Power Lineups in small ballparks

[jaromero106]

For my most recent team I decided to create an all offense/ not so hot pitching team in the Kingdome. I was wondering how many of you have done the same and how these types of teams have typically fared. Here's the link to my team if anyone wants to take a look. Personally I'm VERY psyched about this team b/c I have a good defense and strong bullpen to boot. We'll see what happens.

http://fantasygames.sportingnews.com/baseball/stratomatic/80s/team/team_other.html?user_id=55240

Also, how have teams that have all pitching and defense/ no offense typically fare?

Thanks for your input

[Jablowmi]

First, as I'm sure you know, those pitchers are likely to get rocked. Second, although you have some great RH power (Schmidt, Carter and Murph and even Glenn Davis), you don't have much on the LH side (Gibson only). You are going to face 67% RHP, so you definitely want some LH. What LH are available? I imagine the big ones are gone. What about Oscar Gamble, Alvin Davis or someone in that range? Finally, I'd be somewhat concerned about the many non-power guys on your team. Your home park is a power hitter's paradise and I'd suspect that most of your opponents will have just as much or more power than you do. While the 1s are good up the middle, you are trying to hammer teams into submission with this team (and pitching staff). To me, Vince clearly doesn't fit. If you didn't need him to leadoff, I'd suggest that you try to move Gwynn for some power.

Now, I've never tried a team like this before (some others will chime in), but I'd be concerned. Consider dumping one or two of the closers for cheaper alternatives and move that $ to hitting (preferably power and LH). For this kind of team, I'd consider moving one of the middle INF 1s to try to get some more O (i.e., trade one for offense and pick up a 3, like Johnny Ray, Julio Franco, Roy Smalley).

[honestiago1]

We ran a computer league once, years ago, where the coach drafted great hitters and put 'em in Colorado. I can't remember the pitchers, but I think he had just one decent starter. That team rolled to a first place division finish, just pounded everyone. He lost in the first round of the playoffs, when rotations shortened, and his team all of a sudden couldn't put 8 runs a night.

That stated, I say, go for it! I love it when people do things to give teams personality. In our league, a team called "Strange Experiment" has a great bullpen and all .75 SP's in Royals stadium. He's only 3G out of first at the 90 game mark. He'd be doing even better if a couple of those relivers got their great years.

Even if you don't do well, everyone will note your team on their schedule. They might win 2 of 3 from you, but you bust up their ERAs and get into their bullpens, dragging innings off relief pitchers. Teams with distinct personalities are GREAT! (wish my team had one).

Speaking of: here's a team in our league employing this strategy:
http://fantasygames.sportingnews.com/baseball/stratomatic/80s/team/team_other.html?user_id=48978

[Jablowmi]

honestiago, I agree with you. The few times I've played ATG, I've gone for all hitting (no SP over $1). Great stuff. You lose a bunch, but you win some 16-14. In this case, though, I think you have to decide what you want to do and go for it. Dump Deleon and other high-priced starters. Get a bunch of sluggers and see how many HRs you can hit. Who knows, with the right cards, it may work (although I'd be surprised!).

[jaromero106]

I hear what you're saying Jablowmi in that maybe I don't have ENOUGH power for a kingdome team. I guess I'm really not going for ALL offense. I do want a little bit of defense and a little bit of pitching. That being said though I definitely agree with you that I need a couple more lefties and maybe I should dump Deleon. I definitely learned a lesson in that you should strive to grab lefthanded power hitters as they appear to be pretty rare compared to righties.

[KingLouie]

I've gone the other way with my second team ever. I invested in pitching, defense, speed and a giant whale of a ball park (Oakland), which sucks up home runs and turns them into fly balls and turns singles into double play balls.

It's definitely fun to win back to back complete game shutouts or a 12- inning 1-0 game. Of course, you lose some low-scoring games as well.

Halfway through the season, we've got a shot at the playoffs.
http://fantasygames.sportingnews.com/baseball/stratomatic/80s/team/team_other.html?user_id=52661

I like having the lowest ERA in the league. I'm not so crazy about seeing my brother's team (Outa Leftfield) in the same league with more than twice as many dingers as my guys. :roll:

[jaromero106]

Thats actually gonna be my next project, which is to make an all-pitching and defense squad in a pitcher's park. I realize that the best teams are usually all-round good teams with a little bit of everything. But I figured since I'm gonna be playing seasons continuously, it doesn't hurt to try different strategies.