Quote:
Originally Posted by skyballer455
After getting plenty of help in interpreting stats a while back, I've discovered there's another area which i am weak in.
As the title suggests, I can't seem to see another big picture when it comes to team strengths and weaknesses. For all I know, a team that does poorly is weak, while a team that does well is strong, and that's based off their win-loss record!
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There is much more to it than that. You should scout certain teams to assess what makes them strong or weak. Obviously payroll and budget will explain some of the things you see. Sometimes a team does poorly because of injuries. Looking at season stats will show you who didn't play. Sometimes a team does well because of a recent trade or a rookie playing full time maybe both. Look at team defence, especially CF and SS/2B. I had a pitcher with no business being in MLB go 13-4 for me as a replacement for an injured player. He also won two critical playoff games in a WS win. This can and does happen to AI teams.
Quote:
Originally Posted by skyballer455
Also, when it comes to the draft I'm totally blind. When a team gets the first pick and, well, picks somebody, I just assume that they drafted well and move on.
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You can see each teams weaknesses in the trade screen. Probably elsewhere. It shouldn't take too much work to determine if teams are drafting by need or by best player (I suspect need). I certainly wouldn't assume every pick is good. After the 1st round a quick review should tell you what the AI is thinking and if it makes sense. I focus on my team needs as there is really nothing you can do about who is drafted before your turn.
Quote:
Originally Posted by skyballer455
On a similar note, I'm also totally blind when it comes to how well a player fits on a team. I just assume that all players on a team fit on that team, when I know full well that that's not true.
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Why would you assume that? Just looking at rosters should enlighten you. Also look at prospects to see what they may have coming. One of the weaknesses of AI teams is that they often acquire bats with little regard to position played and defensive capability. Knowing this may help you get a player via trade.
I'm not sure what else to say. With all rosters stats and results available you can spend as little or as much time as you want making assessments. We're talking 10-15 minutes to get a good idea who has what. In my style of game (fictional but current RL stats) I don't do any external assessment outside of trades until after the draft. I focus on building a dominant WS contender each year with little money for FA. As the regular season progresses I look at potential playoff opponents to see if I have the right pieces ie a lefty specialist or good RHB platoons if they have good LH starting pitching. Sometimes I can't do anything about it.
