What would youdo?

[hallerose]

You need to focus even more on righthanded power in Fenway. Cut Gura, you don't need to spend $ on 5th * starter. Upgrade bullpen (between Fenway, no DH & $100M they will get a lot of innings) and/or power at 2b (Johnson, Andrews) and CF (Gorman, Murphy, etc.).

[Chuckgnh1]

I hear what you're saying, but I'm also looking at the other parks, and a lot of pitcher's parks in the rest of the league. Shouldn't that be factored in? I'm also figuring on Gura in bullpen - but that's a question of mine. In general, are starter/relievers more expensive than straight relievers? I haven't figured that one out - and that's why I was leaving Gura there, and also if one of my starters had a bad year (of the five). But I do appreciate the advice. Things to ponder.

[hallerose]

You need to be ready to cut everyone on your team (I'm serious -- there are maybe 5 70s players with 5 cards worth their salary -- Stargell, Rose, Bench, ???). There is a premium on a * starter such as Gura. You can find a better reliever or more power for that money. I don't really worry much about the other parks in the league, build a team that wins 50 games at home and you should make the playoffs every time.

[pwootten]

Gotta agree with hallerose - Gura needs to go. He is eating up $3M and probably won't pitch 100 innings, unless one of your other starters goes south.

Other thoughts . . .

- You might find that Rodney Scott plays more than Dave Cash, at a real bargain price. Cash hits for average, but not much OBP. A good cheap 2B that hits righties, such as Doyle, pairs well with Rodney.
- Otis will likely not be worth the money. I'd swap him out for a CF who has high OBP to bat at the top of your lineup, preferable a lefty or switch hitter with speed, but not necessarily a base stealer.
- You need more lefty bats. People will save up their righty starters against this team.
- Brewer and Fingers are a lot together. Ideally you need one or the other. Consider downgrading to a durable middle guy.
- Folkers on your roster is like gas on a fire, especially at home. Go with 9 pitchers.
- Your division consists of 3 parks with little BPHR and Fenway. Get some OBP.

That's my opinion! Good luck!
Paul

[hallerose]

Your park favors right handed power hitters (and pitchers), and you need to try to avoid most any righty hitter that is more than 1L (unless you will platoon them against lefties only). Both Andrews and Johnson at 2b who I suggested above are 1R and would excel at Fenway if you hit one of their good years. You will normally see between 67% and 75% right handed pitching over the season, and at 100M some managers will use spot starters to match up with certain unbalanced teams and/or ballparks.

[wesleyeugeneclark]

If you get Johnson on a good year at 2nd base he is really good.
Also I have had really good luck with Matty Alou in center field in the past. You get him on the right card and he is lights out. 2 defender as well.

What was said above is absolutely true...be ready to cut anyone! You should always be looking to upgrade/improve your team...the key is to not be foolish and make changes just to make changes. I check the waiver wire every day just to see who was dropped. You can find some real bargains.

[Chuckgnh1]

Thanks to all you guys. I do follow your line of thinking, although there are some (minor) disparities in philosophy. And that's natural, of course! The overall makes sense - I'm a lover of OBP myself. I like the Andrews idea - I need to get over the hump a bit on defense up the middle, though. Like the Alou idea, too - and I'm trying to pry North from someone, actually. Am I mistaken that he's a good deal? I'm going to have a tough time getting rid of either Brewer or Fingers, though. With closer ratings nonexistent, am I right that either could be middle men also? I know I do need a bullpen, for my Fenway games for sure.

Thanks for sound thinking - keep it coming, SOM bros.! Can't wait for the season to start - oh, and agreed on the Gura thing. Maybe he might fit in a trade - I'll let you know.

[visick]

Personally, I think hard RH's will be giving you a hard time with this squad.

[Chuckgnh1]

I don't disagree..........except that there are a lot of left starters, in division and out - it really is close to 50%. But not to say that I'm standing pat. I like fishing around for solutions, and listening to this feedback. Looked through the '70s records this AM (a little sleep deprivation). I'm trying to stay away from previous hangup on injuries, for one (I do like the over 600PA when it matches well). I like the M. Alou idea - will probably go that route. I know D up the middle ain't everything, but also like good arms in the of. Otis does not seem that popular, so I'm trying not to be stubborn. My untouchables are Rice, Yaz, Bench and probably Garvey. One dealmaker keeps offering Fisk for Bench, but the dropoff in HR's is pretty high. I'm not locked in on anyone else, although am I wrong in liking Gibson and P. Niekro? Seems like the latter is pretty good avoiding longball, and consistent. Is my bullpen too strong - doesn't seem it to me, but I do listen.

[Chuckgnh1]

Speak of the devil, here's the latest offer, and I kind of like North's OBA. Do I give up Fingers??? Is Wilson comparable to Eck, or do I consider dropping Kaat? Good questions, if you ask me...........my decisions aren't predicated on everyone else's opinions, by the way, but it is my first attempt in the '70's. Great era for players!


You give up:
Bench, Johnny (9,620,000)
Fingers, Rollie (4,000,000)
Scott, Rodney (750,000)


Other team gives up:
Fisk, Carlton (7,550,000)
North, Billy (3,200,000)
Wilson, Don (4,370,000)