by HUDAMAN » Thu Oct 26, 2006 8:33 am
AT, three big differences, with admittedly a limited size sample:
1. Better pricing of players. I've spent a good deal of time now with the ratings disk and the various spreadsheets I created back in the day. The deviation from expected salaries aren't nearly what they were in '01 especially. I think it forces you to specialize if you want to do anything better than a few percentage points either side of .500. I think if you played in all 'even' parks, your going to end up very close to .500 if you have any clue about team formation. My best guess is that managers who understand park effects and opponents will do better. Injuries are priced more accurately as well.
2. Better control, HAL seems to behave better now. Specialty pitchers seems to perform better. That's where the bargains appear to be, in pitchers that specialize and fit well with your park.
3. Better managers. I think the overall quality of play has improved, even in the public leagues. I'll reserve judgement on that until I get more experience, but it's an observation.
Bottom line, I doubt I'm going to hit that .550 mark I had in '01 ever again for 20+ teams. Pretty tough to do.
I look forward to playing in more vets leagues as I get familiar.... of course just in time for the new set to come out, which at least will even the playing field a bit!