[Bobbuttons]

The United States Baseball league started as an alternate replay of baseball history. It now continues as a dynasty as in 2003 I have taken control of the worst team from 2002, the Minneapolis Millers. The Millers are a hapless franchise on the verge of collapse. Pulling in just 16,000 fans a game last year in a ballpark that seats over 50,000 it seemed as though the Millers would be moving to a new city. I don't want to see that happen. Minneapolis has had the franchise since the very first league expansion in 1941. Since then, though, times have been tough. The Millers have won 5 division titles (last one in 1985) but have never won a pennant.

Minneapolis Millers 2002 record: 61-101

Only 2002 All-Star: 2B Brent Gates, who left via free agency this year

2003 Starting Lineup and 2002 stats

1. Edgar Renteria 2B .238/14 HR/62 RBI/21 SB
2. Aaron Ledesma SS .285/4/29
3. Aubrey Huff LF .240/33/94
4. Tony Clark 1B .230/38/90
5. Carlos Lee RF .249/9/28
6. Jim Leyritz C .248/27/68
7. John Jaha DH .250/13/37
8. Luis Matos CF .238/5/29
9. Dean Palmer 3B .212/38/99

Notes: Our only free agent pickup was 39 year old catcher Leyritz, coming off a decent year with Denver. He returns to Minneapolis who drafted him 9th overall in 1990. Lacking a true leadoff hitter, I have put Renteria there (7/10 rating in hitting, some speed). Middle of the lineup is strong. Matos spent 1/3 of last year in AAA, where he only batted .229 in 166 at bats, but has solid enough ratings in my opinion to be a bottom of the lineup hitter (6C/6P/7G). Despite Palmer's high HR and RBI totals I have him batting last because (a) I am comfortable with my 1 through 8 hitters and (2) I don't like that .212 average higher in the lineup. I would grade my lineup as a B-.

Starting Rotation
Andy Pettitte (3-4 49G/3GS/4.00ERA)
Byun-Hyun Kim (3-1 24G/0GS/2.37)
Tim Hudson (2-6 15GS/5.32)
Paul Wilson (4-9 17GS/5.38)
Casey Fossum (6-15 2.58 in A)

Notes: Only Hudson and Wilson have a lot of experience starting. Fossum had good ratings (6S/7C/7M) so I decided to give him a shot at the 5th starter spot. I would grade the rotation at a C.

Bullpen
Julio Valera RH (0-6 18G/11GS/11.12)
Grant Roberts RH (13-11 3.29 in AAA)
Scott Sullivan RH (3-4 74G/4.54)
Ricardo Rincon LH (1-3 94G/4.02 Lefties batted .219)
Gabe White LH (5-8 55G/4.14 Lefties batted .207)
Closer
John Rocker LH (3-6 57G/24S/2.58 Opponenst batted .137)

Notes: The bullpen was bad. I was able to unload salary and trade for Scott Sullivan and brought in Rincon to be my goto lefty. Rocker, despite being a complete jackass, is nearly unhittable in the closer role. Bullpen grade: B

Team payroll: around $37,000,000, 22nd/24 teams

We had the first draft pick this year and we selected a good looking OF, 22 year old Asbel "The Dream" Silvas. Has a 10/10 contact talent which is already at 6, a 6 in power (only 2 now), very good speed. He will start the year in AAA.

I believe we should be competitive this year, hopefully hovering around the .500 mark, which should hopefully set us up for resurgence for this franchise over the next few years.

Next up: The Season Begins