A team of all "1s" defensively.

[gbrookes]

For general interest -

I haven't quite done an all 1's team yet, but these 2 teams are close. (Both are 2008 card set).

This one was all 1's except at catcher, where Blanco was a 2:

http://fantasygames.sportingnews.com/stratomatic/team/team_other.html?user_id=239002

The above team won 85 games, and lost the finals.

The other team in a similar idea was this team:

http://fantasygames.sportingnews.com/stratomatic/team/team_other.html?user_id=214060

This team was very cool - won 90 games, but sadly lost the semi's. They stole 242 bases, while only being caught 81 times (Pierre in LF was one of my concessions to mediocre defense). Otherwise, they were all 1's except in LF, RF and C. This team had a really nice duo of Huff (DH) and Adrian Gonzalez, playing at PNC! This was one of the most fun teams I have had!

I sometimes like to set a goal of leading the league defensively in GB doubleplays. When you have a great infield and some starting pitchers who are good at inducing DPs (see the first team, with Hudson pitching!), it can be lots of fun to watch the DPs add up!! I think that this team defense idea works really well in singles ballparks like Fenway (first team) or PNC (2nd team).

:)
Geoff

[gbrookes]

Further to my above post, Sampson and Bennett (in the 2008 cards) were great at inducing DP's, as well as Hudson.

[gbrookes]

Oh yeah, I forgot - the first team above stole over 280 bases that season!!!

[Big smile!]

G

[pkwmati]

Week 2 Update:

The offense picked it up and the team went 13-8 for the week to go to 24-18 overall with a 1 game lead in the division.

Five regulars with OBPs over .375 and averaging a little better than 2 SBs/game.

The starting pitchers have not been as strong as I'd hoped although the bullpen has been outstanding, which shows up our 11-6 record in 1-run games, 6-0 in extra innings.

Interest note of the week: Juan Pierre is leading the league in batting at .348 and tied for the league lead with 6 triples.


[url]http://fantasygames.sportingnews.com/stratomatic/team/team_other.html?user_id=308020[/url]

[mbertolli]

Big show down tonight with the mighty Toronto Arsenal!

[pkwmati]

Mighty is right! You have to love an infield of Tex, Utley, HanRam & Wright.

We need a big series out of Rolen with all those lefty SPs coming at us.

[pkwmati]

Week 3 Update:

Another strong week as the team went 14-7, but having trouble shaking the Coney Island Blues who are sticking 2 games back. Offensive continues to surprise (8th in runs scored thru 63 games), but the starting pitching picked it up this week. Verlander finally started to perform (3-1, 3.22ERA 0.99WHIP for the week). Matt Maloney had a strong week as well (2-1, 2.37ERA, 1.11WHIP).

We have 3 of the top 4 in batting average (Pierre -who leads, Rolen & Markakis) and 4 of the top 6 in steals.

This has been a very fun team to work with so far.

[url]http://fantasygames.sportingnews.com/stratomatic/team/team_other.html?user_id=308020[/url]

[durantjerry]

Good work. Not too surprised with the pitching, but the hitting is very surprising to me. BTW, you inspired this team of mine.

[url]http://fantasygames.sportingnews.com/stratomatic/team/team_other.html?user_id=309563[/url]

[KEVINEHLE]

PM, nice team. I think Kaufmann Stadium is one of the key reasons you are doing so well. I was concerned about your OBP, but it's holding strong. Since your guys are getting on base, your speed is causing havoc for the other teams. I was also concerned about having enough RBI guys. With a .292 BA, the merry-go-round is going around and around and scoring some runs. I like the fact that Bourne and Pierre are a couple of your top RBI guys.
The surprising hitting and your superb defense says you are heading to the playoffs! No jinx intended.

Kev

[pkwmati]

[quote:8977faedfb="durantjerry"]Good work. Not too surprised with the pitching, but the hitting is very surprising to me. BTW, you inspired this team of mine.

[url]http://fantasygames.sportingnews.com/stratomatic/team/team_other.html?user_id=309563[/url][/quote:8977faedfb]

Nice team. Wonderful start. I've been a stickler for strong defense, I never used Utley or HanRam back when they were 3s. Its been fun taking it to the extreme.

I forgot to mention in the latest update post that the 1s team as 5 1st team gold glovers and 2 2nd teamers (Rollins is the only regular not to break in)