by The Last Druid » Wed Feb 15, 2006 11:12 pm
I'm in that league but unfortunately not in your division. But Nev is so I will help you.
I have the dubious honor of being in Baker in an almost all small ball league. Your division is Forbes, Griffith, Dodger 65 and Candlestick. There is a reason that you have all the power hitters that you do -- no one else wants them because they lose almost all their value in your division.
Yaz, Ripken, Boyer are not at all suited for your park.
Doby will be an offensive disaster there. Dom Dimaggio is better for what you want. Doran is marginal anywhere. I've used Dempsey a few times but he never hits near .200 so I don't use him any more. You could keep Yaz but he will likely hit about .270. The D is worthwhile but you won't get much else in Griffith. Not anywheres near 9.61 in value at any rate.
On the other hand I like Valentine for your team and McCormick as well. He usually gets 100+ rbi's for me in small ball parks.
I love McClain and Cuellar in your park. Breechan is for bomber teams. Carlton would be so much better for you and you could upgrade C with the extra money freed up.
If I were you I'd pick up Joe Morgan, Andre Dawson, Keller, Davenport and Durocher, yes Durocher. Above all else, Earl Battey for Dempsey.
I like Dawson and Valentine because they are fast, have good D and are small ball players vs righties and have enough power to be effective hr hitters vs lefties even without the ballpark effect homeruns.
Your lineups then work both ways
Keller
Morgan
Valentine
Dawson
McCormick
Battey
Davenport
Durocher
You now have solid defense, several clutch hitters, especially in the fifth and sixth slots and a team that will probably score more than what you have now.
Then downgrade Breechan for a Carlton or Key type, and upgrade the pen with the money saved there.
Finally as a reward for my help, offer me Yaz. He is perfect for my team, just not ideal for yours. And you would get Heathcote, an outstanding value for the money.