General Strategy re: Ballparks

Howdy,

I'm almost strictly 70s, and pitching/defense first oriented, so here's my 2 cents: One should always have a "2" at SS and 2b. Those two guys get the lion's share of defensive chances. Of course, finding good leather and a good bat at a reasonable price is another kettle of fish in the 70s!

PS: If you want a "1" at SS or 2b, great.

I agree, and I go one step further: I almost always insist on having a "1" or "2" at SS, 2B, C, and CF. Of those four, I will make more exceptions at C, I will occasionally use a "3" at 2B or SS as long as the other one is a "1 or a "2" with a very low error rating, and except for very unusual circumstances I refuse to go worse than a "2" in CF. Having those 4 positions as being solid defensively will ease a lot of concerns no matter what your ballpark and pitching staff look like.

Howdy,

I tend to favor Pitching/ Defense and always choose "pitcher's" parks. I'm almost never without a "1" at SS, save for the new 60s decade. I regard a "1" as a luxury at 2nd, but manage to rationalize having a "1" in CF, with the thinking that he has more opportunities than perhaps any other player to turn extra-base hits into "outs". I welcome comments and criticism, as I'm no expert.

In the 80s I have used Hubie Brooks 3e37 at SS. If you get his monster card it is very much worth it.

Howdy,

I agree, and I go one step further: I almost always insist on having a "1" or "2" at SS, 2B, C, and CF. Of those four, I will make more exceptions at C, I will occasionally use a "3" at 2B or SS as long as the other one is a "1 or a "2" with a very low error rating, and except for very unusual circumstances I refuse to go worse than a "2" in CF. Having those 4 positions as being solid defensively will ease a lot of concerns no matter what your ballpark and pitching staff look like.

I also try to follow this set-up. Not so much with catcher, but definitely with SS, 2B, and CF. Struggling in current league with this set-up however. Next team I am going to just go with a 1 rating with my ss and not worry so much about the other positions. Need to get more hitting in my line-ups.

It seems with the newer card sets the 1s defensively are overpriced. I like a nice balance of guys who can do a bit of everything or at least more than one thing well. It is all about value. I like singles parks and I try to find a few pitchers who do not allow ANY ballpark singles on their cards (the selection can be limited). And if I am in a singles park, where it is tough to hit a HR I don't mind a pitcher with more ballpark home run chances as long as their WHIP is low. ... (Disclaimer: This is not scientific)