NABO48 w/ MLBPA ... Updated for '26

[circlechange11]

[circlechange11]

Christian Moore was a welcome surprise at 3B

VS RHP


VS LHP

[circlechange11]

Comparing Pete Alonso and Tommy Tanks

[circlechange11]

[circlechange11]

My burnout/bored/frustrated plan was to take over Nebraska, the worst team in NABO. In OOTP 24, I created NABO48 and simmed the first 20 seasons, and then took over the worst franchise possible ... a team that had not made the postseason in 20y ... the Mesa Monsters. It was the most fun I've ever had in this type of game.

I imported this file into OOTP 26, wanting to play out in private to see if I could really get 3 HoF pitchers from the same rotation, but the contracts got all messed up ... so maybe not.

Doing that reminded me of the best SP I've seen in OOTP ... 10 CYA, like 158 WAR or something.

But, after some time off, I cannot leave the StL franchise on such a disappointing season and such a large failure vs predictions. I have yet to play a franchise in the East, so my next idea was to take over the Birmingham Boars, who also have done a ton of losing in a tiny market ... but I will save an Eastern franchise for the next version of OOTP that I get.

So, I'll be retooling this franchise going forward.

[circlechange11]

[circlechange11]

The 1st move of the offseason, claiming Abbott off waivers. Looks like an average back of the rotation starter, or SP insurance ... he has 4 "green" pitches.

[circlechange11]

Extended Whitlock for 2 years, 5M AAV. Good middle/setup type reliever .... served as closer for a bit. 4 pitch pitcher, all good quality, especially slider.

[circlechange11]

Starting to acquire middle infield defense and depth, clearing out players I don;t have opportunities for ...

SIN CITY GETS ...

Had a good season in the past, but has been pushed out by DeLatuer.

A 2-way prospect ... but 3A average bat combined with 3A average SP, doesn't really translate to a big future in StL. I don't have room in the rotation or the OF for him.

Throw in piece, cool name tho.

[circlechange11]

I had Romo before, but Endy Rodriguez was hitting so well that I traded him from a position of surplus. Now, with a larger need for defense, he's been re-acquired.

DeBarge will be the starting 2B, depending on other moves, or the utility IF.

PENNSYLVANIA GETS ...

He's a good player, like the 12th rated catcher in NABO .... but we're willing to trade some offense for a defensive upgrade.

I hope I don't regret adding Keenan, but he was a "Make This Work Now" option. He is a shiny prospect, but I already have a high potential, low work SP prospect, and that's not working out too well. So, if the low work, mid potential SP goes on to become a star, I'll live with it.

With Keenan's addition, I was giving up too much. So, I went for a 2nd round pick to plan to refill my minor league system with some top end talent, gave up 3rd and 4th round picks to make their GM happy enough to close the deal.

[circlechange11]

Shopped Gonzales because he keeps making more in arbitration, but isn't increasing his overall production to a level that we would want to keep him for future years, let alone sign him to an extension in his 30s. I like him, a doubles machine, but his defense is not what we need at 2B.

Cain was the best return I could get without taking on money that I was looking to gain. Might develop into a good late game reliever, need to throw him in the lab.

[circlechange11]

Got our defensive SS, also great speed and stealing. He's pretty much just singles, walks, defense, and stolen bases .... but that'll work. God, I hope that works.

SS Joey Ortiz will move to 2B, providing SS quality defense at 2B with enough batting to remain valuable.

OKLAHOMA GETS ...

I like Mauricio and he really went on a spree at the end of last season, but he's not better than Christian Moore ... and I don't need to carry a backup 3B

Will probably get playing time in Oklahoma ... but not in StL.

Might develop into a decent back of rotation guy, but also just has 3 pitches and low control. Not appealing to me.

[circlechange11]

Once Oscar was awarded 6M in arbitration, as a decent 4th outfielder or bat vLHP, it was time to shop him.

Best I could get was another potential UTIL.

At least Oscar went to Montreal, now he's pretty much assured a ring.

[circlechange11]

Tawa as a "5th OF" type received ~2M in arbitration and little to no chance to get on the field, I shopped him.

Saw Sonny Gray sitting there at 37M, and discussed the trade. I noticed my budget wasn't being over run by his contract in this proposal, and realized his salary is being retained at 80% by Sin City from a previous trade.

Heck, I can take on 4-8M this year for Sonny Gray to be my 2nd or 3rd best pitcher. Maybe this means Ohtani is not in the rotation and can deliver a monster season at the plate (please, let that be true).

Tawa had some memorable moments and was versatile, but he's pretty much the exact definition of a replacement level utility player.

All updates are current, heading into FA .... StL may be on the lookout for a big arm for late game.

[circlechange11]

Orlando signs the 1st big FA of the offseason, inking Carroll to a fair contract. He will fit right in with the Orcas speed, defense, and pitching philosophy.

[circlechange11]

Windy City signs Blake Snell. While not as dominant as he once once, if he provides league average value for his price, he'll be valuable.

With StL having multiple lefties in the lineup, Snell could be a problem in the division race.

[circlechange11]

Windy City goes all in on Santos, the likely replacement for Reliever of the Year, Blake Treinen, when BT retires.

[circlechange11]

[circlechange11]

The market for late game relivers is strong, the prices keep climbing.

[circlechange11]