Post by Tim_GiantsGM on Mar 9, 2021 15:57:48 GMT -5
1. How did your team perform compared to your expectations in 2057? What happened?
In 2057, we equalled the 91 wins of 2056. However, last season was extremely disappointing. In 2056, we came within a game of reaching the World Series. Last year we failed to make the playoffs. We underachieved the success level we anticipated. Quite simply, we failed to make the most of opportunities to win falling short of the Pythagorean expectation. Our 5th spot in the rotation was weak. Many of the bullpen pitchers struggled to hold leads, and the production at the plate from our outfielders could have been stronger.
2. What was your plan going into this offseason? How did it play out?
Entering the off-season, the goals of the front office team were to add some punch to the starting lineup and to add some depth to the starting rotation. We feel we always can use additional pitching depth in the bullpen, but we felt additional PBL experience will be what the younger, emerging relievers need to enable them to reach their potential, which is on the high side for several.
To add some punch to the lineup, we acquired LF/RF Bill White. White is an established outfielder who most likely will not equal the production he had playing in Milwaukee, but he should have good success with us. The left-handed batter has produced facing both RHP and LHP. Batting in the heart of the order, he should help generate additional runs for the orange and black.
To add some depth to the rotation, we added veteran RHP Henry Watson. We don't expect miracles from Watson, who has toiled out of the bullpen for most of his career, but he can be a capable starter. He has outstanding stamina and excellent stuff which is even more effective working out of the pen. To begin the season, he is pegged as the 5th starter. Whether he remains in the rotation or not, he should provide pitching depth.
We are pleased with these and other moves, which were few in number, we made during the off-season. We are ready for opening day.
3. What is your team's identity? What kind of team are you?
We strive to be a well-rounded team featuring good pitching backed by above average fielding, good hitting, and enough flexibility and depth to deal with the inevitable injuries as they occur. The big three at the top of the rotation - Enrique Vazquez, Jake Moore, and Mel Lutz - are our cornerstone. In addition, Kevin Hendrickson has established himself as a reliable 4th starter. In the bullpen, veteran Pablo Bloem continues to shine in his relatively new closer role. Supporting him are several young arms who are improving as they gain experience.
Supporting the pitching staff is the best collective group if infielders we have had in many, many years with slugger Walt Numbers at 1st, Gold Glove winner Rory Strong at 2nd, durable and surprising Kurt Wood at SS, captain and former MVP & Gold Glove winner Alfonso Salgado at 3rd, and DH/1B Jason Simms. Dependable Frank Taylor will team with White at the corner outfield positions and Todd Williamson & young Jose Roman will platoon in center. Behind the plate, veterans Alberto Perez and Manuel Santana again will guide the pitching staff. The bench features several young players who we feel are capable of producing in supporting roles.
We believe we are a well-rounded, strong team. Whether we have enough to best the Padres for the division title remains to been seen. They have had a stranglehold on the NL West for many years. Perhaps we can put it all together this season.
4. What is your biggest risk this season? If you fall short of expections, what most likely went wrong?
We feel that the biggest risk is an injury to one of our starting pitchers, especially Vazquez, who is extremely popular throughout the Bay Area. Also, we are closely watching the erosion of the quality of Enrique's pitches. At 37 years old, he remains a quality pitcher who we feel will one day be inducted into the PBL Hall of Fame. However, he is not nearly as dominant as he has been throughout his career. At his age, that is to be expected. We just hope he is effective for a while longer, adds to his counting stats, and has an opportunity to compete for a World Series ring.
5. Who do you predict will win your division this season?
We have to predict the San Francisco Giants. There is no time like the present. We are confident we can turn the disappointment of the 2057 season into fuel to propel us to a division title and beyond.
6. In your opinion, what are two or three of the most important screens in OOTP?
First, the various "Rosters & Transactions" screens. After each week of action, I always review the "Waiver & DFA" screen, the "Injured List" screen, and the "Minor Leagues" screen to ensure I adjust player status and rosters as necessary and to comply with PBL rules.
Second, the "Front Office" screen which I use as a dashboard to display key areas including a financial summary, attendance information, budget information, revenue, expenses, and popular players.
7. What is the coolest sports moment you got to witness live?
The most electric, in-person moment occurred when I was a 13-year season ticket holder for the D'backs. My name is on a plaque on the concourse in the CF area that commemorates original season-ticket holders from 1998. My seats were in the 22nd row on the first level just to the 3B side of home plate. Section 123, row 22, seats 6-7. Awesome seats. Anyway...
On May 8, 2001 I was in my seat when Randy Johnson fanned 20 batters in 9 innings. The excitement that built throughout what was then called Bank One Ballpark during the 7th through 9th innings was an experience of a lifetime. The Big Unit was as dominant as any pitcher could be -- 20 strike outs and zero walks. Check it out: Randy Johnson fans 20
8. Predict the PBL 2058 World Series. Teams, winner and number of games.
Houston Astros beat the San Francisco Giants in 6 games.
I might as well show faith in my boys, but to beat Houston...
In 2057, we equalled the 91 wins of 2056. However, last season was extremely disappointing. In 2056, we came within a game of reaching the World Series. Last year we failed to make the playoffs. We underachieved the success level we anticipated. Quite simply, we failed to make the most of opportunities to win falling short of the Pythagorean expectation. Our 5th spot in the rotation was weak. Many of the bullpen pitchers struggled to hold leads, and the production at the plate from our outfielders could have been stronger.
2. What was your plan going into this offseason? How did it play out?
Entering the off-season, the goals of the front office team were to add some punch to the starting lineup and to add some depth to the starting rotation. We feel we always can use additional pitching depth in the bullpen, but we felt additional PBL experience will be what the younger, emerging relievers need to enable them to reach their potential, which is on the high side for several.
To add some punch to the lineup, we acquired LF/RF Bill White. White is an established outfielder who most likely will not equal the production he had playing in Milwaukee, but he should have good success with us. The left-handed batter has produced facing both RHP and LHP. Batting in the heart of the order, he should help generate additional runs for the orange and black.
To add some depth to the rotation, we added veteran RHP Henry Watson. We don't expect miracles from Watson, who has toiled out of the bullpen for most of his career, but he can be a capable starter. He has outstanding stamina and excellent stuff which is even more effective working out of the pen. To begin the season, he is pegged as the 5th starter. Whether he remains in the rotation or not, he should provide pitching depth.
We are pleased with these and other moves, which were few in number, we made during the off-season. We are ready for opening day.
3. What is your team's identity? What kind of team are you?
We strive to be a well-rounded team featuring good pitching backed by above average fielding, good hitting, and enough flexibility and depth to deal with the inevitable injuries as they occur. The big three at the top of the rotation - Enrique Vazquez, Jake Moore, and Mel Lutz - are our cornerstone. In addition, Kevin Hendrickson has established himself as a reliable 4th starter. In the bullpen, veteran Pablo Bloem continues to shine in his relatively new closer role. Supporting him are several young arms who are improving as they gain experience.
Supporting the pitching staff is the best collective group if infielders we have had in many, many years with slugger Walt Numbers at 1st, Gold Glove winner Rory Strong at 2nd, durable and surprising Kurt Wood at SS, captain and former MVP & Gold Glove winner Alfonso Salgado at 3rd, and DH/1B Jason Simms. Dependable Frank Taylor will team with White at the corner outfield positions and Todd Williamson & young Jose Roman will platoon in center. Behind the plate, veterans Alberto Perez and Manuel Santana again will guide the pitching staff. The bench features several young players who we feel are capable of producing in supporting roles.
We believe we are a well-rounded, strong team. Whether we have enough to best the Padres for the division title remains to been seen. They have had a stranglehold on the NL West for many years. Perhaps we can put it all together this season.
4. What is your biggest risk this season? If you fall short of expections, what most likely went wrong?
We feel that the biggest risk is an injury to one of our starting pitchers, especially Vazquez, who is extremely popular throughout the Bay Area. Also, we are closely watching the erosion of the quality of Enrique's pitches. At 37 years old, he remains a quality pitcher who we feel will one day be inducted into the PBL Hall of Fame. However, he is not nearly as dominant as he has been throughout his career. At his age, that is to be expected. We just hope he is effective for a while longer, adds to his counting stats, and has an opportunity to compete for a World Series ring.
5. Who do you predict will win your division this season?
We have to predict the San Francisco Giants. There is no time like the present. We are confident we can turn the disappointment of the 2057 season into fuel to propel us to a division title and beyond.
6. In your opinion, what are two or three of the most important screens in OOTP?
First, the various "Rosters & Transactions" screens. After each week of action, I always review the "Waiver & DFA" screen, the "Injured List" screen, and the "Minor Leagues" screen to ensure I adjust player status and rosters as necessary and to comply with PBL rules.
Second, the "Front Office" screen which I use as a dashboard to display key areas including a financial summary, attendance information, budget information, revenue, expenses, and popular players.
7. What is the coolest sports moment you got to witness live?
The most electric, in-person moment occurred when I was a 13-year season ticket holder for the D'backs. My name is on a plaque on the concourse in the CF area that commemorates original season-ticket holders from 1998. My seats were in the 22nd row on the first level just to the 3B side of home plate. Section 123, row 22, seats 6-7. Awesome seats. Anyway...
On May 8, 2001 I was in my seat when Randy Johnson fanned 20 batters in 9 innings. The excitement that built throughout what was then called Bank One Ballpark during the 7th through 9th innings was an experience of a lifetime. The Big Unit was as dominant as any pitcher could be -- 20 strike outs and zero walks. Check it out: Randy Johnson fans 20
8. Predict the PBL 2058 World Series. Teams, winner and number of games.
Houston Astros beat the San Francisco Giants in 6 games.
I might as well show faith in my boys, but to beat Houston...