Initial Observations

[Coffeeholic]

[quote:28b2302e9c="penngray"]btw, this was another bad decision by TSN in my opinion. They could have worked on other things to generate more revenue :roll:[/quote:28b2302e9c]

I don't know Penn... depends on how much milage they expect to get out of this.

The introduction of this game, approx. half-way to the intro of 2006 is very welcome.

If (big IF) TSN is able to "spit out" individual past seasons with relatively little expense and effort, I think the concept of individual past seasons coming out on a yearly basis is terrific.

So they don't get 50 teams out of me, but if I buy 20 between now and March when '06 comes out, then next Sept. they come out with another past season, then I really like the marketing strategy.

What are their other options? Expand the player pool in ATG even more? :( Another "mystery card" game? :cry: Perhaps a "decade" based (non "mystery card") concept might fly, but that would be limited and would probably pose more logistical headaches then single season games.

[/b]

[visick]

IMHO-

Playing with these cards is a bit more realistic. Your team almost has to have 1 or 2, heck maybe even 3 weaker spots in the lineup.

While I love ATG II, the realism of the game is gone. You can get screwed in the AD, and still put together a great team of HOF's. (If you know what you're doing).

In this game, like it's been said, miss out in the AD and you'll scramble to put a team together.

I think the 69 season calls for a few platoons. I've got 2 teams going and they each have 2 platoons.

Kinda like the 2005 cards, you prolly need to grab an ACE SP. But, there are several good quality SP's at the $3-$6 million range.

Defense will not be as good in this game. Lots of guys will hit and hit well, but you'll have to suffer the consequences of their limited D. ie. I'm using Rick Monday in CF. 1. He's a 15 game injury guy 2. He's not that cheap @ $6.10 3. He's a 2-2 in CF with a e15 rating. :shock:

My favorites...
Kessinger SS
Grote C
Oliva RF
Popovich 2B
Santo 3B

A reverse LHSP/RP I like is Bill Butler

[bigmahon]

Visick, get your arse over to the keeper LD and make your pick! :P

[visick]

btw-I wasn't in favor or trying out an individual older season, but now I really like it.

You kinda have to stop the comparisons to ATG II. Get use to the fact that you're not going to have a stud at every position.

[visick]

hehehe

[FAaron]

I found out the hard way about getting screwed in the AD, having too much $$$ in the waivers and ending up with a team of platoons featuring the starters of the Phillies and Pilots! Even with Osteen and Dierker, my team will be lucky to break .500.

[egvrich]

Bowens, Francona, Hutton

:lol:

[FAaron]

You can add Valdespino to that list, although he's not a hitter as much as a walker.

[vince0501]

while I agree that the limited player pool, does make things more realisitic, I think it also takes away some of the fun of pre-season tinkering, which has always been one of the most enjoyable parts of the game. I am in a $100K cap league pre-season right now, and there is nothing on the free agent list to even think about doing. This is my first $100 K league of any kind, so perhaps it is the same in other games (except maybe ATG2). I think I will stick to the 80 mi caps. Anyway I don't know how many '69 teams I will play, but I agree with coffeholic, that if they keep bringing out a one season game to fill the gap between current seasons, I will probably play at least a couple.

[raslavens]

Want realistic ATG2? Try a $60M or $50M salary cap.

The $100M cap for 1969 is kinda like the $200M cap for ATG2. All the best players will be drafted/used. $80M or lower is definitely the way to go for 1969.

All these games, even the 80s, have provided different challenges and a great deal of enjoyment. I'm glad TSN keeps trying new stuff, even if I don't always like it. They are showing considerable commitment to this relatively small community.