Any last minute advice?

[dkoulomzin]

This team plays its first games tonight:

http://fantasygames.sportingnews.com/baseball/stratomatic/80s/team/team_other.html?user_id=74202

I'm in KC. I've got 2 mil left... any suggestions what I should do with it? I'm worried I'm a bit too left-handed in terms of hitting.

Ready will platoon with Kal Daniels at DH, esp. if Daniels ends up in one of his 9R years...

Canseco will play LF.

Is Carter a RF for the 5-hole? I picked him b/c of his high number 2b, reasonable defense, cheap $ tag, and he's RH'ed, but I'm worried about his OBP. However, not too much available in RF: I could afford Dave Henderson, Ellis Valentine, and I could stretch for Dusty Baker.

I suppose I could also move Canseco into RF, which would give me possibilities for LF... like George Bell.

I'm inclined to leave my pitching as is. I've always had success with Lavelle for some reason...

Thoughts?

[hechojazz]

Can you upgrade Hargrove at 1B? I'm also about to start play tonight, with a team featuring the old Tiger double play combo of Whitaker and Trammell. Feels like all the $$ spent on that sterling D up the middle (plus your Van Slyke in center, my Puckett), leaves the team just a little lacking in overall pop. Try to get more bomb for your buck at 1B if you can...

As far as Carter goes, his OBP is the problem. But his D is good (despite the errors). Are you playing Canseco in the field too? Or Daniels? If nothing's available at 1B that makes sense for you, maybe one of those two can be upgraded. Try to preserve the pop and improve the D for whoever's going to play in the field for you...

That 2mil can come in handy now, or of course you can always hold it in reserve for the inevitable midseason moves...

[Jimmy_C]

I would have to disagree with Hechojazz...I think Hargrove is going to do fine in Royals. Though I've never fielded a team there, the ones that seem to be successful feature high OBP type of hitters. Guys like Butler, Raines, Gwynn, Singelton seem to carry the day. Hargrove's cheap high OBP is a good fit.

I agree with Hechojazz That Carter is probably not a good fit. When searching for a position player here I would recommend the following criteria in order of importance:

1) OBP
2) defensive rating
3) Baserunning ability
4) Base-stealing ability

Canseco and Daniels will carry the "pop" you'll want in the lineup. In fact, besides Carter...I think you made some great choices in the field.

As far as the pitching goes...sorry...I'm not a big fan of Alexander. His WHIP on 4 cards flat-lines in the 1.30 neighborhood. I'd rather try a bigger risk/reward pitcher who has 2 dynamite cards, 1 mediocre card, and 2 dog-ugly cards. I'm not a fan of Aase (think of how tough he had to be growing up) either...never had any luck there.

Like I said though...I've never played in Royals. Hopefully more managers will give you some advice. Thats my $.02

[dkoulomzin]

Thanks for the advice, guys.

I ended up replacing Aase as suggested -- with Camp, who is a gamble, but that's ok at .75, right?

I also replaced Carter with Dave Henderson. Probably lost some pop, and the glove takes a hit (he's a 3, vs. Carter's 2), but the arm is 1 pip better, and his Avg should rise if he's in one of his Oakland years. He is more expensive though. I hope I did the right thing :)

Dusty Baker is/was also available, but I think he's way overpriced. Probably not terrible to have $$ in the bank at this stage.

I decided not to move Hargrove; his OBP seems too valuable. I might consider changing him if I need pop. His speed (or lack thereof) might also prove a liability.

I'd love to hear comments from all you lurking vets :)

[rutkap]

I like dusty - His numbers don't look as well due to 5 years in dodger stadium. Henderson is too tilted Vs left for my liking...

I love your Bullpen, it is inexpenive and should be effective in Royals.

I am also on board with tossing Mr Alexander overboard. I used to love him as a player, so I have played with him a few times, each with dissapointing results....