brewing between David’s Expos and I. We are both trying to chase down the toughest, smartest, most impressive GM resume I have witnessed in online OOTP play. Of course I want to challenge Shane and win in the NL East. But I truly respect what David is building in Montreal, and secretly fear what he will put together because of what he did in LAA that motivates me to continue to build a winner in New York. I’m honestly not sure if David will pull it off in 5 years, not to sell him short but because there was such neglect before he got there. He is truly building from the ground up but he is well on his way! With the timing of his take over in Montreal, the next several years are only going to get more interesting!

8. PBL World Series prediction. Who is playing and who is winning.

My prediction is Atlanta to win the NL and play the Cleveland Indians in the WS. Atlanta’s time to shine and win it all!

[Texas Rangers]

1. In general, how did the offseason go?

It was an odd offseason for the Texas Rangers, but in the end it turned out well.  Early on there was a snafu with regards to the switching over to OOTP 18; arbitration and Rule V were unkind to Texas.  After nearly two months of offseason waiting on a ruling from the league Texas received the salaries of a few unwanted players back, and managed to recover via trade four of the six players lost in the Rule V draft.  Then the team's owner, who is a jerk, decided to allow the team an extra $17 million to spend out of nowhere.  It was quickly spent on LHP Rudy Alvarez, RHP Joe Chaney, and 2B Kelvin Boyd.  All were overpays but could be keys in helping a very green Rangers team bridge the gap until a few younger guys are ready to play consistently.  RHP Keith Kent and LHP Kung-zheng An were both signed despite being injured, with the hope that they can provide quality starts later in the season. 

2. What's the most significant change you made to your team?

This year's Rangers team will be by far the deepest squad during the current regime's tenure in Arlington.  This is mostly due to an avalanche of prospects being ready or near ready this year, and the signing of a few vets to hold down the fort until the younger guys are ready to contribute consistently. 

3. Who are you going to miss the most off of last years team?

It would have been nice to retain LHP Jake Sims, but bringing in four veterans who can potentially help provide quality innings should help dull the pain from the loss of Sims.  There are no other players from last year's team that Texas wanted to retain but were unable to. 

4. Did ootp18 do anything to change your strategy?  Did you make any adjustments?

Yes, but accidentally.  The cross up with arbitration and uncertainty of how much money to spend led to a situation where the owner the team more cash right as the decision to restore arbitration money came in, and right at the time when player's salary demands dipped.  Even though all free agents signed this year were likely overpaid, there was no hope early in the offseason to acquire more than one of Alvarez and Boyd, and not only were they signed but a few others were as well.  It worked out pretty well. 

5. Whose the worst dude in the league. The one player you hate. The one player you wish a career ending injury to every day?(Will Taylor)

Texas will never not hate Will Taylor!  This jerk has a disappointing yet still valuable season, then signs for way under market value and comes back 35 pounds lighter and vowing to atone for his poor first season to hell with him who does he think he is?!!?  

(We will now adjourn for 18 minutes of Texas management pacing around the room muttering about Will Taylor)

Upon further review, Texas hates no current player in the league.  Albert Perez having three straight big seasons while not being all that good definitely does not bother Texas, and they are not mad about it. 

6. What's your greatest moment in the PBL? Win, signing, trade, whatever, just that moment you look back on fondly!

Texas' brass is in its sixth season on the job in Arlington with nothing of note to hang their hat on.  The most vivid memory from the run with the Blue Jays was 2B Melvin Burgess hitting a 1 out 8th inning home run when Toronto was 5 outs away from forcing a Game 7 in the 2027 ALCS.  That is still the only League Championship series appearance for this mediocre General Manager.  Rob put out some absolutely awesome Yankees teams during his time there and the Blue Jays were good but could never quite get past them.

7. Who is your biggest rival, and, will they win a World Series in the next 5 years?

The chief rivals to the Texas Rangers are the Twins, whose GM is swine; the White Sox, whose GM is blood; and two division foes, the in state rival Astros and the AL South's resident bully Tampa Bay.  None of these teams will win a World Series within the next 5 seasons.

8. PBL World Series prediction; Who is playing and who is winning.

Colorado will repeat with a victory over another former NL West rival, the San Francisco Giants.  Also, the Texas Rangers will win the AL South, defeat the Minnesota Twins in the first round of the playoffs and then lose to the Baltimore Orioles when Will Taylor throws two gems.  After this, Texas will hate Will Taylor.