by Outta Leftfield » Mon Dec 12, 2005 7:13 pm
I pretty much completely agree with Toi_San, here. If you're in a HR park, you've pretty much [b:42cceaaad9]got[/b:42cceaaad9] to hit more HRs than your opponent--or else why are you there? That means you need at least 250 HR--maybe more. And it's almost impossible to hit that many with this lineup. As Toi_San implies, Raines is a keeper.
His high OBP and moderate power make him very valuable. Also, he doesn't really have a bad year. But you should try to trade Gwynn, who despite his high BA isn't a great OBP man and whose limited power is a real problem in this park. Gwynn is however, a great and popular player, so trading him for an OF with power should be possible. I would be inclined to keep Mitchell and use him as a DH, but move out both HoJo and Brooks--Toi_Sans's suggestions are right on there. But you could keep HoJo to DH if you'd rather. He's cheaper and does have a lot of BPHR.
DeCinces is often available and is a good choice at 3B--esp if you get one of his two monster years. There are a lot of other good 3B's who can field and hit. You could also platoon somebody like Nettles or Pags with Presley. I also agree about Wilson--no power and limited OBP. You might try trading him, since he does have value in other parks, esp pitchers parks. When I'm looking for a trade, I often look for a guy with a park that's opposite to mine and a player I want that doesn't fit that park.
Grich is good for the Kingdome. Hang on to him--at least to see if you get one of his monster years. Fisk is a great choice. He has a LOT of BPHR. And of course, Mattingly is great. If all the good fielding SS are gone--and they probably are--you might consider picking up Smalley, who is cheap, usually available, a very good hitter, and will field better than Brooks or HoJo. So, you've got the basis of an excellent lineup here--your five keepers: Fisk, Mattingly, Grich, Mitchell and Raines-- and with some tweaking you could have a real winner of a batting order.
For my taste, your pitching staff is a bit overweighted toward the bullpen. I'd be inclined to cash in two of your three expensive relievers and put the money into starting pitching. Personally, I rarely spend more than about 5M total on the bullpen--sometimes less--but maybe that's just me.
Just my two cents... :wink: