Hmmm. Re-reading your post, maybe you want a bit more flexibility rather than adhering to historical transactions so closely. So, maybe you
deselect Use Real Historical Transactions and Retire Players / Players Miss Seasons According to History. I think you still would want Automatically Import Historical Rookies on, however, since I think you want to have the same historical pool of players to work with, only YOU will do better at drafting, trading, and free agent signing, I'm sure!