[Pelican]

Not to puncture your balloon, but it looks like your organization packed the DSL with overqualified players who should have been playing elsewhere. It will be fascinating to see how they perform at higher levels.

Most years, I include a contemporary sim where I take a bad team and try to turn things around. I typically give myself more money than some cheap teams are likely to spend. I've learned that it's possible to sign a few top free agents and get to respectable. But to really improve, you need to use the draft, scouting, player development over a period of years.

One counterintuitive thing I've learned is that the bullpen is a good place to start the rehab. You can find really good RP at modest prices, or in a fair trade. They can eat innings in the middle of the game, while your young SP develop.

I'm traditional on player development, going for strength "up the middle" at C, SS, 2B, and CF (plus pitching). A strong defense will keep the team in games, and help those struggling young pitchers a bit.

With the Pale Hose, I'd deal off their few marketable players, aiming for multiple prospects in return. After augmenting the bullpen, I'd look to free agency for at least one dependable SP to anchor a young staff. Oddly, I'd look to veteran utility players, who could give the young guys a day off now and then. More bang for the buck with those guys.

Good luck! Nowhere to go but Up!