Mon Nov 06, 2023 5:21 pm
Rule #1 - Match your players to your Ballpark - Your players must be set up for success in your ballpark during the initial draft.
Rule #2 - Match your players to your Division - After the draft runs, you need to adjust your team to compete in your Division - If your division is all bomber parks and you have a smallball team, you'll probably have to tweak your pitching staff and add a slugger or two to your lineup. If your division is loaded with Right Handed Starters, you should get 1 or 2 righty killing hitters in your lineup.
Rule #3 - Match your players to your League - If your league is loaded with Lefty Home Run parks, go get some cheap lefty killing starters like Dennis Bennett. Look at how many lefty and righty starters there are in the league and adjust your hitting balance accordingly. Look at the league's ballpark makeup (keeping in mind that you play 81 games at home) and adjust your team accordingly.
Rule #4 - Don't panic after a slow start - Over the course of the season things quite often will normalize.
Rule #5 - BUT ... If you failed to do steps 1-3 properly, don't be stubborn and don't be afraid to make SMART, WELL THOUGHT OUT roster moves. Preferably before the 10% hit kicks in (after game 40). Example: If you find that you've faced 80% right handed pitching, you probably need to load up with some righty killing hitters. Same applies to your pitchers, if they're facing all righty batters, make a change. If you're facing a ton of platoons, maybe get some Reverse Starters.
Finally, don't forget the small things: Team Defense, Team Speed, Hold Ratings, Balk Ratings, Wild Pitch Ratings, Catchers Arms, Throwing Error & PB Ratings. Small ball teams need to pay attention to all of the details while bomber teams can often overcome those things.