[kingtut313]

I think it's the most fun to play as awful teams and bring them up the ranks. A few tips I always employ:

- Constantly check the free agent pool. You can find a lot of good young players that other teams have given up on. Just create some filters and look at potential. Usually you will find some promising players that have a hole or two in their game which could eventually come around.

- Look to pick up prospects that other teams don't value. If I'm making a deal, I take a look at that teams system from the bottom up and see if there is a guy who could develop a little bit into a solid prospect and I can usually add him to the deal for nothing more.

- Trade guys at peak value. I do this from time to time after a guy has been in my system and I don't think he will meet his ceiling but he has a lot of value due to his potential. Flip 'em to a team who overvalues for some guys you like.

- Always draft best player available. Don't worry that you don't have any catcher prospects and draft a couple early to fill a need. Draft guys who you think will develop value.

- Get a good staff. Crappy staff can hinder player development and give you terrible reports on players. Pump some money into scouting and development and hire good coaches to get the best out of your farm.

It takes time, both in-game and real life, to build a system. You have to know your entire organization and understand their value, both to you and the league. Hope this helps!