The Problem w/Strat

[bkoron]

Rabid, I gather you don't consider winning a free team or two enough of a prize? What would be the kind of prize you're talking about?

8)

[NEILKAHN]

THE problem with Strat. What a ridiculous banner, sort of like trying to ID THE problem with my ex wife.

[buster j ratt]

I was gonna keep my trap shut until the last comment AMEM AMEN I love this game not quite as much as I at least thought I loved my EX before She was my Ex The only thing wrong with this is I get beat all the time because I don't have enough time to master it I play on Heart because I love the game It's got me 1 ring and a lot of 4th place finishes but I keep coming back What do you do 1 team 3.21 ERA 36-66 1 over 6 with almost 300 HR playing in Fenway and leading the wildcard with 18 to go Thats why I play

[MICHAELTARBELL]

I would venture a guess that alot of the guys playing SOM online (the "hardcore" you refer to) played the board game when they were younger, are familiar with how to read the cards, etc...and also the nostalgic appeal of playing something that reminds you of your youth with others of the same thought...kind of a "club" if you will.... :)

[UrbanShockers]

I don't think anyone's given sufficient attention to the original suggestion that players be ranked on their relative efficiency in hitters as opposed to pitchers parks. The fact that diamond dope is out there doesn't help a lot of folks, especially newcomers. Something along the lines of the L/R ratings for H/P would be useful. It would necessarily be imperfect, like the L/R numbers are, but it could be a useful guide for folks trying to get the hang of things, and without the time to count BP HR/Singles, or go to DD for every player. I'd find it useful, even in leagues where I feel like I know the cards, as a general indicator.

[geekor]

you have to look at the other side of things. You don't know how much is really costs each season to run. Bandwidth, server space, maintenance. None of these things are free.

When talking ot ESB and Larry before (of course they didn't give me numbers), the probably only make about $6-7 per person per league. You wanna knock basically any profit away from the game, then why would they run it?

Though I have siad before they need to make beginner leagues, i.e. if you've played less than 5 seasons to get in. That way those who are just starting out aren't going to be in a league with PErtosian, nev, MM, etc and get creamed.

[TRW]

Geekor, how can you say "you don't really know how much it costs" & then say in the next sentence "they probably only make $6-$7 per person per league". You must be using the new math. lol (just kidding).

I'm assuming that by lowering the price, & marketing the game to regular season fantasy owners, demand will increase radically.

Bkoron, I'm not looking to win prizes. I'm only looking for an incentive (to others) to draw a larger player base.

Hey, I'm only a player making a suggestion. If SOM wants more business, they'll lower the price. I will continue to play in the off-season regardless.

I agree w/Urbanshockers & hope they would add some type of rating system for hitter efficiency in certain parks as well as pichers effiiency in certain parks.

[Moriarity]

I feel after 8 weeks of anxiety for most contenders that 1 credit be awarded for playoffs, then 2 for runner-up, 3 for winner. Some teams, like Atlanta, can get there but can't do anything else. However, they are still rewarded with playoff shares. My .02. :)

[GREGKOESTER]

Make the Finals= 1 free team= $25
Win Finals= 1 free team= $25
Total for winning both= 2 free teams= $50
Pretty good prizes I'd say.

I've gotten 47 free games. $1175 in prizes. I am by no means top dog, but that isn't bad.

Wonder what Nev and some of the others have.

[Palanion]

Though I wouldn't mind getting a credit just for making the playoffs, really just making the playoffs would be nice for a change.

As for the player rank per ballpark, DiamondDope is by far the best way to go, but also remember that it is still a dice game. While someone may be ranked extremely favorable in Forbes, for example, offensively, that does not mean he will actually perform that way. I have seen players have GREAT seasons - performing way above expectations - and I have seen players underperform greatly. All the spreadsheets, Web site assistance, and message board advice helps immensely, but if you don't now how to build a lineup, maximize matchups or have the time to micromanage, a season could not live up to your hope.
I should know, I have made the playoffs once (10 teams) and lost the finals there.

And I like the five-pak - that lessens the $25-per thing already. And while I know many folks here can (somehow) manage a dozen teams simultaneously, I think I am probably like many that I enjoy running two teams, max, at a time because it allows me to (try to) really get involved with the league, the chats, the trash-talking, the managing, the fretting over a pitcher's ineffectiveness, how to make that pennant-race move successful, ponder why HAL never works the bullpen like I want him to, and figure out why Reggie Smith drives me insane.

:lol: