Overeducated League Blog

Add one more player available

2009-10-14T09:19:00.000-07:00

I have to add in 1B Eddy Acevedo to the mix of players that can be traded for. He has been making a quick rise through my system and is seemingly ML ready right now. If you want to talk about a trade just e-mail me soon as I am sure he will be moving quickly.

E-mail - jgoldman99@yahoo.com; AIM - jsg3c

FYI, I live in London now so I am 5 hours ahead of you on the east coast and 8 hours ahead on the west coast.

New home

2009-01-25T13:35:00.000-08:00

Hey folks:

You should all have gotten an email from me earlier this afternoon, but in case you didn't or if you check this first --

We've moved. I offered to host the league pages on my server space, and from there, we just pushed everything over to the same place. Hopefully it'll be easier -- you'll only need one address to access everything (oel.bjones.net): League pages, past champions, contact list, blog, anything else we come up with.

Once again, I sent each of you an email to the address I had on record. It has your username and password in order to post and comment. If you didn't get it, leave me a comment here or email and I'll check things out. Please check out the site -- any issues you find, suggestions you have, whatever, leave a comment on the Welcome post I made this afternoon or email me. It's Wordpress, which is pretty self-explanatory to use, but it may be new to you, so if you need any help with it, just shoot me an email and we'll figure it out.

Thanks,
Brent (Cairo)

Sim #7 Completed: Socratic League Tightens

2009-01-23T18:32:00.000-08:00

It's May 6. In the Platonic League, Pittsburgh has opened up a 5.5 game lead over its rivals. Frequent trading partner Cairo stands in second, 1.5 games clear of Miami and 2 up on Stockholm.

Meanwhile, in the Socratic League, Marietta clings to a slender half-game lead over Jersey City and New York. Defending champs Brooklyn have closed to within two games of first place and Gainesville stands only another half-game back. With five teams within 2.5 games of the lead, it looks like a wild race in the Hegel Division.

On the injury front, the only injury was a doozy, as Helena lost reliever Martin Volpe for two months to a torn bicep.

In other news ...

Cairo's young catcher William "The Whammer" Byrd and Jersey City's Basil Gomez captured Player of the Week honors.

On May 1, Cairo demonstrated its need for new closer Ariel Santos as it blew a four-run ninth inning lead to Marietta and lost 6-5 in ten innings. Unfortunately, Santos and Desilva are still in transit, apparently stuck on a snag in the river.

On May 2, Maryland's Baltasar Acevedo gave up just one hit in eight innings in a 4-1 victory over Helena.

On May 3, Cairo pounded Jersey City 11-0, featuring eight shutout innings from Bryan Im.

On May 4, Gainesville rode Lenard Ramirez's eight shutout innings to a 5-0 victory over Miami.

On May 5, Stockholm's Robert "Ogre" Mccree and Cairo's Rafael "Cricket" Palermo, two of the most promising prospects in the game, each clubbed two home runs to lead their teams to victory.

In other news, we're hopefully nearing a solution on hosting the web pages for the league. I'll be testing it later tonight, so check the comments.

League file is uploaded. Nate's got the next sim on Monday.

2005 Draft Lottery

2009-01-22T15:38:00.000-08:00

Just for giggles, here are the current lottery odds, based upon everyone's current record and using the top secret formula selected by the league commissioners.

Cairo - 12.02%
Maryland - 10.85%
Miami - 6.20%
Pittsburgh - 2.71%
Stockholm - 12.02%
Sylva - 12.40%
Brooklyn - 4.65%
Gainesville - 7.75%
Helena - 13.57%
Jersey City - 6.01%
Marietta - 6.98%
New York - 4.84%

The actual lottery will be conducted following the sim ending on May 31, 2005 and using the standings at that time. Also, remember that all 12 positions will be determined by lottery. None of this namby-pamby-first-three-spots only BS.

So, keep dreaming everyone.

P.S. I can't believe I came up with a system where I got a whole 2.71% chance of the first pick. I suck.

Desilva and Santos take a trip down the river

2009-01-21T20:49:00.000-08:00

The Cairo Leveemen, currently in the Platonic League's wildcard slot and 4.5 games behind the leading Pittsburgh Pisces, today attempted to shore up its pitching staff with the acquistion of starter Wilfredo Desilva and closer Ariel Santos, both of the Pisces. In exchange, Cairo ships off middle reliever Dominique Peters and triple-A short stop top prospect Danilo Henriquez. In the deal, Cairo also snagged Pittsburgh's 1st round pick in the 2006 draft.

The Leveemen, smack in the middle of PL pitching with a 4.99 ERA, hopes to add some consistency to its starting rotation with Desilva, coming off his best season yet in 2004 with a 13-7 record and a 3.59 ERA.

Closer Ariel Santos makes a welcome return to Cairo. Pitching in 9 Pisces wins this season, Santos has received saves in eight of them. Over the 8.2 innings, he's compiled an impressive .071 offensive average, allowing just two hits. His 0.00 ERA, 0 homers or walks allowed, 2.08 hits per 9 innings, 2.08 runners per 9 innings, .23 WHIP and the OAVG are all league-leading statistics for relievers. A 2003 and 2004 All-Star, Santos was drafted in the 4th round by Cairo in 2001 and traded to Pittsburgh in July 2003 for starter Chuck Finger. Cairo regrets the error.

Dominique Peters, a 24-year-old middle reliever, accumulated a 2-11 record with 12 saves for Cairo last year, with 1 win and 2 saves so far in 2005.

18-year-old shortstop phenom Danilo Henriquez is batting .313 for Cairo's triple-A affiliate Danville Dans. Henriquez tops the monthly Baseball America Top 100 Prospects report released May 1.

Sim #6 Complete! Draft Pool Now Available!

2009-01-21T19:02:00.000-08:00

In another great first for the OEL there is now a draft pool available for the June draft of amateur talent! While the order of drafters will not be available for a month the players are now available for inspection and review. Go get 'em, boys!

In pennant race news this sim Marietta and Pittsburgh remain in first in their respective leagues while the wildcard races remain competitive. In the Platonic League Cairo holds the top spot for the second spot with three other teams within three games. The Socratic chase is even tighter with Jersey City and New York now tied for second with and Gainesville and Brooklyn less than three games off the pace.

Several minor injuries this sim including Pittsburgh's Amador Zaragosa who somehow bruised his wrist while running the bases. You're doing it wrong, Amador!

In standout games this sim we find on April 27 New York pitcher James Weiler tossing 8 innings of 6 hit, no walk ball only to see his team lose to Stockholm 3-1 reliever Corchado blew the save by allowing 3 runs in the bottom of the ninth! Ouch!

The other standout performance was by starting pitcher Bobby Lowry of Marietta. On the 29th of April Lowry threw a complete game one-hit shutout against Sylva. Lowry lost the no hitter when the first batter in the ninth poked a single through the infield. The Marietta hurler struck out eleven while walking one to turn in the second best pitching performance of the year so far!

Get out there and study the draft pool, players! The list can be seen on the OEL menu under 'Draft Pool'. The next sim is on Friday by Mack! Be there!

2006 Traded Draft Picks

2009-01-20T16:46:00.000-08:00

Per the request from Matt in the free agent compensation draft rules thread, here is the current list of 2006 draft picks that have been traded:

1st Round
Pittsburgh's pick to Cairo (Desilva/Santos trade)

2nd Round
Marietta's pick to Pittsburgh (Pineda trade)
Brooklyn's pick to Pittsburgh (Marcano trade)

3rd Round
Pittsburgh's pick to Jersey City (Pate-Williams trade)
Miami's pick to Pittsburgh (Alcala trade)

10th Round
Stockholm's pick to Pittsburgh (McLaurin trade)
Miami's pick to Pittsburgh (Alcala trade)

I'll try to update this periodically, but I'm not promising anything.

(Note, this is the list of traded picks in the 2006 draft. Not the 2005 Supplemental Amateur Draft. We're not allowing the supplemental draft picks to be traded.)

Updated as of 1/22/09.

Sim #5 Complete - Ro Throws a No-No

2009-01-19T18:16:00.000-08:00

We're almost to the end of April and the big news of the sim was Richard Ro's masterpiece against the Cairo Leveemen on April 21. The young Pisces righthander threw a no-hitter, walking only one and striking out 12. The Pisces' offense contributed more than enough runs to the party, resulting in a 9-0 victory.

No huge changes in the standings. Pittsburgh remains in first in the Platonic League. Miami is three games back and Cairo a half-game beyond them. In the Socratic League, Marietta has a slim half-game lead over New York. Jersey City, Gainesville, and resurgent Brooklyn are all within three games though.

In other news, no injuries this sim! At least, not in the majors. (The minor leagues weren't as lucky.) Good work by the team docs.

Maryland's Marcos Navarro and Brooklyn's Pedro Sequiros took home Player of the Week honors. Congrats gentlemen.

On April 22, in a day with only two games, Helena pounded Miami and high-priced free agent acquisition Joseph Diederich 15-2. The Handbaskets accumulated 20 hits in the offensive barrage.

On April 23, Jersey City's Brendan Townsend hit two home runs and drove in five to spark the Skeeters' 7-3 victory over Cairo.

On April 24, Maryland's Lewis McGurk shined with eight strong innings in an 8-1 victory over Gainesville. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh and Helena broke out the lumber with 14-3 and 13-2 victories over Brooklyn and Miami, respectively.

On April 25, New York's Abe Nix held Sylva to just one hit over seven innings. The Black Bears had a spirited comeback in the ninth, but fell 5-3.

Finally, Ronald Hernandez, the maligned free agent who lingered without a contract before Cairo took a chance, hit two home runs and posted a .917 slugging percentage in his first four games. Good for Ro-Her.

League file is uploaded. Next sim will be Wednesday by Nate, when we'll turn the page on the calendar to May and possibly announce the draft pool for the 2005 Supplemental Amateur Draft. Remember, draft position will be awarded by a far-too-complicated lottery to be held on June 1. The draft will be June 15.

Miami / Helena Trade

2009-01-19T08:06:00.000-08:00

Miami and Helena have agreed to a swap involving two promising young players. Miami sends AAA SP Manuel Herreros to boost Helena's starting rotation and Helena sends one of its Rule 5 selections, 1B Seve Bosch to Miami.

P.S. I'm using links to the player pages on the old website because I'm not aware of any post-conversion player pages. Are they on the way, Nate?

Free Agent Draft Pick Compensation

2009-01-18T13:28:00.000-08:00

Well, an alert owner brought to our attention that the draft pick compensation in the game may not work quite right. So, I did some testing over the weekend and he's right. It's a mess. After consultation, Nate and I have come up with a system that we believe will work. It's a balance between MLB's free agent compensation rules and making it reasonable easy for Nate and me to implement.

So, here are the rules.

1. The game will assign free agents one of three ratings - Type A, Type B, or no compensation. Our plan is to abide by the ratings given by the game.

2. If Team 1 signs a Type A free agent who played for Team 2, then Team 2 gets Team 1's highest draft pick.

3. If Team 1 signs a Type B free agent who played for Team 2, then Team 2 gets Team 1's highest pick below the first two rounds (i.e., no higher than a third-round pick).

4. If Team 1 signs any other free agent, there is no draft pick compensation.

5. In no circumstance may a team lose a first round pick if that pick would be in the top half of the first round (picks #1 through #6). So, if Team 1 holds the #1 overall pick and signs a Type A free agent who played for Team 2, then Team 2 gets Team #1's second round pick.

6. If Team 1 signs two free agents of the same type (whether A or B), then the picks will be signed in chronological order. For example, the team that lost the player first signed by Team 1 would get the first round pick and the team that lost the player signed second would get the second round pick. Even if the player signed second is obviously better.

7. When picks are assigned, all Type A compensation will be assigned first and then all Type B compensation. So, if a team signs three Type A free agents and one Type B free agent, the Type B compensation would only be the team's fourth-highest pick.

7. There are no sandwich picks. Too much of a pain to try and administer given the way the game works.

8. Free agent draft pick compensation ends as of Opening Day. A team signing a Type A or B free agent after Opening Day owes no free agent compensation. So, for instance, if Hernandez had been eligible for compensation, Cairo still wouldn't have owed any picks because they signed him after Opening Day.

9. Picks received through free agent compensation cannot be lost as free agent compensation. So, for instance, if Team 1 signs Team 2's Type A free agent and then Team 2 signs Team 3's Type A free agent, Team 3 does not end up with Team 1's pick. Instead, Team 2 gets Team 1's top pick and Team 3 gets Team 2's top pick, even if it's lower than the Team 1 pick.

10. Draft picks are mobile and may be traded. Picks traded away belong to the new team for purposes of compensation. So, for instance, if Team 1 gets Team 2's first round pick through trade, then Team 2's first round pick can be assigned for the purposes of compensation as a result of Team 1's free agent signings.

This is going to be an exception to the "We Don't Fix Bugs" rule, but don't take it as a sign that we're going to begin fixing every bug in the game. It's basically a situation-specific thing.

Hopefully, that's clear. If you have any questions, including any hypothetical ones where you want to see how the rules will play out, put it in the comments.

Sim #4 Complete! Hernandez Signs with Cairo!

2009-01-16T17:37:00.000-08:00

It's finally happened. The plum free agent still out there on the market has finally found a home. Five star rated Ronald Hernandez reached a one year deal with Cairo this sim to play for the confluence-bound team for 2005. Hernandez, who held out for the right long-term contract all through free agency and the beginning of the season only to see his aspirations fail as he compromised on a shorter deal with hopes of a longer one in the next offseason.

In the league, Marietta is out to a one game lead in the SL over the New York Knights and Pittsburgh is up by two over Cairo. Possibly Hernandez will be enough to make up the ground and pass the Pisces once and for all. Both leagues have five teams within five games of the lead and there's more than five months to go!

In outstanding performances Cairo's David Oppenheimer went the full 9 against Pittsburgh! The big O allowed 4 hits and three walks in the shutout! It was good enough for the ninth best performance of the season to date!

With three weeks under the OEL belt we're still in the process of seeing how the races will shape up. Who moves forward and who loses ground? Only time will tell. The next installment of 'As the League Turns' will be Monday by Mack! Don't miss it!

A Baseball First - 2 Games, 2 Cities, 1 Day, 1 Team

2009-01-15T17:57:00.000-08:00

AP - April 11th, 2005 - For the first time in documented baseball history a team played two road games in two different cities in one day. "It was a double-hitter for the ages," stated Brooklyn Manager Nelson Bowen, "It has been a tough start of the season for us with 11 of the first 14 games on the road, but it is defiantly something that builds early character."

The team played the first game along the shores of the Ohio River in Marietta, Ohio suffering a 5-2 loss to at the hands of the Mammoths and then took the quick 15 minute flight to Manhattan to play the night cap of their day against the Knights of New York at 7:05. The team showed fatigue in the second game, but hung tough, only losing 3-2 in the first game of a 4 game series that was a rematch of last year’s Socratic League Playoff series won by the Bombers.

"It was a long day that is for sure," stated Bomber C Pio Pastrana who started and played all of both games of the double dip, "as a team, we cannot wait to get home and sleep with our own wives again. The hoes on the road are not the same quality as the women in Brooklyn."

With only 26 minutes between the end of game one and the start of game two there was no time for post game showers. The team had to board the plane that was waiting in the parking lot for them right after the final out. One member of the team was overheard calling the airplane "rank." They arrived at the second game and did not have time to even warm up, they just hit the field and played as hard as they could. Many of the players mistook the 7th inning stretch for nap time in game number 2 and that might have been the reason they gave up 2 runs in that inning and the lead in the game.

The co-commissioner of the league Mack Schultz said, "The Bombers kept saying they wanted a challenge, well we game them one. I hope that they will stop their whining about how great they are now, or we can schedule games like this for them every week."

Brooklyn does have their work cut out for them with their 4-10 start it will take a good run for them to get back into the playoffs and return to the World Series this season.

Sim #3: Early Separation

2009-01-14T18:21:00.000-08:00

The third sim has been run. We're through tax time, as the day is now April 16. In addition to the major league season going, the first games have been played in AAA, AA, and full-season A ball. Also, please read all the way to the end of this blog entry for an important note.

After 15 days, Marietta and New York are tied for first with a three-game lead over Jersey City. Nate's offseason spending spree appears to be paying off right now. Defending champs Brooklyn, reeling from a four-game sweep by New York and loser of six of its last seven, is in last place. Questions mount in the ornery New York press as to whether Brooklyn's start is a sign of things to come or a temporary aberration.

In the Platonic League, last year's playoff teams are in the lead, with Pittsburgh ahead of the Miami Clay Bennets by 1.5 games. The two are in the midst of a series right now, as the carpetbaggers have taken the first game. Surprising Cairo is in third place, just two games out of first. The Sylva Black Bears are off to a very rough start, going 1-11 and already 8 games out of first.

The biggest news of the sim was the fight between Donald "Missing" Parson and Joshua Lajoie in the April 13 game between Pittsburgh and Sylva. Both players were suspended for nine games as a result of the brawl.

On the injury front, Stockholm was hit hardest as Dennis Delvecchio and Chad Kinlaw will be out about 1-2 weeks. In the only other injury news of the sim, Jersey City's Sergio Varela announced that he could not pitch for the next two weeks due to a blister.

In other news, Brooklyn's Miyatarou Takenao is the last remaining player to have a hit in every game his team has played this year. So, the Bombers struggles can't be fairly laid at the feet of their star third baseman, who is brutally underpaid.

On April 12, Earl Moya of Helena turned in a steller performance, shutting out Jersey City on two hits in the Handbasket's 9-0 victory.

Next sim will be Friday by Nate. League file is updated. Good luck everyone.

---------------

As to the important note, prompted by a request from an owner, we will allow any owner to request a stadium change before next Friday's sim. After this, we will only entrtain such requests in the offseason. So, if you want to be in a different stadium, speak now or forever hold your peace.

OEL Sim#2: Helena Takes a Fall

2009-01-12T17:11:00.000-08:00

Sim #2 is now complete. In addition to celebrating the HoF election of Rickey Run and Jim Rice let's see how teams in the OEL fared this sim:

Helena has the worst run of all not winning a single game and dropping from tied-for-first to fifth in the Socratic League with a record of 3-5 this sim. New York, on the other hand, does well and is now tied for first with Marietta who has won 3 games in consecutive sims so far.

In the Platonic League Pittsburgh stands alone at the top of the heap with Cairo one-half game behind. Sylva trails at 1-7 in the PL.

A few day to day injuring (including one strep throat infection, poor man) but there were three significant injuries this sim:

Stockholm lost 2B Redding for 3 weeks to a hernia.
Miami lost 1B Alcala for 2 weeks to a concussion.

And most painful, Gainesville lost 3B Dwight Balducci to a herniated disc suffers in a collision on the basepaths. The third sacker will be out for 2-3 months! That smarts!

In outstanding games of note we have the April 9 tilt between Maryland and Miami. How often does a team score 10 runs and lose? Miami did here at they gave up 17 runs to Maryland to lose by seven!

But 17 runs wasn't the top offense for the sim. On the 7th of April Stockholm put up 18 against Cairo in winning 18-6. Stockholm scored in every inning except the third.

The next sim is another five days by Mack! The update is on Wednesday. Be there!

Pittsburgh-Cairo Trade

2009-01-10T19:51:00.001-08:00

In a minor deal intended to help stock Cairo's roster, Pittsburgh sold the Leveemen one major league player and five players from the AAA Imperial Guards. Pittsburgh traded major league pitcher Robert Gaertner along with minor league pitchers Earnest Bosserman and Randy Woodhouse, infielder Jason Godines, and outfielders Michael Seay and James Ward in exchange for $1 million.

"Well, it looked like Cairo needed some more guys capable of playing at a major league level and we had some guys who wanted that opportunity. Pretty simple," explained Pisces Owner/GM Mack Shultz. "It's a little deal that hopefully is a win-win for everyone involved."

2005 Season Underway!!!

2009-01-09T19:43:00.000-08:00

We're finally playing baseball in 2005. The first five days have been simmed and the league file is posted. Here's a summary of the events of the first five days.

Good balance in the early going as nobody is undefeated and nobody is winless. Miami, Pittsburgh, Marietta, and surprising Helena have bolted to 3-1 starts. Stockholm, Sylva, Jersey City, and self-proclaimed favorite Brooklyn have stumbled to a 1-3 beginning.

Unfortunately, Helena lost star closer William "World B." Freeman to a tender elbow. He should return by mid-April though. No other injuries in the OEL this sim.

Marietta's Brandon Millette threw a four-hit shutout of New York on April 2. However, the top pitching performance (according to game score) was Pittsburgh's Richard "Buck" Ro's complete game victory over Sylva in the opener. Pittsburgh also had Timothy Hornyak combine with closer Ariel Santos on a one-hit shutout of Sylva in the second game.

On Opening Day, Marietta's bullpen melted down and gave up a two-run lead in the ninth as New York rallied for a 9-8 victory.

On April 2, Helena and Brooklyn went extra innings before Helena pushed a run across in the 12th inning to win 3-2.

On April 3, Stockholm blew a 7-1 lead in the seventh before recovering to defeat Maryland 8-7 in 10 innings.

On April 4, Sylva crushed Pittsburgh 11-3, showing the first two games may have been a bit of an aberration.

Then, on April 5, Miami showed maybe not by spanking Sylva 14-0. Ouch.

Next sim is Monday by Nate, another five days. Good luck everyone!

OEL: Final Pre-season Sim Complete!

2009-01-07T17:16:00.001-08:00

The final sim is complete and we're at March 31, 2005. Tomorrow is opening day and the fans are excited!

Who will win and who will lose? No one can know at this point but the field looks WIDE open this season and it's anyone's title to win. There's no end to the excitement in baseball and the crowd's anticipation!

Beginning with the next sim we'll be on the 5 games every MWF routine that Mack and I know so well. The last chance to make preseason moves is by Friday. Don't be late!

Simmed to March 1

2009-01-05T17:41:00.000-08:00

We've simmed up to March 1. Some team name and team colors changes made on request. Not much else notable seemed to happen.

Final preseason sim will be Wednesday by Nate and then Opening Day and the first games will be simmed Friday by me. Woo hoo!

Seattle Stunner

2009-01-05T11:28:00.000-08:00

SEATTLE, January 5, 2005:

It won't be a happy new year in Seattle, as the Ministry of Silly Walks became the latest professional sports franchise to leave the City of Sporting Futility. GM Matt Macario shocked his fanbase today by announcing that the team and its minor league affiliates will be moving to Florida to begin the 2005 season.

"We have enjoyed our time in Seattle, and have been fortunate to have made the playoffs every year to date. But we haven't been able to win a championship here, and frankly, I'm sick of the snow and rain, so Miami is sounding pretty good right about now. Give me a hurricane any day."

And with a new home come new names, as well. Macario's new team names reflect his odd devotion to comedic television shows that are no longer on the air and live only in the sad world of syndication. "That Monty Python theme worked for a while, but I was the only one who liked it," Macario said. "I'm a superstitious guy, you know, so I figured maybe a new theme will help the team, yada yada yada." A reputed fan of the Seinfeld series, Macario announced the new names of his franchise and affiliates will be as follows:

Miami Masters Of Their Domain (ML)
Sarasota Soup Nazis (AAA)
Del Boca Vista Double Dippers (AA)
Pensacola Puffy Shirts (A)
Clearwater Close Talkers (SA)
Jacksonville Junior Mints (R)

Having aired his grievances and having completed the highly coveted "pre-emptive breakup" with Seattle, Macario invited the small press corps in attendance to participate in a Feats of Strength competition, but unsurprisingly, there were no takers. Undeterred, Macario shouted "Serenity Now!" and left the podium in his swishy suit.

Sim #4 - Complete. Date now 2/1/05

2009-01-02T17:23:00.000-08:00

The final sim of January is complete and the date is now 2/1/05.

You all are very bad gentlemen as most of you had players who were DFA that I had to...DO...things with and to. Most of them ended up in AA if they'd accept an assignment. If they wouldn't and they sucked as players and human beings I simply released them. Keep an eye on your rosters, guys!

You all will be happy to note that only one of my players, Starting Pitcher Walter Font, was injured so far. I lost him for eight weeks. Booya!

The next sim is Monday by Mack and will comprise the entirety of February. We're moving this thing right along.

Pisces Fans Deliriously Happy

2009-01-01T11:28:00.000-08:00

The Pittsburgh Pisces front office announced a contract extension today with star reliever Vincent Furness, sending the Pisces' fans into waves of delrium.

Vincent "The Fox" Furness has long been known for his matinee idol looks. A solid 6'3" with 230 pounds of chiseled muscle, Furness's female fans have gone slightly loopy with their excitement. The sentiments posted on the WFF ("Women for Furness") website cannot be shared in a family-friendly blog. But, the news of the three-year extension has sent these women into an orgasmic frenzy.

"I loved the Pisces before," said WFF spokeswoman Heidi Klum. "I mean, my interest was at an 86 on a scale of 1 to 100. But now, after the extension, it's a solid 100. I told Seal that I was sorry, but I would be travelling with the team from now on."

Could other teams achieve similar gains through extending the contracts of their popular players? Hard to tell, but time and experience should show the way.

Sim #3 Complete

2008-12-30T18:07:00.000-08:00

Well, my first sim to run is behind us and we're up to January 15.

Things seem to have gone well but do check your teams carefully. Not everyone uploaded this time and it would such to have bad things happen do to time constraints.

I've got the next sim, which will take us through February 1st, on Friday. We're moving this along as fast as we're comfortable.

Sim #2 Complete

2008-12-29T18:23:00.000-08:00

The game is up to January 11, 2005 and the new league file is posted. Nothing very significant happened, except for some waiver claims and the expiration of waiver periods for the other computer-made changes.

Please make sure to do something with all of the players in your DFA list before their time runs out, lest Nate or I make decisions you don't want made.

Next sim is tomorrow by Nate.

Remaining Offseason Sim Schedule

2008-12-28T10:43:00.000-08:00

Here's the planned schedule for the remainder of the 2005 offseason.

Mon., 12/29 - Sim to 1/11 - Mack
Tue., 12/30 - Sim to 1/16 - Nate
Fri., 1/2 - Sim to 2/1 - Nate
Mon., 1/5 - Sim to 3/1 - Mack
Wed., 1/7 - Sim to 4/1 - Nate
Fri., 1/9 - First regular season sim (to 4/6) - Mack

We're getting there, guys. Woo hoo!

Need an outfielder?

2008-12-27T08:57:00.000-08:00

I have an extra outfielder available for trade. The conversion to 9.0 was very kind to LF/RF Cary Buteau, who is now a 5-star power hitter according to my scout. He also makes league minimum salary which is very nice. Please email me at guitar_shark@hotmail.com with any interest.

Sim #1 in Version 9 Complete

2008-12-26T22:47:00.000-08:00

I simmed up to January 6 and uploaded the league file. We're still working on the web pages for the new version, so nothing there to look at. Just update the league file within the game and it should go to January 6. I hope.

Not a lot of note. Some resignings by New York and Pittsburgh, including a great deal struck by Eric to resign a top starting pitcher.

I'll do another sim Monday evening, of another five days. After that, we'll start picking up the pace again and get to the new season. I just want to make sure everyone has a second chance to modify the changes made by the computer during the rollover.

Brooklyn has too many Major League Ready MR

2008-12-26T21:12:00.000-08:00

If you want one of my MR in AAA it will not cost you much just e-mail me. One of them could be the Middle Reliever that you have been looking for!!!!

I also have some ML ready 1B that will be future stars. They can be yours for the right price.

jgoldman99@yahoo.com or AIM 'jsg3c'

Pittsburgh continues to wheel & deal

2008-12-25T18:28:00.000-08:00

Pittsburgh Pisces GM Mack Shultz completed yet another deal today, this time with key Platonic League rival Seattle. Pittsburgh has agreed to send 1B/OF Lamont Alcala to Seattle in exchange for Seattle's 3rd and 10th round picks in the 2006 amateur draft.

Reached at his winter retreat on the beaches of Maui for comment, Seattle GM Matt Macario said "You know, I could barely even bring myself to talk to that guy [Shultz] again, after he waved an ungodly sum of money at The Dominican God of Walks during the offseason, stealing him from his rightful home in Seattle. But I have to admit, that Shultz is a smooth character. He convinced me to let bygones be bygones, and even sent me a brief Merry Christmas message from his blackberry today. Such a thoughtful guy. I mean, that was really a nice touch."

Asked for his comment on the incoming player, Alcala, Macario said "Who? Oh, yeah. Well, he's no Zaragoza, but let's hope this Alcala guy has got a few more solid years in the tank. At the very least, he fills a gaping hole and gives us a chance to get to the playoffs yet again. Maybe this will be the year that we finally go home happy for the winter."

Meanwhile, after being informed of Macario's optimitic comments regarding a possible end to Seattle's postseason futility, Pisces GM Shultz said, simply, "No comment," then walked away chuckling.

Pittsburgh Makes yet another move

2008-12-24T10:09:00.000-08:00

Mack Schultz and the Pittsburgh Pisces do not take a day off not even the period around New Years. In a move that is believed to be made just before the ball dropped in Times Square at midnight the Pisces and Brooklyn Bombers pulled the trigger on a trade that will help both teams advance into the future.

Brooklyn sends Minor League 3B prospect Kevin Grow along with a second round pick in the 2006 draft and $1,000,000 in cash. Grow was never able to advance in the minors and the thought is that a change in scenery might do him well. In return, the Bombers get their coveted 4th outfielder and pop off the bench 25 year-old George Marcano. Marcano was traded to and from Pittsburgh in the last season and has put up solid OPS numbers in AAA and in his cup of coffee with the big club last season.

Marcano will be on the ML roster come opening day and was very pleased with the move. He was heard saying, "Pittsburgh told me I was going to spend another season in the Minors on opening day, and then the next thing I know it is New Years 2005 all over again and I am told I am heading to Brooklyn. I do not know what the hell happened, but I sure do like the results." He will be expected to be an integral part of the defending champs being the main player off the bench and should fit into the starting lineup maybe as soon as later on this season.

Are the Pisces done trading this offseason? They have an overflow of young talent in the minor leagues, and it would not be surprising if they make a few more moves before the season starts on April the 1st.

Trade: Pittsburgh and Marietta

2008-12-23T18:20:00.000-08:00

We have the first trade under the new system, players. Apparently the 'living in each others back pockets during the conversion' syndrome is in full swing these days as Pittsburgh and Marietta complete a deal.

Pittsburgh sends first baseman Benicio Pineda and $300,000 to Marietta in return for Marietta's second round pick in the 2006 amateur draft.

"I just had to be first." Marietta owner Nate Wooley was heard to say at his secret Tibetan hideaway where he'd been communing with the Dalai Lama over matters of VORP and WARP. "Really, and all of our choices at first were weak. This Pinny-whatever guy is no Lou Gehrig. Hell, he's no Wally Pipp. But he's better than the paycheck cashing weasels we've got right now."

2005 Supplemental Draft Update

2008-12-23T12:30:00.000-08:00

The draft order for the June 15, 2005 draft will be determined by lottery, giving weight based on 2004 and 2005 records, with some equalizing weight to each team. The draft pool will be revealed on May 1 and the lottery will be held June 1, allowing everyone to dream. Nate and I are cruel that way.

Also, these draft picks CAN NOT be traded. The next picks that can be traded will be for the 2006 June draft. We'll keep track of all trades and make the necessary additional swaps after the 2005 supplemental draft is held.

Hole in your roster?

2008-12-23T10:12:00.000-08:00

Looking at your team and realizing that you need another infielder? An outfielder? A catcher? A reliever? Come to Pittsburgh to Crazy Mack's House of Replacement Value. I have found that I ended up with absurd numbers of replacement level players, as minor league free agents flocked to the feel of Pisces fever. And, my scout tells me many of those players are ready for major league action, which they can provide at bargain salaries for YOU!

Prices will be low, low, low, since they are basically replacement level players (some maybe a touch better), after all. But look at the values represented by catcher Leo Quintana, first/third baseman Andre Hanson, shortstop Robert Emanuel, outfielders Michael Seay, utility player Heriberto Serrano, and many other fine position players. Or, you can get pitching in the form of Ernest Bosserman, Greg Heilig, Randy Woodhouse, or Luis Reynoso.

These any many other players are just waiting for your call. Visa, Mastercard, cash, and mid-round draft picks are all accepted.

OOTP 9 - League file available

2008-12-22T09:12:00.000-08:00

We're still resolving some technical issues relating to the web reports, but the league file is posted. The .zip version should be available here. It's about 22 megs. Download it and unzip it in the "saved_games" folder in your game. The default setup (on a PC, anyway) places that within the My Documents Folder structure. The league folder name should be "OELv9.lg". Post a comment here to let me know how it works.

I'll be emailing each of you your individual passwords today. Once you are in the league file, please go to the game menu and hit "load online league file". The game will then update itself to the latest version. Nate and I haven't rolled the game forward at all, but we have been doing testing to make it works. So, the zipped version isn't the latest one.

Pay very close attention to your rosters, as the computer has assigned players to the various levels and your rosters may look nothing like they did in version 6.5. Make whatever roster moves you want and upload the changes.

The first sim will be just five days of league time and will occur Friday, December 26. I'll be doing it. Feel free to email Nate and me with any questions or post them here.

EDIT at 9:26 am Pacific: I changed the league file name to the old one (oel.zip) because the new zipped file name (oelv9.zip) wasn't working. Hopefully, this works.

EDIT at 9:27 am Pacific: OK, the link in the blog still isn't working. Try the link to the league file on the league page. See if that works.

EDIT at 9:53 am: I've emailed everyone their passwords now. Let me know if you don't have them or if, once you download the game and open it in OOTP9, they don't work.

EDIT at 12:28 pm: Corrected name of folder from "saved files" to "saved_games", for those of you with a too literal bent.

OOTP 9 - Upgrade to version 9.2.11

2008-12-20T17:27:00.000-08:00

The in-game check for updates feature will only take you to version 9.2.2. Go here to get to version 9.2.11.

Everyone needs to be on version 9.2.11 for the new season.

Conversion: Expectation Management

2008-12-19T10:39:00.000-08:00

Mack and I discussed this a few minutes ago and I thought it worth noting here.

There are many changes in the algorithm's that make up OOTP9. The architecture and conversion is entirely new. All things in the software, including how it handles players, player development, and player ability scores are different.

So what? I hear you say.

What this means is that the players you put into the conversion may be changed a little on the other side, maybe a little, maybe none, maybe a lot. Make sure you examine your players carefully when you first download the converted file.

You'll be glad you did.

2005 Spring Training Complete

2008-12-18T19:30:00.000-08:00

Spring Training 2005 has been run. The web pages are en route. I also updated and uploaded the league file, but there's not much use in downloading it, unless you just want to scan it.

Next step is to convert the file to OOTP version 9. I'll start working on it tomorrow, but the final product probably won't be available to the league until Sunday or Monday, since Nate and I will need to make sure the online component is working.

Pittsburgh Announces Two Trades - Plus One

2008-12-18T13:20:00.000-08:00

In its continuing effort to reshape its roster and confuse observers, Pittsburgh made two trades today. In the first deal, Pittsburgh sent reserve catcher Richard Pendleton to New York in exchange for $500,000 and minor league "pitcher" Juan Truluck. In the second deal, Pittsburgh sent infielder Alan Williams to Jersey City for starting pitcher Steven Pate and outfielder George Marcano. Owner/GM Mack Shultz could not be reached as his winter ski retreat, instead sending deputy assistant GM William Shultz out to meet the press.

"Well, Daddy said we had too many catchers, what with Dominy starting, Valdes capable of backing up, and Jensen on the way. So, when Uncle Eric asked nicely for Pendleton, Daddy said sure. Boy, does Trulock suck though," explained the youngest Shultz. "As for the other deal, we felt that it was more important to acquire another quality starting pitcher in Pate and to return Marcano to the Pisces fold than to keep Alan Williams or the draft pick."

Surprisingly, neither of these trades dealt with the two Rule 5 players selected in yesterday's draft. Will Pittsburgh do the improbable and keep them, or is this merely parts one and two of a trade trifecta?

Edited to add:

Pittsburgh also announced that it traded the two Rule 5 players recently drafted, 1B Seve Bosch and 3B Agustin Moreno, to Helena in exchange for $200,000 and C Eduardo Romo. This announcement caught few people by surprise.

Rule 5 Draft Completed

2008-12-17T17:48:00.000-08:00

Only two selections in the Rule 5 draft. Pittsburgh selected 1B S. Bosch and 3B A. Moreno. Rumor is that the selections were made for an as-yet-unidentified team that erroneously filled its roster up, but no deal has been announced yet.

Other free agent signings were made. Any competing offers were extended in waiver priority order (i.e., amateur draft order).

Spring Training is next. For those of you who want to, please upload your spring training plans by tomorrow evening and I'll run spring training then. For those who don't upload plans, you're probably better off for it. Spring Training in version 6.5 is a veritable landmine. Anyway, after Spring Training, it's on to the mysterious version 9!

League file is posted. Web pages en route.

Revenue Sharing and You: A system to be placed

2008-12-17T12:03:00.000-08:00

Yet another bit from the commish. This time on revenue sharing.

OOTP9 allows for revenue sharing per a simple flag in the setup. Well and good. Should we implement it? Mack and I have been over this a bit addresses concerns of fairness, implementation, current salary sets and other factors. While we both seem to like the idea of revenue sharing we're leery about it as well.

Here is what we arrived at:

Barring some huge outcry from our constituency (you guys) we will implement revenue sharing following the 2007 season at our discretion.

The delay is for a few reasons:

1. We're facing a new financial system, one that undoubtedly has landmines in it. We'd like to avoid adding revenue sharing to that while the initial transition is underway.

2. Mack and I are still acclimating ourselves to the new software and want to minimize the things with which we have to cope.

3. Players have set salaries and contracts and we wanted to give current owners enough time to adjust strategy and make preparations for revenue sharing's implementation.

I'd like to see some discussion on this, obviously, but I think it makes sense.

Questions? Concerns? Address them in the comments, please.

Settings for OOTP 9 conversion

2008-12-17T09:55:00.000-08:00

Nate and I have been conferring over the settings for the new league and have made some executive decisions. Here's the planned set-up after the rollover on the various options. The decisions are pretty final, but I suppose we'd listen if there were violent reactions against our plan. It's based in part on some testing I've done to try to keep the league stable after the conversion.

Scouting: In use, high accuracy
Coaching: In use
Enable suspensions, drug suspensions, and injuries
Injury frequency low
Player fatigue average
All ratings to be 1-100 (actual, potential, coaches, etc. - it's easy this way)
Don't show ratings over maximum
Use star ratings, based on position and not on all players
Top Prospect list dynamic rather than annual
Auto-save once a year
Save box scores, game logs, and replays from human leagues (i.e., not minors)
Don't keep news logs, injury logs, or transaction logs
Normal rate of player development
Create and maintain hidden players (for incomplete minor league rosters)
Show and use personality ratings and morale system
Keep career L/R splits, fielding stats, and postseason stats for major leagues only
Player pictures for major league players only, create pictures automatically
Pictures for coaches/scouts/managers
AI Options set to normal
Generate almanac annually
Full set of minors (AAA, AA, A, S A, R)
DH in minors, not in majors
Standard roster rules with exception of 10 day waiver period and 15 day DFA period (works better for 5-day in season sims)
Enable trading, with 7/31 deadline
Allow trading of recently drafted players and draft picks
Amateur draft on June 15 (See note below)
20 round amateur draft (OOTP recommends 4 rounds per minor league)
Generate amateur players for 21 rounds
Reveal amateur draft pool 45 days before draft
Financial settings mostly normal with following tweaks
Draft pick compensation for lost free agents enabled
Will make entire revenue available to GM (no computer AI team owner control)
No salary cap
No revenue sharing for now (Nate will post on this later)
Average media contract set to $40 million to match version 6.5 finances
Cash cap of $200M
Allow incomplete minor league rosters (ghost players)
Stats detail very high
Schedule spring training (although the first one will be in 2006)
Start major league schedule 4/1/05
Time start of rookie and short season A leagues to work with draft and match real MLB
162 games per team
Balanced schedule format (18 per team in division, 12 interleague)
Typically 3 game series
Allow interleague play
Hold All-Star game
Wild Card round
Both playoff series are seven games
Typical startegy and player creation settings
Minor league roster size limit of 35, except for rookie league where no limit
Mixed minor leagues

Notes:

1. I'll keep the existing names of the minor league affiliates for AAA, AA, and A. But, if you want to name your short season A teams and Rookie teams now, send me an email and I'll put it in. Otherwise, the game will automatically generate cities and team names. Also, if you want to make any changes to the names of your franchises or minor league affiliates for the 2005 season, now's the time to let me know and send me an email.

2. We are going to have a minor league draft June 15, 2005. Yes, a second draft this year. We'll keep the same draft order. We recognize this may be an unfair benefit to the teams who are picking high, but tough. It's a major pain in the ass to do it differently. For example, do we really want the game to be telling us that the "2005" draft is being held June 15, 2006? Look at it this way, it will help everyone stock those new minor league affiliates.

3. When we do run the draft, people will get to submit draft lists for the first four rounds at the start of the draft and the computer will do the last sixteen rounds of the draft (5-20). We want to have a midseason draft, but we don't want everything to grind to a halt. Hopefully, the game's draft list feature will automate this, but it may take some experimentation to make it work.

4. We're setting the injury setting to "low" rather than "average" to start with. It comes from my belief that injuries aren't really fun and nobody enjoys them. Low is enough to still have a fair number of injuries, but a couple of my tests showed a pretty rapacious rate of injuries. We're not going down to "very low" though either. If after a few years, people think there aren't enough injuries, we'll reconsider the setting.

5. I've found a couple of work arounds to get most of the league history into the version 9 database, but some things (minor league stats, for example) simply can't be brought over. I can't help that. But, we should be able to get complete league and major league player histories in.

6. We're setting scout accuracy to high. Most of you are aware of my feelings on this and I won't belabor the point.

7. For some reason, the game lets you enter in the GMs' birthdays. If you want it to be set to your actual birthday, you'll have to send it to me.

If you have questions, feel free to drop me an email or to post them in the comments.

Another player free to good home

2008-12-16T19:35:00.000-08:00

Given the resounding success of sending Bill McLaurin to the waiting arms of the babes in Stockholm, I hereby announce that starting pitcher Ramiro Roxas is also free to a good home. Mr. Roxas is an experienced starter, with a career ERA of 4.56. However, the same minor league signing frenzy that made Mr. McLaurin expendable also makes Mr. Roxas available.

He's not great, and probably not even good, but he's not terrible either. If you have any interest, email me. (Don't spread this too widely, but I may even be willing to pay part of his salary.)

Rule 5 Rosters Locked

2008-12-16T19:18:00.001-08:00

First, a celebratory announcement. We had 100% participation in getting updated rosters before the Rule 5 draft. Nice job, everyone. (Of course, the downside is that there's not a lot of talent available, but I think that's a good thing on the whole.)

Second, the Rule 5 eligible list is now locked. (At least, as soon as the updated file is loaded. If J. Fine is at the top of the list, the new list hasn't uploaded yet.) If you forgot to protect someone, tough.

Third, the Rule 5 draft will be simmed tomorrow. Same rules as in the past. To select a player, you must have room for that player on your 25-man roster and on your 40-man roster. If either roster is full, no banana for you. The draft will be in the same order as the amateur draft. If you want to select someone, send me a detailed email, especially if you're trying to select multiple players. If I can't understand what you're telling me to do, I'll either skip it or follow my best understanding at my discretion.

Upcoming schedule remains intact. Spring training will be Thursday night and the file will be converted to version nine and uploaded sometime this weekend.

P.S. I screwed up and started the upload of the web pages before I uploaded the league file. Now, I can't upload the league file until the pages are done. Sorry. I'll post a comment when I get the updated league file posted.

P.P.S. New York made some free agent signings. Feel free to copy Eric's initiative and email me offers on any remaining players you're interested in. You may find that the price has come down on some people from what they demanded in the official free agency period. As we did last year, if I get multiple offers acceptable to a player, we're going to use the waiver priority rules (last year's standings) to decide who gets them.

Need a Reliever?

2008-12-16T16:22:00.001-08:00

Free to good home: Reliever Bill McLaurin.

He's not great, but he's not bad either. It's just that the influx of relievers I got to sign minor league deals has made Mr. McLaurin expendable.

Email me if you're interested.

Final Free Agency Sim

2008-12-15T18:17:00.000-08:00

Final free agency sim has been run.

February 27:
Seattle: Free agent 2B Lawrence Nickel has been signed to a contract of $300,000 per year, for 1 years.
Helena: Free agent SS Mariano Guerro has been signed to a contract of $300,000 per year, for 1 years.

February 28:

Stockholm: Free agent LF Julian Galgano has been signed to a contract of $1,750,250 per year, for 1 years.

March 3:

Pittsburgh: Free agent 1B Benicio Pineda has been signed to a minor league contract.
Pittsburgh: Free agent SS Jack Sandoval has been signed to a minor league contract.
Pittsburgh: Free agent SS Robert Emanuel has been signed to a minor league contract.
Pittsburgh: Free agent CF James Rhodes has been signed to a minor league contract.
Pittsburgh: Free agent LF Michael Seay has been signed to a minor league contract.
Pittsburgh: Free agent RF Shachihiko Okitsugu has been signed to a minor league contract.
Pittsburgh: Free agent P Anderson Norred has been signed to a minor league contract.
Pittsburgh: Free agent 3B Andre Hanson has been signed to a minor league contract.
Pittsburgh: Free agent 1B Patrick Cresswell has been signed to a minor league contract.
Sylva: Free agent C Lauren Ice has been signed to a minor league contract.
Pittsburgh: Free agent RF Heriberto Serrano has been signed to a minor league contract.
Sylva: Free agent P Matthew Pahl has been signed to a minor league contract.
Sylva: Free agent P William Woodman has been signed to a minor league contract.
Pittsburgh: Free agent P Earnest Bosserman has been signed to a minor league contract.
Sylva: Free agent P Walter Bickham has been signed to a minor league contract.
Sylva: Free agent 2B Keith Johnson has been signed to a minor league contract.
Seattle: Free agent C Rocky Slape has been signed to a minor league contract.
Pittsburgh: Free agent P Randy Woodhouse has been signed to a minor league contract.
Pittsburgh: Free agent P Luis Reynoso has been signed to a minor league contract.
Sylva: Free agent P Pedro Ortiz has been signed to a minor league contract.
Seattle: Free agent RF Antonio Moya has been signed to a minor league contract.
Brooklyn: Free agent 3B Warren Gertz has been signed to a minor league contract.
Jersey City: Free agent SS Leo Sapienza has been signed to a minor league contract.
Stockholm: Free agent P Michael Authement has been signed to a minor league contract.
Sylva: Free agent P Aaron Tennyson has been signed to a minor league contract.
Sylva: Free agent 2B Larry Spindler has been signed to a minor league contract.
Jersey City: Free agent RF Hiichirou Shusake has been signed to a minor league contract.
Sylva: Free agent P Ricardo Viveros has been signed to a minor league contract.
Pittsburgh: Free agent P Paul Gassaway has been signed to a minor league contract.
Stockholm: Free agent P Curt Webb has been signed to a minor league contract.
Jersey City: Free agent P Adam Still has been signed to a minor league contract.
Sylva: Free agent C Micheal Stanford has been signed to a minor league contract.
Seattle: Free agent P Edward Scoles has been signed to a minor league contract.
Sylva: Free agent P Arthur Kraemer has been signed to a minor league contract.
Pittsburgh: Free agent P Dario Herreros has been signed to a minor league contract.
Pittsburgh: Free agent P George Heilig has been signed to a minor league contract.
Seattle: Free agent RF Melvin Vegas has been signed to a minor league contract.
Pittsburgh: Free agent P Samuel Jordan has been signed to a minor league contract.
Pittsburgh: Free agent P Mel Trafton has been signed to a minor league contract.
Sylva: Free agent C Fernando Bilbao has been signed to a minor league contract.
Jersey City: Free agent C William Williams has been signed to a minor league contract.
Brooklyn: Free agent SS Jerry McDonald has been signed to a minor league contract.
Pittsburgh: Free agent P John Atnip has been signed to a minor league contract.
Stockholm: Free agent C Lawrence Child has been signed to a minor league contract.
Sylva: Free agent CF Franky Lamas has been signed to a minor league contract.
Jersey City: Free agent C Frank Zavaleta has been signed to a minor league contract.

So, now that free agency is over, we turn to the Rule 5 draft. Everyone has a sim to remove anyone from the Eligible List by adding them to the 40-man roster. Tomorrow evening, I'll upload changes and we'll freeze the rosters. Then, we do the draft Wednesday, Spring Training Thursday, and roll over to version 9. Hoo ahh!

Free Agency Days 21-25

2008-12-12T17:13:00.000-08:00

No real surprises this time around.

Remember, Mack is doing the final sim as I'm on the road. Don't be late!

Day 21 :

Stockholm : 1B Albert Ramer, 4,500,000 per year, for 6 years.

Day 22 :

Sylva : P James Artman, 479,500 per year, for 2 years.

Day 23 :

Seattle : LF Bryan Caraway, 4,775,000 per year, for 3 years.
Jersey City : RF Jerrod Aguila, 704,000 per year, for 1 year.
Sylva : C Ricardo Vizcaino, 417,000 per year, for 2 years.

Day 24 :

Day 25 :

Free Agency: Days 16-20

2008-12-11T17:02:00.000-08:00

Now at the two-thirds point in our process things are moving along...

Day 16 :

Sylva : 2B Leo Villa, 2,475,300 per year, for 2 years.
Sylva : LF John Sasso, 1,706,900 per year, for 2 years.
Sylva : P Joshua Lavoie, 1,544,400 per year, for 3 years.

Day 17 :

Sylva : SS Maels Ruiz, 791,800 per year, for 3 years.
Maryland : P Baltasar Acevedo, 528,995 per year, for 1 year.
Helena : CF Richard Whitesides, 450,000 per year, for 2 years.

Day 18 :

Sylva : CF Franky Gingras, 1,652,400 per year, for 2 years.

Day 19 :

Maryland : RF Will Hsu, 820,000 per year, for 2 years.
Sylva : 3B Michael Rutan, 1,483,500 per year, for 2 years.

Day 20 :

Days 21-25 are tomorrow! Mack will be doing 26-30 on Monday as I'll be on travel. Chicago in December! It's every schoolboy's dream.

Free Agency Days 13-15

2008-12-10T17:11:00.000-08:00

Why fifteen, you say? Because that hits the halfway point neatly, that's why.

Signings for this period:

Day 13 :

Helena : RF Mark Kiker, 3,900,000 per year, for 2 years.

Day 14 :

Pittsburgh : P Stephen Pacheco, 750,000 per year, for 3 years.
Stockholm : C Timothy Odom, 680,000 per year, for 1 year.
Stockholm : P George Martinez, 2,000,000 per year, for 4 years.
Jersey City : P John Tozier, 646,000 per year, for 2 years.
Brooklyn : P Ulises Sala, 350,000 per year, for 3 years.

Day 15 :

Sylva : C Nathan Sanchez, 421,200 per year, for 3 years.
Sylva : P Clemente Acosta, 423,400 per year, for 2 years.

Days 16-20 tomorrow! Be there!

HUGE Trade Opportunity. Pitchers, Hitters, Both!

2008-12-09T17:51:00.001-08:00

OK, here's the plan. I'm willing to remake your entire team for you. I'll deal these players:

Starting Pitcher Billy Lowry (3 stars!)
Starting Pitcher Joseph Silas (4.5 stars!)
Shortstop Juan Favela (4 stars!)
Starting Pitcher Christian Diaz (3 stars!)
Catcher Broderick Hooker (4 stars!)
Third Baseman Constantino Martinez (3.5 stars!)
Right Fielder Manuel Abalo (3 stars!)

And a slew of useful pieces of the puzzle.

What I want: a combination of 4 star plus prospects or first and second round picks for combinations of the above. Contact me! You know you want to!

OEL Free Agency Days 9-12

2008-12-09T17:12:00.001-08:00

We're getting towards the halfway point of the free agency period and things are steamrolling! Over days 9-12 we had fourteen signings. The biggest one was Sylva's signing of Freddie Mendes for almost $10MM per year! Oofah!

Day 9 :

Sylva : P Cedrick Iverson, 1,590,000 per year, for 4 years.
Stockholm : 2B Carmine Leventhal, 350,000 per year, for 1 year.

Day 10 :

Marietta : SS Juan Favela, 8,000,000 per year, for 3 years.
Jersey City : P James Dambrosio, 4,400,000 per year, for 2 years.
Sylva : P Ralph Mills, 508,800 per year, for 2 years.

Day 11 :

Brooklyn : 2B Pedro Sequeiros, 2,750,000 per year, for 2 years.
Stockholm : P Oscar Leon, 3,000,000 per year, for 2 years.
Helena : C Gonzalo Abarca, 2,100,000 per year, for 2 years.
Helena : P Steven Mendelsohn, 450,000 per year, for 2 years.
Sylva : P Alvin Ahumada, 428,000 per year, for 1 year.
Sylva : P Dion Vazquez, 494,500 per year, for 3 years.

Day 12 :

Sylva : P Freddie Mendes, 9,859,255 per year, for 4 years.
Jersey City : P Fabio Puñal, 5,500,000 per year, for 2 years.
Maryland : C Marcos Navarro, 2,595,550 per year, for 1 year.

Tomorrow is days 13-15. Don't be late!

Marietta-Seattle trade

2008-12-09T12:27:00.000-08:00

Since Nate amusingly posted this to the wrong blog, I'll do him a favor and bring it over:

Yet another Marietta-Seattle deal as Marietta acquires pitcher Juan Mandeville in return outfield prospect Rudolph Fu.

Free Agency Days Seven and Eight!

2008-12-08T17:34:00.000-08:00

More signings! They're speeding up as we get deeper into the process!

Day 7 :

Marietta : P Joseph Silas, 8,000,000 per year, for 3 years.
New York : 2B Roger Kirby, 3,035,000 per year, for 2 years.
Jersey City : 2B John Arant, 2,450,000 per year, for 2 years.
Helena : C John Neiman, 880,000 per year, for 2 years.
Jersey City : 2B Daniel Ochs, 300,000 per year, for 1 year.

Day 8 :

Seattle : P Joseph Diederich, 10,060,000 per year, for 3 years.
Pittsburgh : 1B Amador Zaragoza, 9,000,000 per year, for 6 years.
Gainesville : P Bobby Stoops, 7,000,000 per year, for 4 years.
Sylva : 3B Maximo Corona, 436,800 per year, for 1 year.
Maryland : P Craig Tanner, 3,985,115 per year, for 3 years.

Day's 9-12 are tomorrow! Be there!

Upgrade to Version 9: Options

2008-12-08T14:44:00.001-08:00

During the upgrade to Version 9, there are a few things we can change about the game that Nate and I wanted owner input on. We may not go along with the huddled masses yearning to be free (what good dictator would?), but we do want some input on these choices. Please post your thoughts as comments.

Minor Leagues:

1. How many minor league teams do we want to have? Right now, there's 1 AAA, 1 AA, and 1 A ball team per major league franchise. In OOTP, we can also have short-season A-ball and Rookie leagues. So, is more the merrier?

2. Strict league separation? During the upgrade, the game automatically mixes the leagues when creating the minors. So, for instance, Seattle and Brooklyn may have teams in the same AAA division, even though they're in different major league divisions. I'm inclined to let the game do this, if only to reduce my workload during the upgrade, but I'm willing to listen to dissenting opinions on the point.

Post-season Awards:

3. The game has an open spot for a post-season award other than the traditional best batter/pitcher/fielders/rookie. Should we use this category and, if so, for what? Best reliever? Least valuable player? What?

Amateur Draft:

4. When to have it? Pre-season, as we do now? Or, mid-season, as in real baseball?

5. How many rounds? Preserve the current 15 rounds?

Input, please.

Need a back end starter?

2008-12-08T13:09:00.000-08:00

I'm putting SP John Mandeville on the trading block for anyone who needs a 4th or 5th starter or just some additional depth. He's relatively cheap, popular, and has an expiring contract this year. Please email any offers to guitar_shark@hotmail.com.

OEL: Free Agency Days 5-6, Draft Complete

2008-12-05T17:13:00.001-08:00

Days 7-8 will be Monday!

Free Agency Days Five and Six brought these signings:

Day 5 :

Gainesville : 2B David Austin, 10,500,000 per year, for 5 years.
Stockholm : P Tom Ambler, 3,100,000 per year, for 3 years.
Pittsburgh : 3B Logan Scalise, 1,010,000 per year, for 1 year.
Maryland : C Stephen Dugan, 325,000 per year, for 3 years.

Day 6 :

New York : CF Carlos Araoz, 3,500,000 per year, for 2 years.
Stockholm : 3B Stephen Hyer, 4,000,000 per year, for 2 years.
Stockholm : P Lyman Grimm, 3,890,000 per year, for 3 years.

And here's the final draft log.

Round 4 :

Cairo pick: C Terrance Wilson. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Helena pick: SS Porter Graham. Signing Bonus: $54,250
Stockholm pick: P William Adkison. Signing Bonus: $47,250
Sylva pick: 3B Roberto Velez. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Maryland pick: LF Benjamin Lopez. Signing Bonus: $35,000
Marietta pick: LF Katsuo Fumihiro. Signing Bonus: $38,500
Gainesville pick: C Samuel Villagomez. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Jersey City pick: SS Corey Petrosky. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Seattle pick: RF Bradford Barnhouse. Signing Bonus: $61,250
Stockholm pick: 3B Lewis Alcott. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Maryland pick: 3B Shane Bucci. Signing Bonus: $38,500
Cairo pick: CF Kevin Westerlund. Signing Bonus: $36,750

Round 5 :

Cairo pick: C Ruben Obrien. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Helena pick: C Christopher Fender. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Stockholm pick: P William Koerner. Signing Bonus: $35,000
Sylva pick: CF Hector Espinosa. Signing Bonus: $32,000
Maryland pick: CF Carl Delay. Signing Bonus: $27,000
Marietta pick: 3B Darrell Burkhead. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Gainesville pick: P Robert Leiter. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Stockholm pick: C Nicolas Napoles. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Seattle pick: P Felix Vilardebo. Signing Bonus: $31,000
New York pick: LF James Fike. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Brooklyn pick: LF James Oddo. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Pittsburgh pick: P Ulises Sala. Signing Bonus: $30,000

Round 6 :

Cairo pick: C Alonso Gallegos. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Helena pick: CF Federico Guerrero. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Stockholm pick: P Robert Coyer. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Sylva pick: P Kerry McClendon. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Maryland pick: C Juan Tolentino. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Marietta pick: CF Robert Guerriero. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Gainesville pick: SS Jose Herreros. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Jersey City pick: CF Jeremy Degarmo. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Seattle pick: P Omar Hernandez. Signing Bonus: $25,000
New York pick: SS Neil Morrow. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Brooklyn pick: 1B Ivan Romano. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Pittsburgh pick: P Jose Doriva. Signing Bonus: $25,000

Round 7 :

Cairo pick: C Karl Urick. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Helena pick: C Anthony Clay. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Stockholm pick: P David Liriano. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Sylva pick: 2B Jeffrey Amezaga. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Maryland pick: C Eric Stillwell. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Marietta pick: CF Henry Harris. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Gainesville pick: 2B Juan Mesa. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Jersey City pick: C Willie Etherton. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Seattle pick: 3B John Zeno. Signing Bonus: $25,000
New York pick: 2B Teo Sancho. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Brooklyn pick: LF Dominick Collins. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Pittsburgh pick: 3B Maximo Rodrigues. Signing Bonus: $25,000

Round 8 :

Cairo pick: RF Fernando Santiago. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Helena pick: 3B Randy Carman. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Stockholm pick: LF John Moya. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Sylva pick: P Mathew Erb. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Maryland pick: P James Mabrey. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Seattle pick: 2B Ivan Cabezas. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Gainesville pick: P Manuel Dediego. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Jersey City pick: P Sal Garza. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Seattle pick: P Steve Wilson. Signing Bonus: $25,000
New York pick: 1B Henry Kinner. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Brooklyn pick: 2B Johnny Berryhill. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Pittsburgh pick: LF Jesse Turberville. Signing Bonus: $25,000

Round 9 :

Cairo pick: LF Hilario Rotella. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Helena pick: 3B Paul Oglesby. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Stockholm pick: P Aldo Pacheco. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Sylva pick: P Robin Wilner. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Maryland pick: P Ray Diaz. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Marietta pick: CF Salomon Maurice. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Gainesville pick: 2B James Loewen. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Jersey City pick: RF Michael Reilley. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Seattle pick: 3B Robert Battle. Signing Bonus: $25,000
New York pick: 2B Joshua Dearman. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Brooklyn pick: RF Kieth Crown. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Pittsburgh pick: SS Freddy Val. Signing Bonus: $25,000

Round 10 :

Cairo pick: P Mark Mahar. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Helena pick: SS Anthony Roseman. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Stockholm pick: P John Pickett. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Sylva pick: P Alfredo Mendoza. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Maryland pick: P Matthew Tynan. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Marietta pick: P Michael Thiessen. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Gainesville pick: P Clarence McFarland. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Jersey City pick: P Floyd Pentecost. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Seattle pick: P Kendry Rodriguez. Signing Bonus: $25,000
New York pick: LF Darrell Pando. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Brooklyn pick: P Daniel Nicholes. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Pittsburgh pick: RF Charles Stoller. Signing Bonus: $25,000

Round 11 :

Cairo pick: P Dewitt Gary. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Helena pick: SS Denver Mueller. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Stockholm pick: P Martin Stacy. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Sylva pick: P Albert Packard. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Maryland pick: P Willie Sayles. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Marietta pick: 3B Julio Romero. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Gainesville pick: SS Whitney Mike. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Jersey City pick: P Andrew Williamson. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Seattle pick: 2B Francis Decesare. Signing Bonus: $25,000
New York pick: P Ronald Robin. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Brooklyn pick: P Joshua Bourgault. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Pittsburgh pick: P Adrian Zorrilla. Signing Bonus: $25,000

Round 12 :

Cairo pick: 1B Milton Palermo. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Helena pick: P Jacob Vanleuven. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Stockholm pick: P Nicholas Kirts. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Sylva pick: SS Paul McLawhorn. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Maryland pick: P Louis Wilson. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Marietta pick: LF Eugene Plowman. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Gainesville pick: 2B Joe Smith. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Jersey City pick: SS Simeon Segovia. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Seattle pick: P Raymond Bush. Signing Bonus: $25,000
New York pick: RF Terry Bryner. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Brooklyn pick: P Cosme Garza. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Pittsburgh pick: P David Reed. Signing Bonus: $25,000

Round 13 :

Cairo pick: RF Carlos Varga. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Helena pick: 2B John Meaney. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Stockholm pick: P Newton Su. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Sylva pick: P Benjamin January. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Maryland pick: P Joaquin Servia. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Marietta pick: P Jeff Fletcher. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Gainesville pick: LF Pedro Bohorquez. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Jersey City pick: RF Joseph Wright. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Seattle pick: P David Seigler. Signing Bonus: $25,000
New York pick: 2B Keenan McGill. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Brooklyn pick: P Florian Mejia. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Pittsburgh pick: P Jose Leon. Signing Bonus: $25,000

Round 14 :

Cairo pick: P Victor Pardo. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Helena pick: P James Yoshida. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Stockholm pick: P Kenneth Hale. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Sylva pick: P David Bravo. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Maryland pick: P Reinaldo Cotte. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Marietta pick: P Tobias Malave. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Gainesville pick: P Filiberto Leon. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Jersey City pick: LF Craig Carroll. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Seattle pick: P John Hering. Signing Bonus: $25,000
New York pick: P Richard Blalock. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Brooklyn pick: P Randy Wyckoff. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Pittsburgh pick: P Samuel Fernandez. Signing Bonus: $25,000

Round 15 :

Cairo pick: P Gilbert Hillen. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Helena pick: P Chijirou Masujiro. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Stockholm pick: P Joey Rodriguez. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Sylva pick: P Berry Sword. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Maryland pick: P Brian Bernstein. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Marietta pick: P Alberto Santoro. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Gainesville pick: P Jason Walker. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Jersey City pick: P David Ray. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Seattle pick: P John Roll. Signing Bonus: $25,000
New York pick: P Ignacio Rivas. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Brooklyn pick: P Deivi Carranza. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Pittsburgh pick: P Jesse Sickels. Signing Bonus: $25,000

OEL: Free Agency Day Four, Draft Round 3

2008-12-04T17:22:00.000-08:00

Pretty much everyone let the computer make their choice for round three of the draft. Unless someone objects that tells me I can run rounds 4-15 tomorrow night and get that portion of the off-season over with. Sound off if you still want to make the picks.

Here are your Round Three selections:

Round 3 :

Cairo pick: LF Steve Yeager. Signing Bonus: $60,000
Helena pick: P William Curtis. Signing Bonus: $52,500
Seattle pick: 1B Roger Russell. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Sylva pick: P Matt Truesdell. Signing Bonus: $85,000
Maryland pick: 2B David Symons. Signing Bonus: $80,000
Marietta pick: 3B Julio Barraza. Signing Bonus: $52,500
Gainesville pick: 3B Luis Boring. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Jersey City pick: 3B Nicholas Concepcion. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Seattle pick: C Travis Lesko. Signing Bonus: $25,000
Stockholm pick: C Gerard Leak. Signing Bonus: $55,000
Brooklyn pick: 3B William Thorn. Signing Bonus: $90,000
Cairo pick: 1B Davor Banda. Signing Bonus: $72,500

On the free agent class the steady trickle continues with three more signings on day four. Those signings are:

Day 4 :

Stockholm : CF Joseph Watson, 5,000,000 per year, for 2 years.
Jersey City : P Guille Alvarado, 2,200,000 per year, for 3 years.
New York : RF Thomas Tietjen, 300,000 per year, for 1 year.

I will run days 5-6 tomorrow night, along with possible the rest of the draft. Be there!

Seattle/Jersey City Trade

2008-12-04T13:40:00.000-08:00

In a continuing effort to rescue his franchise from financial ruin caused by his own poor decisions, Seattle GM Matt Macario announced a trade with Jersey City today. Seattle sends minor league starter John Toy and MR Bruce Westlund to Jersey City, in exchange for minor league reliever William Salter and a much needed $3.5 million in cash.

In other news, Macario is soliciting suggestions for a new team name. After four consecutive exits from the playoffs, the "Chokers" is the current frontrunner, but all suggestions will be considered.

Free Agency Day Three and Draft Day Two

2008-12-03T19:02:00.000-08:00

Note: Mack and I decided to go every night for the offseason if I can keep up. This means some small changes in how we handle things. Day three was tonight, day four will be tomorrow night, and days 5-6 will occur Friday. If you object let Mack or I know quickly.

Day two of the draft has come and gone. Here are tonight's picks:

Round 2 :

Cairo pick: P Erik Little. Signing Bonus: $108,500
Helena pick: 1B Frank Ramos. Signing Bonus: $350,000
Stockholm pick: P Amaury Diaz. Signing Bonus: $91,000
Sylva pick: P Zachary Hubbard. Signing Bonus: $224,000
Maryland pick: SS Matthew Bacon. Signing Bonus: $122,500
Marietta pick: P Willie Gowans. Signing Bonus: $308,000
Gainesville pick: P Nathan Edney. Signing Bonus: $108,500
Jersey City pick: SS Fred Montemayor. Signing Bonus: $91,000
Seattle pick: P Martin Hernandez. Signing Bonus: $115,500
New York pick: 3B Ronald Bostrom. Signing Bonus: $35,000
Sylva pick: 2B John Rodriguez. Signing Bonus: $133,000
Cairo pick: LF Adrian Francois. Signing Bonus: $35,000

And Day three of free agency saw our next two signings:

Day 3 :

Pittsburgh : CF Oscar Woodworth, 10,570,000 per year, for 3 years.
Brooklyn : CF John Douglass, 7,000,001 per year, for 3 years.

Day four is tomorrow night! Be there!

5 star SP prospect available

2008-12-02T09:51:00.001-08:00

I'm making 5 star SP prospect T Tashiro available in the right deal.
I'm looking for a major league caliber SS or SP in the 3 star or more range, signed beyond this year at least, as the cornerstone.
Also 3 star OF prospect G Marcano is now available with my recent signing of Paul Caldwell.

All offers will be considered! Well, except for Mack's hookers and blow.

OEL: Free Agency, Day Two/Draft, Day One

2008-12-01T17:38:00.000-08:00

Another exciting day here at the commissioner's office of the Overeducated League! With both Free Agency and the Draft happening concurrently it's all we can do to contain ourselves!

In free agent circles day two saw our first signings.

Day 2 :

Jersey City : LF Paul Caldwell, 5,600,000 per year, for 4 years.
Jersey City : P Nicanor Gonzalez, 660,660 per year, for 2 years.

Who's next on the signing parade? Download the file and it...could...be...YOU!

From the draft offices of the baseball HQ comes this news of the first round of the amateur draft!

Round 1:

Cairo pick: SS Danilo Henriquez. Signing Bonus: $2,156,000
Helena pick: 3B Myles Horne. Signing Bonus: $1,568,000
Stockholm pick: LF Richard Vuong. Signing Bonus: $3,000,000
Sylva pick: 2B Nelson Osuna. Signing Bonus: $155,000
Maryland pick: P Geronimo Rodriguez. Signing Bonus: $2,346,000
Marietta pick: P Adam Peters. Signing Bonus: $1,089,000
Gainesville pick: 2B Francis Murillo. Signing Bonus: $877,200
Jersey City pick: P Paul Valles. Signing Bonus: $550,800
Seattle pick: CF Domingo Gonzales. Signing Bonus: $176,800
New York pick: P Paul Rollison. Signing Bonus: $200,850
Brooklyn pick: 3B Robert Judy. Signing Bonus: $185,000
Pittsburgh pick: P David Abarca. Signing Bonus: $460,600

Note: To those who noticed that the order in the game varied from the order Mack posted be assured that Mack's order was right but it was decided that I should fudge the results rather than work on straightening it up with a bunch of teeny trades.

Days 3 and 4 of free agency and day 2 of the draft are Wednesday! Don't be late!

Pittsburgh Sells Future to Cairo

2008-12-01T13:30:00.001-08:00

In a deal finalized on the eve of the draft, the Pittsburgh Pisces have sold off a piece of their future for nothing but cold, hard cash. The Pisces have sent their second, third, and fourth round picks in the upcoming draft to Cairo in exchange for $10 million. Two other crappy A-ball starting pitchers also exchanged hands to comply with league rules, as the Pisces sent out John Stanley and received Simon Galaz.

Speculation is running rampant in the Steel City as to Owner/GM Mack Shultz's intentions with his new found riches. Sources indicate that the always popular "hookers and blow" option is being hotly debated within the organization. Other possibilities are said to include a new villa in the Caribbean, a preemptive legal defense fund, and payola for a new stadium. Wild rumors indicate that Shultz may even spend it to improve the team, but that seems most unlikely.

Trade: Marietta and Seattle

2008-11-29T17:14:00.000-08:00

In a classic off-season deal Marietta acquires starting pitcher Billy Lowry (12-8 4.75) in exchange for minor league starter Claude Guzman (10-11 3.47 an AA and 1-1 3.86 in three starts at AAA), Marietta's 8th round pick in the upcoming draft, and $4,000,000 cash.

OEL: Free Agency, Day One

2008-11-27T04:18:00.000-08:00

Day One of Free Agency is now complete. Download the new file and so forth to see how things are going. Note that I've altered the schedule a little bit. Check the website for updates.

Day two of Free Agency and Round 1 of the Amateur Draft will be on Monday. Get those picks in to me, guys. If I do not have your picks I'll let the machine do it for you.

Here's how to get me your picks:

Find out where your pick is in the round.
Sub a list, in order of preference, of the players you want. The list should be as long or longer than the number of your pick.
I'll pick the available player that is highest on your list.

Simple as that!

So be there!

2005 Amateur Draft

2008-11-25T14:56:00.000-08:00

Draft Order for the 2005 Amateur Draft:

1. Cairo
2. Helena
3. Stockholm
4. Sylva
5. Maryland
6. Marietta
7. Winnipeg
8. Jersey City
9. New York (tied with Seattle, won coin flip)
10. Seattle (lost coin flip)
11. Pittsburgh
12. Brooklyn

Also, here is a list of the draft picks that have been traded. Not very many in this draft. As always, if you see anything wrong, leave a comment and I'll update the post accordingly.

2nd Round
Pittsburgh to Cairo (cash trade)
Brooklyn to Sylva (Duran trade)

3rd Round
Stockholm's pick to Seattle (Covas trade)
New York's pick to Stockholm (Scull trade)
Pittsburgh's pick to Cairo (cash trade)

4th Round
New York's pick to Stockholm (Gomez trade)
Pittsburgh's pick to Cairo (cash trade)
Brooklyn's pick to Maryland (Sasso trade)

5th Round
Jersey City's pick to Pittsburgh (Whitesides trade)
Pittsburgh's pick to Stockholm (Avelar trade)

8th Round
Marietta's pick to Seattle (Lowry trade)

[Edited to add Duran trade]
[Edited to add Lowry trade]
[Edited to add Seattle-Cairo cash trade]

Need players?

2008-11-25T08:40:00.000-08:00

With some poor financial decisionmaking, I have dug myself into a "negative cash" hole. I've decided to commence rebuilding mode anyway, at least partially... so if you see a player on my team who will help your team and also help my bottom line, make me an offer!

2004-05 Offseason Schedule

2008-11-24T08:30:00.000-08:00

Well, after some testing over the weekend, and learning from experiences in the SDMB League, here's the plan for the 2004-05 OEL offseason. In short, we are going to upgrade to OOTP 9 for the 2005 season. Unfortunately, we have to complete most of the offseason in version 6.5 before we can upgrade.

For those of you who do not have version 9 of the game, here's a website where you can download it. I think it's only $30, which is a pretty good deal for your entertainment dollar, even in today's economy. Everyone probably should go ahead and get it now, even though we won't be using it for a few weeks, just to get it up and running. Make sure your game is updated to the latest version (9.2.2).

Tonight I'm going to roll the sim over to the 2005 season. So, get any last minute contract offers or roster moves in today.

The only task it appears that we can cleanly skip in the version 6.5 offseason is the coach signings. The coaching system in 9 is different enough that nothing carries over. So, there's no point to signing coaches. I'm going to sim through those five days tonight.

Where we'll start is with free agency and the amateur draft. Unfortunately, we can't move the amateur draft into version 9 (without massive work for the commissioners, and I don't want to spend hours on it just to move the draft into version 9). Also, it appears that it is cheaper to sign free agents in 6.5 than in 9, based on an ad hoc review by me during my testing. So, we'll do those two tasks together in the same way we've done them in the past. I'll post a schedule today or tonight on the league web site, but you can expect Day 1 of free agency to be Wednesday. Nate's running the sims for free agency and the amateur draft.

After free agency and the amateur draft, we'll have to do the Rule 5 draft and Spring Training in version 6.5. Those will also be run by me and done the same as in the past.

Finally, after Spring Training is done, I'll roll the game into OOTP 9. We'll give everyone probably a quick sim or two to acclimate themselves to the changes, and then jump right into the regular season.

If you have any questions, you can either post them in the comments or email Nate and me.

2004 Award Winners

2008-11-19T11:05:00.000-08:00

Congrats to the winners:

Ted Williams (MVP):
Seattle's Darren Schmelzer
Brooklyn's Miyatorou Takenao

Cy Young:
Sylva's Bobby Stoops
Brooklyn's Tyler Conn

Rookie of the Year:
Pittsburgh's Richard Ro
Helena's Wayne Prokop

Platonic League Gold Gloves:
Pitcher: Thomas Holte (SEA)
Catcher: Herman Colon (SEA)
First Base: James Sanfilippo (CAI)
Second Base: Samuel Corrado (SYL)
Third Base: Raymond Bullington (SYL)
Shortstop: Charles Fordyce (MPD)
Leftfield: Paul Caldwell (CAI)
Centerfield: Mark Peters (STO)
Rightfield: Mark Kiker (CAI)

Socratic League Gold Gloves:
Pitcher: Sergio Varela (JCY)
Catcher: Pio Pastrana (BRK)
First Base: Wiley Reinoso (HEL)
Second Base: David Austin (WIN)
Third Base: Basil Gomez (JCY)
Shortstop: Maels Ruiz (JCY)
Leftfield: Tomihiko Heizo (MAR)
Centerfield: Oscar Woodworth (BRK)
Rightfield: Benito Figueredo (BRK)

This post brought to you by the agents for possible free agents Bobby Stoops, Paul Caldwell, Mark Kiker, David Austin, Maels Ruiz, and Oscar Woodworth. (laugh)

Brooklyn Claims Title

2008-11-19T09:45:00.001-08:00

In a thrilling Game Six, the Brooklyn Bombers fended off the Pittsburgh Pisces to claim the 2004 championship, their second in three seasons. Only the improbable victory last year of the Maryland Poedamnedmonium has prevented Brooklyn from a three-peat.

Once again, the starting pitching was superb. Brooklyn took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second with a solo home run by Anotnio Alicea. Pittsburgh responded in the fifth inning with a solo shot by Brian Staudt. Unfortunately, the Pisces also left the bases loaded. The game remained tied until the seventh inning, when the Bombers scored on an bases-loaded single by Stephen Hyer to take 1 2-1 lead.

In the bottom of the eighth, things finally unravelled a bit for the Pisces. An error by third baseman Staudt gave Alicea a chance to stroke a two-run, two-out single off of reliever Vincent Furness. The three-run lead was too much for the Pisces to overcome in the ninth against closer Steve Corner.

Alicea's three runs batted in led to Player of the Game honors. The "goat" award was hung on Pisces first baseman Gary Croce, who ended his remarkable postseason by grounding into two double plays.

The next sim will be Monday by me. That's the final chance to make roster or contract offers in the 2004 season before we roll over to 2005.

It looks like more owners support upgrading to OOTP 9 than oppose it. So, we will probably be upgrading at the end of the offseason, before 2005 starts. If you are opposed to the upgrade, or if that might hurt your desire to continue as an owner in the game, please send me or Nate an email.

Game Five: Brooklyn Stands Off Pittsburgh In a Close One

2008-11-18T17:33:00.000-08:00

Believe it of not, baseball aficionados, we had another nail biter tonight in the OEL Series! Tonight Brooklyn held off Pittsburgh to go up 3 games to 2 in the series!

Pittsburgh got on the board first with 2 runs in the second. The runs scored with two down as the Pisces put up a single, an infield hit, a walk, and another single to plate two runs!

But Brooklyn wasn't going down easy tonight. They put up 2, 1, and 2 runs in the 5th, 6th and 7th innings, respectively, to go up 5-2 going into the late innings.

The Irontowners weren't demoralized, however, as, in the bottom of the ninth 1b Gary Groce led the inning with a walk and 3b Brian Staudt then hit a two run homerun off reliever Steve Corner to make it 5-4 and leave the Pittsburghers down only 1 run with no outs!

Corner turned the, well, corner at that point and shut down the Fish with three straight ground outs to the third baseman to close the door on the game.

The series now moves back to Brooklyn with the home team just one game away from a championship and the Pisces with their backs to the wall! Who will win?

I have simmed the game and the day off following. The next, possibly final, sim of the series will be tomorrow by Mack! Don't miss a moment of the tense, baseball action!

Game Four: Home Field Advantage Holds

2008-11-17T18:45:00.001-08:00

After four games in the OEL Championship Series (the sweetest smelling series in the world), the home team is undefeated. This means, of course, that Pittsburgh defended its turf tonight and tied the series at two games a piece.

Interestingly, despite both teams rolling out their #4 starters, the game was fairly low scoring. Pittsburgh broke the ice with a two-out, one-run rally in the first inning. But, the Pisces left the bases loaded, which it seemed would come back to haunt them when Brooklyn roared back. An RBI single by starting pitcher Thomas Fleenor in the second tied the score and Benito Figueredo stroked an RBI double in the third to take a 2-1 lead.

The game remained 2-1 into the sixth inning, as both starters settled down. However, an RBI groundout by Donald "Missing" Parson and and RBI infield hit by starting pitcher Robert Gaertner then gave the Pisces a 3-2 lead. A RBI double by Brian Staudt followed by a RBI single by James Dominy in the bottom of the seventh boosted the gap to a three-run cushion. At that point, Pittsburgh called on its unmatched relief combination of Vincent Furness and Ariel Santos to close out the series-tying victory. Brooklyn managed to bring the tying run to the plate with one out in the ninth, but Santos struck out Randy McGinn and William Marone to end the threat.

Robert Gaertner, who team owner Mack Shultz debated on whether to let start or not, took home Player of the Game honors with his seven strong innings pitched and game-winning RBI single.

League file is posted and web pages en route. Game Five in this classic contest will be tomorrow, by either Nate or me. Will the home field dominance continue, or will Brooklyn break through? Stay tuned.

OEL Championship: Extra Inning Thriller

2008-11-17T12:47:00.000-08:00

The outstandingly competitive OEL Championship Series continued today with a classic contest between the Brooklyn Bombers and the Pittsburgh Pisces.

The starting pitching was extraordinary, as the game was scoreless through the first five innings. In the bottom of the sixth, the Pisces finally broke through when Brooklyn's Gaby Duran inexplicably lost his control. With one out, Duran walked five consecutive batters, mixing in a wild pitch for good measure. With Pittsburgh holding a 2-0 lead and having the bases loaded, Brooklyn's bullpen stepped up and coaxed a double play from Donald "Missing" Parson to end the threat.

The game remained 2-0 into the ninth inning, as Pittsburgh's Timothy Hornyak continued to shut down the Bombers' attack. Pittsburgh manager Moses Guthrie, despite having league-saves leader Ariel Santos rested and ready in the bullpen, elected to let Hornyak finish what he had started. He stuck with Hornyak despite a leadoff double by Miyatarou Takenao and was rewarded with a harmless pop up by Pio Pastrana. Unfortunately for the Pittsburgh fans, Randy McGinn then hammered a long, long home run down the left field line, travelling an estimated 420 feet, to tie the score at 2-2. Hornyak, who was still left in, managed to get out of the frame without further damage. Pittsburgh was retired in order in the bottom of the ninth and the game went to extra innings.

In the top of the tenth inning, Pittsburgh reliever Vincent Furness retired Brooklyn in order. In the bottom of the tenth, pinch-hitter Brian Caraway led off with a double for the hometown Pisces. And, one out later, phenom Gary Croce ended the game with an opposite field two-run home run off Ramon Medina. That was Croce's fifth of the postseason, and his second playoff extra-inning homer.

So, with a 4-2 victory, Pittsburgh has closed the series gap to 2-1. Game Four will be played this evening, so tune in for more drama and excitement.

OEL Series Game Two: Brooklyn wins a squeaker

2008-11-14T17:45:00.000-08:00

Here we are again, sports fans, at the greatest series in the greatest league on Earth!

In tonight's contest we saw a Pittsburgh team reeling from a game one loss and hoping to come back and even things up against the Brooklynites!

Sadly, it wasn't to be tonight as Brooklyn won the titanic tilt 3-2 in regulation. In spite of the fact that Pittsburgh had ten hits on the night to Brooklyn's 5 it was the Brooklyn Boys who managed to drive the runs home!

Brooklyn scored once in the bottom of the first on a walk, a single, a stolen base, and the run coming in on a fielders choice. Pitt tied it up in the top of the second on a triple by Staudt followed immediately by a double by Snider.

But Brooklyn answers in the bottom of the third with two runs on two singles and a triple and that would be all she needed. Pittsburgh drove in one more run in the sixth but that was the end of the scoring for the evening!

Pittsburgh now goes home down two games to none and faces the possibility of being swept on their home turf. Can the pull it out? Only time will tell.

I have simmed the game and the off day following. Game three at Pittsburgh is by Mack. Don't miss it!

OEL Championship: Brooklyn Takes Initiative

2008-11-13T18:26:00.000-08:00

In the opener of the OEL Championship series, Brooklyn took the lead with a 4-3 victory at home. The turning point was the two-run single delivered in the second inning by starting pitcher Willie Carter. That was the key blow in a four-run inning that turned a 2-0 deficit into a 4-2 lead. Pittsburgh rebounded with a run in the eighth inning, but could not get the tying run across. Willie Carter picked up Player of the Game honors for his sterling performance on the mound and at the plate.

Game Two will be simmed tomorrow by Nate. League file is posted and web pages are en route.

Game Six: Ending in a Thriller!

2008-11-12T17:10:00.000-08:00

There are some sayings that baseball is just willing to go out of its way to prove, over and over and over, sports fans. Tonight, that saying is, sometimes you're the hero, sometimes you're the goat.

The goat tonight is, as in game five, New York relief pitcher Javier Corchado. Brooklyn wins the series with an unbelievable, last inning, come-from-behind win 8-7, over rival New York.

It started out well for New York. After a quiet first inning the Gothamites put up a five-spot on the team from across the bridge by batting around in the second inning. In all they put up three singles, two walks, a double, and a two-run home run by second sacker Roger Kirby to take what appeared to be a commanding lead in the game. Things looked good for a game seven after that frame

However, the Brooklynites would not be denied. The bottom of the third inning saw the home team put up five runs of their own to tie the game. Unlike their opponents all of Brooklyn's runs came from singles and bases on balls. No long ball for these guys!

And that was all the scoring until the final frame of the evening. But OH, what a ninth! Just when it looked like we'd be going into extra innings on this dreary October night New York finds it's heart and puts up 2 runs on 3 hits to take the lead 7-5!

But anyone watching this series knew it wouldn't be that simple. Game five problem reliever Javier Corchado came in to close the game out but again had nothing to bring to the table. The batters Corchado faced went single, single, walk, single, single to win the game and advance to the OEL series! What a thrilling finish it was!

What further thrills can the OEL series hold? Only time will tell, sports fans! It's time to move on to the final show! Pittsburgh against Brooklyn! Two gritty towns and two gritty teams! Who will win? Stay tuned! The series will start either tomorrow or Friday at Mack and I decide! Be there!

Game Five: Brooklyn pounds New York in 9th!

2008-11-11T17:03:00.000-08:00

While the Piscene water breathers wait with baited (heh) breath for the final decision concerning who they will meet in the OEL Series this year all eyes have turned to the tense 2-2 tie in the Socratic League.

Game five of the subway series took place at New York's home ground and what a game it was. Brooklyn got off to a fast start placing two on the board in the top of the first on a combination of singles, stolen bases, and walks.

But that wouldn't be enough. New York roared back with four runs on four hits in the bottom of the third. The damage was done on three singles and a three run homer by SS Alfonso Reyes that travelled 344 feet down the left field line! What a sight that was for the fans.

That was it for the scoring until Brooklyn closed some of the gap when second baseman Miyataro Takenao hit a solo home run to bring the score to 4-3 for the home team. In the seventh New York got its advantage back by driving in one to leave the closing innings at 5-3.

And in the top of the ninth the wheels came off New York's pitching staff. Facing new pitcher Javier Corchado Brooklyn never let up. Corchado, who had 23 saves and a 3.95 ERA on the season saw the first four batters he faced reach base and eventually five of the six found their way to the basepaths. When Corchado was replaced by Jose Martinez things didn't improve. Of the four batter Martinez faced two of them delivered home runs for the Brooklyn boys. In all the visitors drove in seven runs on five hits, one walk, and an error. The shellshocked Gothamites, only minutes away from facing a winning game found themselves unable to reply in the bottom of the ninth and now face elimination in game six back in Brooklyn!

I have simmed the game day and the offday following. Game six will be tomorrow by either Mack or myself as we work it out.

Game Four: Pittsburgh Sweeps; Brooklyn Ties Series

2008-11-10T20:07:00.000-08:00

(Mack here. Nate's having continued technical problems.)

In Game Four, road teams ruled. Pittsburgh swept Seattle out of the playoffs while Brooklyn won to tie the series with New York at two games apiece.

In the first game of the day, the Pisces topped the Ministry 4-1. Starter Wilfredo Desilva went eight strong innings, holding the vaunted Seattle offense to just six hits and winning Player of the Game honors. Pittsburgh scored all the runs they needed with a two-run home run from Joseph Watson in the first inning. Brian Staudt's two-run single in the third inning gave the Pisces a 4-0 lead they would not give up. Now, for the first time, Pittsburgh advances to the championship round while Seattle, the only team to make the playoffs all four years of the league's existence, now deals with another October disappointment.

In the second game, Brooklyn exploded for four runs in the first inning on a walk, an error, and three hits. The Bombers then clung to that early lead and escaped with a 4-3 victory that knotted the series. New York scored two in the fourth and one in the eighth to close the gap but couldn't push the tying run across in the ninth. Pio Pastrana took home Player of the Game honors with his two first inning RBI.

League file is posted. Web pages en route. Next sim tomorrow night will be of Game 5 in the New York-Brooklyn series. Not sure whether it will be Nate or I running it.

Game Three: New York Takes 2-1 Lead; Pittsburgh Puts Seattle on Brink

2008-11-08T12:03:00.000-08:00

The pitchers finally showed up in the 2004 playoffs, with one unfortunate exception for the Brooklyn Bombers. As a result, the Pittsburgh Pisces have claimed a 3-0 lead over the Seattle Ministry and the New York Knights have claimed a 2-1 lead in their series.

In the first game, the Pittsburgh Pisces rode good pitching and long balls to a 3-1 victory. First baseman Gary Croce hit his fourth home run of the series, a solo shot, in the second inning to start the scoring. After two more runs in the third, Pittsburgh had a 3-0 lead that would not be overcome. Seattle's only run came on a solo shot by Carlos Araoz in the fourth inning. Otherwise, Tim Hornyak and three relievers shut down the vaunted Ministry offense. Closer Ariel Santos ended the game by striking out the side in the ninth. Now, the Ministry has to pull off a miracle to advance back to the championship round. Hornyak took home Player of the Game honors.

In the second game, the New York Knights scored when pitcher Chad Gomez hit a two-out RBI single in the fourth inning. The game remained 1-0 into the eighth inning. In the top of the frame, Brooklyn tied the game with a pinch-hit RBI double by William Marone. Unfortunately, the Brooklyn bullpen faltered again as Michael Hollier promptly gave up three runs. Salomon Tavarez led off the eighth inning with a solo home run to retake the lead for New York. A pinch-hit two-run double by Jack Sandoval ended the scoring. Javier Corchade then closed out the 4-1 victory. New York now has a 2-1 lead in the series.

League file has been uploaded. Web pages en route. Nate will sim Game 4, hopefully without incident, on Monday night.

Game Two: Pittburgh goes 2-0, Brooklyn evens it up!

2008-11-06T17:15:00.000-08:00

Games two of the first round are now in the books, OEL fans! And what games they were!

In the Platonic League Pittsburgh beat Seattle 10-8 in a scorcher that showed the Piscene Petunias putting up crooked numbers in two innings while the rain-accustomed northwesterners mostly put up straight lines. In spite of Seattle's Schmeltzer going 4 for 4 on the day the Pisces took it with 1b Gorce driving in five runs on three hits! Neither pitcher did very well as Seattle's Lowry was chased after four and Pittsburgh's Ro was injured after one inning and is now out for the remainder of the playoffs! Tough one for Pittsburgh owner Mack Shultz. He's got a hole to fill now!

In the Socratic League Brooklyn tied up the series 1-1 by beating New York 4-0 in a game that featured only seven hits by the winner while the losing team put up 8 hits and no runs. The offensive damage was done by Brooklyn catcher Pastrana with a three run home run in the sixth inning. Duran and Canela combined for nine scoreless innings for Brooklyn.

I have simmed the off day following these games as well. The next sim is Friday by Mack!

Pittsburgh and New York Grab 1-0 Leads

2008-11-05T19:17:00.001-08:00

In the Platonic League, Pittsburgh won a wild and wooly affair by a score of 11-9 in 11 innings to open the 2004 playoffs. Seattle jumped out to a 6-1 lead after Ronald Veit and Carlos Araoz hit home runs in a four-fun fourth inning. With "Happy" Diederich on the hill, the lead looked invulnerable. Yet, Pittsburgh responded with two runs in each of the fourth, sixth, and eighth innings to tie the game at seven.

It remained there into extra innings when Seattle struck first in the top of the tenth when George Pullum stroked an RBI single with two outs off of league saves leader Ariel Santos. But, a two-out wild pitch by the Ministry's Alberto Hernandez allowed pinchrunner Rudolph James to score the tying run in the bottom of the frame. Seattle rebounded in the top of the 11th though and retook the lead on a sacrifice fly by Herman "Semi" Colon. Unfortunately, the Seattle bullpen completed the collapse in the bottom of the 11th when Gary Croce hit a solo home run to tie the game and Brian Staudt stroked a two-run shot to win it.

A wild game, featuring 20 runs, 31 hits, and six home runs. What a way to start the series. Brian Staudt took home Player of the Game honors for his game-winning heroics.

In the nightcap, the two Gotham starters were strong, as New York and Brooklyn were tied at three after seven innings. But then, the Brooklyn bullpen fell apart and gave up six runs in the last two innings. The Bombers struck back for two runs in the bottom of the ninth, but it was too little, too late as New York claimed Game 1 by a 9-5 score. New York second baseman Roger Kirby won the Player of the Game honors, for reasons that escape this writer.

Game Two in each series will be tomorrow, simmed by Nate. Stay tuned.

Sim #35 - The End of the Regular Season!

2008-11-03T17:54:00.000-08:00

Finally, sports fans, we reach the end of the regular season and move on to the playoffs!

As expected, Pittsburgh, Seattle, Brooklyn and New York have advanced to the first round of the 2004 playoffs in the Overeducated League! Only Pittsburgh, lowly, downtrodden Pittsburgh, broke the 100 win barrier this season with 103 trips to the W column. Next up was Brooklyn at the Oh-So-Close 99 win mark.

In the race to the bottom we find that this will be next year's draft order:

Cairo
Helena
Stockholm
Sylva
Maryland
Marietta
Winnipeg
Jersey City
Seattle/New York (tied)
Brooklyn
Pittsburgh

I couldn't even suck enough to be useful. Figures.

In terms of seasonal performances we see these leaders:

AVG: NY Boss at .342
HR: MAR Ramer at 39
RBI: SEA Schmeltzer at 123
SB: CAI Aceveda at 50

W: BRK Conn 21
ERA: BRK Conn 2.19
K: SEA Lowry 234
SV: PIT Santos 44

Not bad, gentlemen. Not bad.

The injury front was NOT kind this sim with many players banged up to a greater or lesser degree. The important one, however, is a strained back muscle on the last day of the season to Amador Zaragoza. He's out for the next five weeks and therefore the playoffs. Tough break for the boys from Cloud City! Good luck finding a replacement!

I have simmed the off days after the season and Mack will begin the playoffs on Wednesday night! Let's hope for a good one!

OOTP Upgrade

2008-11-03T13:06:00.000-08:00

Nate and I have decided to solicit the views of owners on whether or not to upgrade the league from OOTP 6.5 to OOTP 9 at the end of the coming offseason. Please post your views here as comments. Thanks.

Sim #34 - Last Call for the Regular Season

2008-11-01T19:23:00.000-07:00

We now stand at September 26, with just a single, six-day sim separating us from the end of the 2004 regular season and the start of the fourth postseason in OEL history.

The playoff match-ups remain basically set. Seattle definitely will travel to the surprising Pittsburgh Pisces in the Platonic League. In the Socratic League, the skidding New York Knights will hope to break their seven-game losing streak, finally eliminate Jersey City, and secure their subway ticket to Brooklyn.

Since the playoff picture is all but finalized, draft order is really the remaining order of business to sort out. Cairo has a three-game "lead" on Helena for the first pick in the draft. Maryland, Sylva, and Stockholm are separated by only three games for the third through fifth picks. Marietta, Winnipeg, and Jersey City are only three games apart for the final non-playoff picks from sixth through eighth.

In miscellaneous news...

Pittsburgh's Joseph Watson and Brooklyn's Oscar Woodworth picked up Player of the Week honors.

The only serious injury was to Maryland closer Edward Adams, who strained an elbow ligament and would be out five weeks, if Maryland had five more weeks to play.

Cairo's Paul Caldwell has a ten-point lead for the Platonic batting average title, which seems safe with so few games remaining. New York's Bill Boss is poised to take the crown in the Socratic League.

No player will post an OPS over 1.000 and only six players in the entire OEL have an OPS over .900.

Marietta's Albert Ramer has a one home run lead over Jersey City's Brandon Townsend for the OEL title.

Brooklyn's Tyler Conn will be the only 20-game winner and is all but certain to have the lowest ERA in the OEL.

Pittsburgh's Ariel Santos will lead the OEL in saves.

On September 21, Maryland thumped wild card winner Seattle 14-6, racking up 21 hits in the process.

On September 22, Marietta scored a tying run with two outs in the ninth and hit a three-run home run in the tenth to top Helena.

On September 23, Pittsburgh blasted Stockholm 14-0.

On September 24, Cairo beat Maryland 5-4 in 11 innings and Brooklyn beat Jersey City in 15 long innings. Starting pitcher Gaby Duran got the win in relief for Brooklyn, who I am sure is thrilled to see key pitchers being used in meaningless games in relief just two days after starting.

On September 25, Seattle won a possible playoff preview 2-0 over Pittsburgh, as Billy Lowry outpitched Richard Ro.

The league file is posted. Web pages en route. Nate will finish the regular season on Monday (newspaper business permitting) and will then advise as to the playoff schedule.

Sim #33 Complete - Agh!

2008-10-29T17:44:00.000-07:00

Election again. In five I've got to catch a county commissioner who thinks he's dodged me!

Sim's done and we're heading into the last two sims.

NOTE: My final sim will include 10/1 to take us to the end of the season.

Sim #32 Completed - No big report

2008-10-27T20:34:00.001-07:00

Sorry, but with the knee injury and it already being late, no big update report. The sim is up to September 16. League file is loaded and web pages en route. Next sim is Wednesday by Nate,

Sim #31 - Magic Numbers Close In

2008-10-25T14:15:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the delay, folks. This reporter got a chance to ride with a campaign and took it. You guys out there in newspaper-land might THINK you want this election over but I mean it deep in my heart, in that little place where you have to believe HARD to save Tinkerbell's life, I want this to end.

Anyway, I'm sure there's some baseball stuff in here somewhere.

Magic Numbers are closing. Both league leaders could close it off in the next sim. Pittsburgh's magic number is 2 and Brooklyn's is 3! Which one will do it in the next week? Only time will tell, sports fans!

In the wild card races Seattle has utterly locked that up in the Platonic league while New York has all but done so in the SL. It looks like everyone else is making hockey reservations these days.

In the race for the #1 pick Cairo has opened up a 2 game suckitude lead. There's still time for that to go either way, though.

This sim was brutal on the injury front.

Stockholm lost Chad Kinlaw day-to-day for a week.
Winnipeg lost Samual Mazza for 4-5 weeks with a pulled tricep.
Winnipeg lost Mauro Codobes day to day for two weeks.
Winnipeg lost Kirk Johnson day to day for two weeks.
New York lost top flight center fielder Sammie Ward to a broken hand for 5 weeks!

Only that last one impacts the playoffs, but what an injury it is!

Next sim is Mack on Monday! Be there and watch me explode prior to November 5!

Sim #30 Completed: New York Rebounds

2008-10-22T18:41:00.000-07:00

Mack here again, pinch-hitting for Nate due to that whole election thing that's got so many newspaper people busy.

First sim of September is completed. The big news is that the New York Knights have reeled off five straight wins to beat back the Jersey City threat. New York now has a 6.5 game lead on Jersey City with 23/24 games left. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh has clinched a playoff berth in the Platonic League and has extended its lead over Seattle to 12 games.

On the other end of the standings spectrum, Cairo clings to a half-game lead over Helena for the top pick in next year's draft.

In miscellaneous news ...

Lots of day-to-day injuries but the big blow is Stockholm's young closer Timothy Williams who ruptured a disc in his back and is out for the remainder of the season. Rumors also swirl that Pittsburgh GM Mack Shultz ruptured his patellar ligament last night, leading him to be a little punchier than usual as he contemplates the wonders of vicodin while waiting for surgery on Friday. The rumors further claim that the GM's wife has declared it a basketball-career-ending injury.

Ben "Sugar" Towell laced five hits for the Stockholm Sluggers on September 5 in a 7-4 victory over Maryland.

Stockholm's Horace Lawson and Brooklyn's Benito Figueredo took home Player of the Week honors.

On September 1, Jersey City pounded Cairo 15-3. All 15 runs by the Skeeters were scored in a three-inning span from the third to the fifth.

On September 2, New York scored three in the ninth to top Maryland 3-1 while Seattle thrashed Winnipeg 13-2.

On September 3, Pittsburgh shut out Marietta 10-0, meaning the Mammoths really would have been better off not showing up.

On September 4, Sylva and Cairo went deep into the night before Sylva pulled out a 3-2 victory in 15 innings. Someone's still playing hard on those squads.

In the last two days of the sim, Seattle and Pittsburgh squared off for the first two games of a three-game playoff preview. Pisces pitching shut down the Ministry at home in 2-0 and 5-2 victories. Seattle will look to salvage some pride in the series finale on the first day of the next sim.

Finally, a shout out to Sylva pitcher Bobby Stoops appears to be in order. On a struggling squad, he has posted a 15-6 record and a 3.07 ERA. He leads the Platonic League in ERA and is tied for the league lead in wins. Nice work by him in a tough year for the Black Bears.

League file is posted. Web pages are en route. Next sim will be by Nate on Friday.

Sim #29 Complete: Rosters Expand!

2008-10-20T20:19:00.000-07:00

We're up to September 1 now, and major league rosters have expanded to 40 men.

In the standings, the big news is that Jersey City has closed to within 5.5 games of a reeling New York Knights squad, who has dropped eight of their last nine games.

On the other end of the spectrum, Helena and Cairo are separated by a mere half-game for the top pick in next year's draft.

In miscellaneous news:

Seattle's Ronald Veit and Brooklyn's Miyatarou Takenao won Batter of the Month for August. Pittsburgh's Joseph Silas and Jersey City's Freddie Mendes claimed Pitcher of the Month honors.

On August 29, Pittsburgh's Lamont Alcala hit three solo home runs in his first three trips to the plate to power the Pisces to a 3-0 victory over New York. Astonishingly, Pittsburgh manager Moses Guthrie pinch hit for Alcala when he came up in the seventh inning to bring in a left-handed hitter. Talk about sticking to the book!

On August 30, Maryland's Fabio Punal shut out Helena on two hits. His performance tied for the third-best this season.

Seattle's Ronald Veit fell to a bruised heel and is expected to be out about 10 days.

I could probably talk about lots of games, but the August 30 tilt between Brooklyn and Seattle is a doozie. Brooklyn led 3-2 going into the bottom of the ninth. But, with two outs, free-agent-to-be Amador Zaragoza bombed a deep home run to right-center to tie the game. The game then remained tied at three until the 13th inning when Miyatarou Takenao hit a solo home run to deep left-center to reclaim the lead. Zaragoza responded though with an RBI single in the bottom of the 13th, sending the contest deeper into the Seattle night. Then, in the 17th inning, Brooklyn scored a run on a bases-loaded groundout. However, Seattle strung together four consecutive singles with one out (the last by the pitcher) to claim a 6-5 victory. Check out the box score. Heck of a game.

Anyway. League file is posted. Web pages en route. Nate's got the next sim on Wednesday.

Sim #28 Complete: Commish Busy

2008-10-17T17:17:00.001-07:00

I've got a speech to write and another to cover. The sim's done.

Sim # 27 Completed: Tight, Exciting Games This Sim

2008-10-15T18:31:00.000-07:00

We're to August 22 now. As the gap between New York and Winnipeg has grown to 8.5 games, it appears that the playoffs are basically set. So, I'll skip the standings blather and go straight to the miscellaneous notes.

Some day-to-day injuries, but the more severe injuries were to Winnipeg's Glen Trask and Cairo's James Pilla who are both out about a week or so.

Stockholm's Steffen Nell and Marietta's Brady Morris took home Player of the Week honors.

Jersey City's first baseman Amado Rodon has set a Socratic League for walks in a season, with weeks still to go.

On August 17, New York scored two in the eighth and one in the ninth to come back and beat Stockholm 6-5. Meanwhile, Sylva plated two in the ninth to top Winnipeg 3-2.

On August 18, Stockholm and Marietta entered the ninth tied at five. Stockholm scored two in the top of the final inning, only to see Marietta score three to claim victory.

On August 19, Stockholm claimed revenge and crushed Marietta 13-2. Seattle and Winnipeg meanwhile fought to a scoreless tie through nine innings. The Ministry's run in the bottom of the tenth led to their 1-0 win. New York also scored in the tenth inning to beat Pittsburgh 3-2.

On August 20, Cairo scored a run in the bottom of the ninth to tie Jersey City, but then fell when the Skeeters scored two in the tenth. Maryland also came back with three in the ninth inning to beat Helena 8-7.

On August 21, Brooklyn topped Seattle 1-0 in a game featuring only eight hits.

League file is posted. Web pages en route. Next sim is Friday by Nate.

Sim #26 Complete! Things begin to lock in.

2008-10-13T17:55:00.000-07:00

Yes, sports fans, the playoff picture is beginning to come into focus. Adding the wildcard to the regular season is supposed to work to the advantage and interest of contending teams but the way it's fallen out this year that's not happening! Pittsburgh and Brooklyn have almost locked up first place and Seattle and New York look secure in their wild card finishes!

In standout games and performances Pittsburgh pitchers Gaertner and Pellerin combined on three hitter against Helena August 16th!

On the downside of the injury front New York suffered a blow, losing 15 game winner Abe Nix for 5 -6 weeks to elbow chips. Ow! They also have another pitcher, Chad Gomez, day-to-day with blisters! Not a good sim for the New York franchise!

Next sim is Wednesday by Mack! Be there!

Sim #25 Completed

2008-10-10T19:23:00.000-07:00

I spent some time on the league file today and I think I got all of the player histories, team histories, and email messages restored. They somehow went missing during Nate's crashes. If you see something strange, let me know.

Simmed up to August 12 now. Biggest news of the sim, from a standings perspective, is in the Socratic League. Brooklyn has extended its lead over New York to seven full games. Meanwhile, Winnipeg is only 3.5 games behind New York. Can Hal's squad catch the Miracle Knights and make it back into the playoffs?

In the Platonic League, Pittsburgh's lead has extended back to five games by virtue of a four-game winning streak. Third-place Stockholm is now 20.5 games behind the Pisces, so the playoff match-up is pretty firmly set.

Miscellaneous notes:

Maryland lost Donald Mansfield for 4-5 weeks to a fractured wrist. No other major injuries to report.

The leading home run hitter in the Platonic League is impending free agent Carlos Araoz of Seattle. But, he has only 27 home runs, putting him on pace for just 36. Pretty low total for a league leader, if you ask me.

Bobby Stoops of Sylva threw his second shutout of the year and is the only Platonic pitcher with more than one complete game shutout.

Sylva's Frank Sherrick is the only Platonic League pitcher with an ERA under 3.00 and he sits at 2.99.

No player in either league has an OPS over 1.000.

Brendon Townsend of New Jersey leads the Socratic Lead (or is tied for the lead) in runs, RBI, home runs, triples, slugging percentage, and total bases. Nice campaign for the rightfielder. Nice job by Paul to sign him to an extension back in June.

Brooklyn's stud pitcher Tyler "Ex" Conn leads the Socratic League (or is tied for the lead) in wins, complete games, shutouts, quality starts, innings pitched, ERA, WHIP, and opponents' batting average. While he's benefiting from a league-low BABIP of 2.43, I don't think that's the only explanation.

Sylva smoked Stockholm 16-0 on August 9. Ouch.

Next sim should be Monday by Nate, as the two of us appear to have worked through our computer issues. League file is posted and web pages en route.

Sim #24 - The Laptop Strikes Back

2008-10-07T16:53:00.000-07:00

Having worked on my fan for a bit I have confidence that I can complete a sim without a crash. In fact, I have!

Headline: Distance Acheived!

The name of the game is distance, my friends! Both leaders extended their margins this sim. Pittsburgh to four games and Brooklyn to five! Even Helena spread it out a bit with space in the wildcard stretched to 3.5 games!

On the injury front we had several, sad to say...

Maryland's James Sexton was injured while pitching. Day to day for seven weeks!
Marietta's Christian Diaz pulled a tricep. He's day to day for three weeks!
Cairo lost John Arant for 1-2 weeks with a stiff shoulder.
Winnipeg lost Jerry Brasher for for six weeks with a broken foot!

Hard times.

Next sim is by Mack. I'll allow him to inform you of the schedule.

2008-10-06T17:30:00.000-07:00

Sim #23 Completed

2008-10-03T21:14:00.000-07:00

It's late, so no fancy recap. We're into August. Both division leaders have two-game leads. League file posted and web pages en route. Next sim is Monday by Nate.

Brooklyn takes an interest only loan to mortgage future for today

2008-10-02T14:51:00.000-07:00

Hearing about the $700 Billion bail out by congress of big banks on Wall Street, the Brooklyn Bombers decided to take a second mortgage out on their stadium so they could afford to make one more run at the championship. With an aging team that is about to hit free agency the team needed to make a move to get back to the series one more time. And seeing the others in the league get desperate to catch up with the front runners, the Bombers decided to play follow the leader to stay one step ahead. With the extra money borrowed from the future, the Bombers have acquired front line starting pitcher Gaby Duran and SS Ted "Creamed" Corns. The $14.5M contract for Duran will almost assure that Brooklyn will take a loss in the financial ledger this season, but hopefully will bring a third straight trip to the World Series. Bombers Owner/General Manager Jeremy Goldman announced the trade at a press conference after their recent loss to Jersey City. He said "We now have the arms to pitch deep into this season. I want the people of Brooklyn to know that we are not playing to make money we are playing for championships." The top of the Bomber rotation is now set with Duran and Tyler "Wrath of" Conn putting together a one-two punch.

In return, Sylva builds for the future with Brooklyn's 2nd Round pick along with a Brooklyn top 10 prospect in 1B Winfred Kiser. Perennial all-star pitcher Mark Fossom and utility infielder Lamar Diaz will also be making the trip down to North Carolina to the small town of Sylva along with $1.5M in cash that can always help out in these tough economic times.

Will these moves help fend off the pesky Knights across the East River or will the miracle Knights finish their worst to first fairy tale season. With just over 2 months left in the season this will be a late summer stretch to remember in the Socratic League.

Sim#22 Complete! Seattle begins catching up!

2008-10-01T17:31:00.000-07:00

The sim is complete and Seattle won't back down. Gaining two games this sim they've clawed back to just four behind frontrunner Pittsburgh! With the wildcard all but assured can Seattle find the motivation to overtaken the Fish and take the lead?

In the Socratic League Brooklyn doubled it's lead to two games over New York! Winnipeg, now 3.5 games out of the wild card seems to be fading. But there's still more than two months to go, sports fans!

For the curious, take a look at the games of July 25th! All but one game was decided by one run and in that one Seattle beat Maryland by a tight 4-2 count! No other team that night scored more than four runs and fully half the teams scored 2 or fewer! How 'bout them pitchers?

There were, thank goodness, no major injuries of note.

Next sim is by Mack. He'll take us to the trading deadline! See you there!

Sim #21 - Trade Deadline Approaches

2008-09-29T18:59:00.000-07:00

The season is up to July 23. Just two more sims left before the trading deadline. Make your deals now!!!

No earth-shattering changes in the standings. Pittsburgh's lead over Seattle was trimmed by a half-game even though Pittsburgh now claims the best record in the OEL. However, Seattle has a 7.5 game lead on third-place Stockholm and 12 games on fourth-place Maryland, making a Seattle-Pittsburgh playoff showdown, the third in four years, appear highly likely.

In the Socratic League, New York took a half-game off its deficit and now stands just one full game behind Brooklyn. Winnipeg is still on the fringes of the playoff race, 5.5 games behind Brooklyn and 4.5 behind New York.

New York's Richard Berkeley and Helena's Bricio Loera each suffered minor injuries and are out about a week.

Jersey City's third baseman Basil Gomez piled up 7 RBI against Maryland on July 21.

Pittsburgh took two of first three games from Brooklyn in a four-game set between division leaders. The game July 21 featured a tenth-inning, three-run, walk-off home run by the Pisces' Bryan Caraway.

Marietta topped Cairo 5-3 in 10 innings on July 19.

New York won two of three from Seattle (going back to the last sim) in a match-up of the current wild card holders.

League file is posted. Web pages en route. Next sim Wednesday by Nate.

Sim #20 - Pittsburgh Lengthens, Winnipeg Drops Back

2008-09-27T04:33:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the delay. Two Senators delayed me.

In this sim we see Pittsburgh move itself into a six game lead going into the trading deadline with Seattle still in the wild card slot. Brooklyn remains in the lead in the Socratic lead with New York 2.5 back. There's still two months to go so things could change but these races are beginning to define themselves.

While there were no standout performances this week there were a number of injuries including two major ones. Seattle relief pitcher Robert Turner is lost for 3 to 4 weeks to a ruptured tendon and Winnipeg lost catcher Fabian Mendonca for the season with a broken wrist!

The next sim is Monday by Mack. Be there!

Pittsburgh Bolsters Playoff Push

2008-09-26T11:01:00.000-07:00

The Pittsburgh Pisces today announced the acquisition of two key players to bolster their unexpected playoff run today. The Pisces acquired infielder Juan Favela and outfielder Joseph Watson from the Helena Handbaskets. Favela is expected to become an immediate full-time starter while the left-handed Watson is likely to platoon and play primarily against right-handed pitchers.

In exchange, Pittsburgh sent west starting pitching prospect Chris Saez as well as two major league reserves without minor league options--shortstop Jason Largo and outfielder James Rhodes.

"We're thrilled to add two impact players to our team," said Manager Moses Guthrie. "Both are wily veterans who will help show our youngsters the right way to play the game." Guthrie then enthusiastically dunked a rolled up piece of paper into the trash can, over the outstretched arms of bench coach Lucian Tucker.

Surprisingly, two young players who are expected to see their playing time diminish were also in favor of the move. Both current shortstop Alan Williams and centerfielder Tracy Snider said, independently, "We believe that what's best for the team will be what's best for us. We're excited for our new teammates to join us in our attempt to claim the division title." The flat monotone in which both players delivered the identically-phrased sentiments made one wonder whether Official Team Astrologer Mona Mondieu may have added hypnotism to her cupboard of tricks.

Saez, however, expressed some regret about the trade. "First I go from New York to Pittsburgh. That's ok, Pittsburgh is at least still a city. But then to go to Helena? You're kidding, right. I'm not even sure I want to make it to the majors now."

Sim # 19 Completed - No All-Star Game :(

2008-09-24T19:00:00.001-07:00

Since we had the All-Star break, I went ahead and simmed six days to get through the end of the three day off period. So, we're up to July 13 instead of July 12. Sorry for disrupting the five-day rhythm. :)

Unfortunately, while we had an All-Star break, and All-Star teams announced, we still had no All-Star game. Sorry. Nate and I need to do a better job of fixing that next year if we're still with OOTP 6.5. Heck, even if we're on version 9, we need to make sure there's an All-Star game.

So, there were only three games played this sim. Miscellaneous notes:

Pittsburgh took two of three from Brooklyn to win a series between the current division leaders. The Pisces still have a 5.5 game lead on Seattle while Brooklyn tops the Socratic League by only 1.5 games over New York.

Cairo's Oscar Leon shut out Helena on two hits in a 4-0 victory on July 9.

Leon and New York's newly acquired Chad Gomez took home Player of the Week honors.

Seattle's Darren Schmelzer has 8 RBI against Marietta on July 7.

No significant injuries.

Finally, here are the All-Star rosters:

These players were selected for the PL OOTP-Allstar Team :
P Thomas Holte from Seattle
P Robert Gaertner from Pittsburgh
P Bobby Stoops from Sylva
P Lewis McGurk from Maryland
P Richard Ro from Pittsburgh
P Gaby Duran from Sylva
P Fabio Puñal from Maryland
P Vincent Furness from Pittsburgh
P Ariel Santos from Pittsburgh
P Wesley Savage from Seattle
C Charles Hicklin from Stockholm
C James Dominy from Pittsburgh
1B Ronald Hernandez from Maryland
2B Brian Staudt from Pittsburgh
3B Darren Schmeltzer from Seattle
SS Donald Parson from Pittsburgh
LF Silvio Ruiz from Maryland
CF Carlos Araoz from Seattle
RF George Pullum from Seattle
1B Amador Zaragoza from Seattle
CF Benito Parra from Maryland
LF Perry Hodgin from Pittsburgh
LF Paul Caldwell from Cairo
2B Samuel Corrado from Sylva
3B Steffen Nell from Stockholm

These players were selected for the SL OOTP-Allstar Team :
P Tyler Conn from Brooklyn
P Abe Nix from New York
P Hernando Desalvo from Winnipeg
P Charles Hults from New York
P Lenard Ramirez from Winnipeg
P John Karpinski from Jersey City
P Mark Fossum from Brooklyn
P Lyman Grimm from Brooklyn
P Ramon Medina from Brooklyn
P Alfred Wickline from Jersey City
C Pio Pastrana from Brooklyn
C Fabian Mendonca from Winnipeg
1B Albert Ramer from Marietta
2B Miyatarou Takenao from Brooklyn
3B Salomon Tavarez from New York
SS Randy McGinn from Brooklyn
LF Tory Chavez from Helena
CF Reinaldo Salerno from Winnipeg
RF Benito Figueredo from Brooklyn
1B Antonio Alicea from Brooklyn
CF Courtney Mule from New York
CF Oscar Woodworth from Brooklyn
LF Brendon Townsend from Jersey City
SS Alfonso Reyes from New York
3B Basil Gomez from Jersey City

Next sim will be Friday by Nate. League file posted. Web pages on the way.

Seattle/Helena Trade

2008-09-24T08:06:00.000-07:00

Seattle and Helena have agreed to terms on a trade that will send perennially pleasant ace SP Joseph "Happy" Diederich across the Cascade Mountains to Seattle. In return, Seattle will send two Maximos to Helena: utility INF Maximo Corona and SP prospect Maximo Navarro. Helena will also send a small amount of cash to Seattle in the deal.