Newbie's First Team: Report on the Wildcard Race...Advice?

[Outta Leftfield]

A while back I was starting my first ATGII team in Yankee '27 and got a lot of useful advice on the team from various vets. However, the team poked along at about .500 through the first 125 games, I'd pretty much given up any hope of a playoff run. Suddenly, though, it's gone 12-3 and I find myself 75-66 and in the thick of a playoff race: just 2 games back from two teams in my division who are tied for the divisional and wildcard lead. My 15 game run cut the previous leader's margin from 9 to 2.

So it looks like I've got a fighting chance, and I though you might want an update and might also have some advice.

http://fantasygames.sportingnews.com/baseball/stratomatic/atg2/team/team_other.html?user_id=102486

The team is 2nd in the league in runs scored but has had pitching issues all season--mostly Bob Buhl, who was 5-18 with a 4.76 ERA and Jim Hughes (6.06 ERA)--these guys were like a lead weight dragging the team down. Several of my nickle RP's were better than Hughes. I decided I needed a major starter upgrade so I traded in Furillo (hitting OK) for Hurdle (a 3R who might work because there are only 2 LH starters in my division). By also cutting the two offending pitchers, I got Nick Maddox, who seems like a major pitching upgrade (2.25 ERA in two games). Does that seem like a good move? I would have traded in Mule Haas rather than Furillo, but that wouldn't have generated enough cash to give me the dramatic pitching upgrade that I wanted. Hurdle has hit quite well so far.

Several tips from the vets as I built the team have turned out very well--Milt May has performed brilliantly (26 HR and .296)--the only downside being frequent injuries. And the Walling/Wera platoon has been outstanding (combined 33 HR). Thanks for these great ideas.

Again, any advice would be welcome and wish me luck! :D