Theo's Cubs - From Cursed To Blessed

[Nick Soulis]

OOTP has been one of my most enjoyable hobbies over the last three years, being able to combine writing with baseball in a dramatic way. Its hard sometimes to know exactly what dynastys or games using OOTP will last and capture your attention and endurance. I like to think of each game and thread I have as a "project", some work and some dont.

Obviously my "best team" dynasty was my first and that I will finish without a doubt. My "cubs history" dynasty is my whatif one that I will also see through as it remains exciting for me.

On the flipside for whatever reason i cant get the enthusiasm right now to continue the "cooperstown league" dynsasty, I am not sure why but, and believe me I have tried many times, it just hasnt kept my attracted, maybe one day it will. My 1984 dynasty is also one I will let go for the time being as I just recently finished a 1983 dynasty and again lack the overall dedication to complete this now was well.

So from my experiance I am able to keep three dynastys going at a pretty consistent pace. So here is my next one....

Unless you have been living under a rock in the baseball world then you know that Theo Epstein is the new president of the Chicago Cubs. To me a life long Cubs fan this is maybe the most excited I have been about a change to my team that I can remember, finally a front office that will do things the right way. So I will become Theo, I will simulate the rise of the Chicago Cubs and think it will be great to do side by side as the real Theo works on the real team.

So will be taking over the 2012 Chicago Cubs and will try to build a winner in modern baseball. I will take a statistical, "Moneyball" approach to my decisions with full minors and financials on.

I hope you will follow, the first step is to simulate the 2011 season and bring us up to date to October of 2011 when Tom Ricketts gave the keys to Theo Epstein.

[PhillieFever]

Definitely a club that needs a new approach. The Cubs to me have always been sort of the "loveable losers" of the National League. For fans of the team however that loveable loser stuff only goes so far. Sooner or later a team has to win doesn't it? I mean 1908 was a long long time ago. Even the Phillies, the only team in the history of sports with 10,000 losses has won two championships and seven Pennants.

[captaincarl]

I think that with the "curse buster" in town, the Cubs will get to the World Series and possibly win it within the next 5 seasons. (you heard it here first)

Theo used Bill James's theories so he disliked bunting, hit & running and base stealing except for rare occasions. We'll see how he brings his ways of doing things now that he is back in the NL. (He used to work in the front office of the Padres.)

[Nick Soulis]

2011 Season Recap

San Diego Kings In Season Full Of Suprizes



Few would have expected the San Diego Padres to even compete for a winning record in 2011 but as has been the trend in Major League Baseball of late, a hot team can do some amazing things and it was the Padres who walked away with their first World Championship.

The Padres lost star Adrien Gonzalez before the season started and it was thought by many to be a rebuilding season. Manager Bud Black had other ideas however and the Padres lead by starter Matt Latos who threw the only no hitter in 2011, lead the league with a 3.47 ERA. Young bats like Will Venable (.308, 21, 72) and Chase Headley (.280, 18, 95) were hot just at the right time as the dream came alive in October for the beach side Padres.

The Padres beat the highly favored New York Yankees in the World Series by a margin of 4 games to 1 and proved that baseball is as full of comeptitive parity as ever before.

American League Standings
Eastern Division	W	L	PCT	GB
New York Yankees	98	64	.605	-
Boston Red Sox	88	74	.543	10.0
Tampa Bay Rays	87	75	.537	11.0
Toronto Blue Jays	77	85	.475	21.0
Baltimore Orioles	69	93	.426	29.0
Central Division	W	L	PCT	GB
Minnesota Twins	78	84	.481	-
Kansas City Royals	77	85	.475	1.0
Detroit Tigers	77	85	.475	1.0
Cleveland Indians	74	88	.457	4.0
Chicago White Sox	74	88	.457	4.0
Western Division	W	L	PCT	GB
Texas Rangers	94	68	.580	-
Seattle Mariners	82	80	.506	12.0
Oakland Athletics	82	80	.506	12.0
Los Angeles Angels	76	86	.469	18.0

National League Standings
Eastern Division	W	L	PCT	GB
Atlanta Braves	86	76	.531	-
Washington Nationals	80	82	.494	6.0
Philadelphia Phillies	75	87	.463	11.0
New York Mets	73	89	.451	13.0
Miami Marlins	70	92	.432	16.0
Central Division	W	L	PCT	GB
Cincinnati Reds	94	68	.580	-
Chicago Cubs	85	77	.525	9.0
Pittsburgh Pirates	84	78	.519	10.0
Milwaukee Brewers	84	78	.519	10.0
St. Louis Cardinals	78	84	.481	16.0
Houston Astros	73	89	.451	21.0
Western Division	W	L	PCT	GB
San Francisco Giants	93	69	.574	-
San Diego Padres	87	75	.537	6.0
Los Angeles Dodgers	84	78	.519	9.0
Colorado Rockies	83	79	.512	10.0
Arizona Diamondbacks	68	94	.420	25.0

Divisional Series
NY Yankees over Minnesota Twins 3-2
Boston Red Sox over Texas Rangers 3-2

San Diego Padres over Cincinnati Reds 3-1
Atlanta Braves over SF Giants 3-2

League Championship Series
NY Yankees over Boston Red Sox 4-0
San Diego Padres over Atlanta Braves 4-2

World Series
San Diego Padres over NY Yankees 4-1

2011 MVP AWARDS
Mark Teixeira - New York Yankees (.322, 52 HR, 140 RBI)

Albert Pujols - St. Louis Cardinals (.316, 41 HR, 121 RBI)

2011 CY YOUNG WINNERS
CC Sabathia NY Yankees - (20-6, 2.74 ERA)

Tim Lincecum SF Giants - (17-8, 2.96 ERA)

2011 ROOKIES OF THE YEAR
Michael Pineda - Seattle Mariners (12-7, 4.08 ERA)

Juan Francisco - Cincinnati Reds (.322, 41 HR, 122 RBI)

2011 BATTING CHAMPIONS
Miguel Cabrera - Detroit Tigers .325

Joey Votto - Cincinnati Reds .328

Milestones

Date	Player	Milestones
04/07/2011	Chipper Jones	2500 Hits, while playing for Atlanta
04/18/2011	Jimmy Rollins	1000 Runs Scored, while playing for Philadelphia
04/24/2011	Chipper Jones	1500 Runs Batted In, while playing for Atlanta
04/26/2011	Francisco Cordero	300 Saves, while playing for Cincinnati
05/08/2011	Carlos Lee	2000 Hits, while playing for Houston
05/11/2011	Aramis Ramirez	300 Home Runs, while playing for Chicago
05/27/2011	Paul Konerko	1000 Runs Scored, while playing for Chicago
05/29/2011	David Ortiz	1000 Runs Scored, while playing for Boston
06/07/2011	Vladimir Guerrero	2500 Hits, while playing for Baltimore
06/19/2011	Orlando Cabrera	2000 Hits, while playing for Cleveland
06/24/2011	Derek Jeter	3000 Hits, while playing for New York
07/05/2011	Albert Pujols	2000 Hits, while playing for St. Louis
07/14/2011	Mark Teixeira	300 Home Runs, while playing for New York
07/16/2011	Rafael Furcal	1000 Runs Scored, while playing for Los Angeles
07/23/2011	Jim Thome	600 Home Runs, while playing for Minnesota
08/02/2011	Mark Teixeira	1000 Runs Batted In, while playing for New York
08/22/2011	Adrian Beltre	2000 Hits, while playing for Texas
08/23/2011	Vladimir Guerrero	1500 Runs Batted In, while playing for Baltimore
08/26/2011	Pat Burrell	1000 Runs Batted In, while playing for San Francisco
09/09/2011	Magglio Ordonez	300 Home Runs, while playing for Detroit
09/09/2011	Paul Konerko	2000 Hits, while playing for Chicago
09/20/2011	Paul Konerko	400 Home Runs, while playing for Chicago
09/26/2011	Ryan Howard	300 Home Runs, while playing for Philadelphia
09/28/2011	Pat Burrell	300 Home Runs, while playing for San Francisco

[Nick Soulis]

CUBS INTRODUCE THEO EPSTEIN

It is a new era in the history of the Chicago Cubs as one of the most respected baseball minds is now in charge. Cubs owner Tom Ricketts held a much anticipated press conference today at Wrigley Field where the new general manger and president Theo Epstein was officially introduced to a team that hasnt won in 103 years.

Epstein comes from Boston to Chicago and the 38 year old helped the Red Sox win two world championships in his 9 seasons of work there. The Red Sox had been swept by the hated Yankees in the 2011 playoffs and fell out of favor in Boston but not after gaining a ton of respect aroudn the league.

"I am proud to be part of such a historic and well supported organization as the Chicago Cubs. I want to thank Mr. Ricketts for having the trust in me to move this team forward to where we all want to go, and that is winning a chmpionship."

Epstein will take over the Cubs who had a winning record in 2011 but were well behind the division winning Cincinnati Reds.

"The first order of businiess is to see who will manage our team going forward and to build for our future. We will be looking at a number of diffrent ways to improve the team and our organization. Chicago isnt Boston, every situation is diffrent, and that is part of the challange of it all."

Excitement in Chicago is high as a proven name is in town and a starving fanbase can finally hope with some substance.

"We wont win overnight but there is no reason why the Chicago Cubs cant be on top where whe all would like to see them"

The smile on the face of owner Tom Ricketts says it all, the man for the job in Chicago is the dapper and confident Epstein.

[Nick Soulis]

QUADE OUT AS SKIPPER, ROSTER NEEDS WORK

New Cubs general manager and president Theo Epstein made his first big decision under control of his new team when he announced today through at statement that Mike Quade would not be retained. Quade was at the helm for the Cubs for about a season and a half and will leave the position with a winning record.

"We respect Mike and the dedication he has shown to this organization" was part of the statement released today. "We wish Mike well and thank him for the work and winning record he had with the team."

Even though he had been winning, Quade had come under scrutiny for the way he handled some of his players including young star Starlin Castro. The expecation is that Epstein will be looking for a replacement as soon as possible.

Some rumors say that he has already reached out to a number of candidates including former Cubs star second baseman Ryne Sandberg.

The Cubs roster going forward has a number of questions inlcuding the future at the corners with upcoming free agent Carlos Pena and Aramis Ramirez. Here is the roster and the numbers from the past season:

Pitching Staff Role T Pitcher G GS W L SV ERA WHIP Status Starter R Matt Garza 32 32 14 13 0 4.47 1.35 Rested Starter R Andrew Cashner 31 31 10 9 0 3.44 1.38 Rested Starter R Carlos Zambrano 35 29 7 13 0 5.00 1.46 Rested Starter R Marcos Mateo 39 9 2 3 0 4.89 1.41 Rested Starter R Randy Wells 31 31 10 8 0 4.03 1.33 Rested Spot Starter R Romulo Sanchez 5 2 0 1 0 17.55 3.00 Rested Mopup R Josh Rupe 15 0 0 0 0 4.70 1.30 Rested Mopup R Jeff Samardzija 5 1 1 2 0 5.06 1.44 Rested Middle Reliever L Sean Marshall 75 0 3 4 3 5.25 1.39 Rested Middle Reliever L Brad Kilby 34 0 1 0 1 4.74 1.26 Rested Middle Reliever L John Grabow 63 0 5 2 0 4.90 1.45 Rested Middle Reliever R Romulo Sanchez 5 2 0 1 0 17.55 3.00 Rested Setup Reliever R Kerry Wood 73 0 4 3 2 3.03 1.36 Rested Setup Reliever R Tyler Walker 60 0 7 4 1 2.71 1.16 Rested Closer R Carlos Marmol 65 0 10 4 35 2.37 1.24 Rested

Catchers # B Player Pos G AB H HR RBI R BB K .AVG OBP SLG 20 R Geovany Soto C 106 393 85 18 50 53 42 112 .216 .289 .402 51 R Max Ramirez C 67 160 31 6 22 15 21 50 .194 .288 .362 26 R Chris Robinson C 15 37 11 0 6 3 4 8 .297 .381 .378

Infielders # B Player Pos G AB H HR RBI R BB K .AVG OBP SLG 23 L Carlos Pena 1B 155 504 134 42 103 81 100 154 .266 .393 .554 6 R Darwin Barney SS 147 475 135 6 37 57 43 79 .284 .346 .398 16 R Aramis Ramirez 3B 140 530 159 27 93 80 41 68 .300 .354 .534 13 R Jonathon Mota SS 27 68 18 2 11 6 5 9 .265 .324 .412 33 L Blake DeWitt 2B 81 178 46 2 14 22 11 36 .258 .298 .376 28 R Jeff Baker 2B 126 423 98 6 46 43 27 105 .232 .281 .343 4 L Bryan LaHair 1B 4 8 3 1 2 2 0 2 .375 .375 .750 44 R Ryan Shealy 1B 97 286 64 9 36 43 37 86 .224 .325 .409 30 L Craig Counsell 2B 121 356 86 3 41 37 36 54 .242 .316 .334

Outfielders # B Player Pos G AB H HR RBI R BB K .AVG OBP SLG 21 L Tyler Colvin CF 138 516 161 29 98 84 43 88 .312 .365 .566 15 R Marlon Byrd LF 137 526 152 11 59 81 37 93 .289 .344 .445 12 R Alfonso Soriano LF 115 261 58 11 35 39 32 75 .222 .305 .379 42 L Matt Spencer RF 28 44 13 2 10 7 1 6 .295 .304 .523 24 R Lou Montanez RF 35 99 32 4 16 14 7 14 .323 .368 .505 32 L Jonathan Van Every CF 96 184 41 11 32 32 26 50 .223 .318 .451 63 L James Adduci CF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 .000 .000 3 R Fernando Perez CF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 .000 .000

Also on the roster are two stars that were on the injured list when the season ended:

SS Starlin Castro - Post Concussion Syndrome
SP Ryan Dempster - Shoulder soreness

Both will be healthy for spring training.

[Nick Soulis]

November 1, 2011

IN STUNNER SELIG ANNOUNCES DH IS OUT

Bud Selig made the biggest announcement in the recent rules history of the game by declaring a rule change in the American League that will eliminate the Designated Hitter rule effective immediately.

"We want to make the game uniform and consistent in both leagues" said Selig in a turn of events few had expected. "The majority of the history of this game was played without the DH rule, so that is the direction we will be moving forward with in 2012."

The DH rule had been put into place in 1972 and had its ups and downs througout the years. The concern for some is that some players will not last as long in the game now that they will be forced to play the field. Still the overall feeling in the game seemed good.

"The game is back to be played the way it was suppose to" said Jim Leyland manager of the Detroit Tigers.


Tony Larussa Calls It A Career

St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony Larussa announced that he will retire effective immediately after 28 seasons in the game. LaRussa lead the Cardinals to the 2006 World Championship and this past season lead his team to a 78-84 record.

"It just feels like the time is right" said Larussa at a press confrence, "this game has given me so much but it has also changed a great deal over the last few years and the amount of work and commitment it takes just isnt as easy for me anymore."

Mike Scioscia Let Go By Angels

The Angels of Los Angeles shocked the baseball world as they have parted company with manager Mike Scioscia. Scioscia lead the Angels to their only championship season in 2002 and was the longest tenured manager with one team in the league.

The Angels however ended the 2011 season with a 76-86 record and in last place in the Amercian League West. Scioscia said he has no desire to stop managing and will be looking for work as soon as next season.

[Nick Soulis]

SANDBERG TAKES OVER

Theo Epstein made his first splash move at his new job in the oranizatio by announcing the new manager for the Chicago Cubs. Estein pleased a number of fans and made the bold decision to make Ryne Sandberg the new manager of the Chicago Cubs.

Sandberg has no prior managerial experiance and the jury is still out on how well of a leader he will be for a team he played such an important role for as a Hall of Fame second baseman.

Theo Epstein explained in part the decision, "We chose Ryne becuase he has grasped the way we want to build our team and our direction. He has proven to be a very competent minor league manager and is someone who understands and will work to bring a winner here. Ryne is the best candidate for the job"

Sandberg of course couldnt be happier as he takes over the team that he loves. "For me its a dream come true" said Sandberg, "now I am ready to get to work and acomplish something here that I was not able to do as a player, and that is to be a World Series champion."

[PhillieFever]

Whoa! Did you decide to eliminate the DH or was it an in game deal? That's a pretty cool move either way. Great start.

[Nick Soulis]

Originally Posted by PhillieFever

Whoa! Did you decide to eliminate the DH or was it an in game deal? That's a pretty cool move either way. Great start.

The league came up with this on its own. Thats what I love when the Dynamic Evolving League option is on.

Im a National League guy anyway, so i love the change.

[Nick Soulis]

December 5, 2011



Pujols Lands In Big Apple

Albert Pujols ended speculation about his future and leaves fans in St. Louis dispondent as he took his Hall of Fame career to New York to sign with the rival Mets. The Mets paid considerably less then most people thought they would have to for the star first baseman who signed for four years at 20.5 million per season.

"It is a historic day for the New York Mets" said Mets GM Fred Wilpon.

Adrian Gonzalez Leaves Boston For Seattle

The loss of Theo Epstein is being felt already in Boston as Adrien Gonzalez signed away from the Red Sox this week in a stunning move leaving a hole in the Boston lineup. Gonzalez inked a deal with the Seattle Mariners for 5 years at 90 million dollars.

The star first baseman is among the best hitters in the league and hit 35 home runs last season for the Red Sox. Many are worried in Boston about the direction the team is taking in recent weeks.

Other Free Agent Movement

• CJ Wilson has resigned with the Texas Rangers for four additional years at 59 million dollars.
• Francisco Rodriguez is now the closer in Chicago as he signed a two year deal with the White Sox. KRod had 30 saves last season with the Mets.
• The Red Sox lost yet another star as Jonathon Paplebon will continue his career in Los Angeles with the Angels. Paplebon signed a three year deal and will step right into his role for Robin Ventura.

[Nick Soulis]

December 15, 2011

Epstein Finds His Star



Theo Epstein made his first headline move in his position as president of the Chicago Cubs. Epstein introduced his new centerfielder on this day at Wrigley Field in veteran all star Carlos Beltran.

Beltran is a five time all star and has been in the league for 12 years with three diffrent teams. The slick fielding center fielder is a .283 career hitter with 287 home runs. The statistic that impressed Epstein the most however is his .360 on base percentage and his ability to cover alot of ground in center field.

Others however feel the deal that is worth 40 million dollars for three seasons is a bit of a stretch for a 34 year old who may have his best years behind him. Spending so much money away from youth has some wondering if the Cubs are falling back to their old ways.

"We look for certain things in baseball players and Carlos Beltran brings those things to the Cubs." said the Cubs president, "Its all about getting on base and defense and Carlos surely has a number of productve years left in him. The three year deal works for both sides."

Byrd Bids Farewell

In a parallel move to the Beltran signing the Cubs made another move. Popular center fielder Marlon Byrd was traded to the Tampa Rays for speedy outfielder John Raynor and relief pitcher Juan Cruz. Cruz started his career with the Cubs back in 2001 as a starter and now makes his return to help the bullpen.

Raynor has only 10 major league atbats but has excellent speed and plays a good outfield. Byrd had two productive years in Chicago but was aging quickly at 34 years old.

Other Cubs notes

• The Cubs will bring back first baseman Carlos Pena for the 2012 season. Pena signed a four year deal for 34 million dollars. His ability to field and get on base including his 42 home runs last season is what the Cubs needed.
• The Cubs traded outfielder Lou Montanez to the Atlanta Braves for 32 year old second baseman Akinori Iwamura. Iwanura is also a good fieling infielder.
• Finally the Cubs are bringing in a free agent from Japan. The team this week drafted 17 year old right hander Namboku Hashimoto and the pitcher will report to the Mesa Cubs.

[Amazin69]

I don't mind my Mets losing Beltran (and K-Rud) to get Albert. Ah, if it were only possible in RL. (I guess the game never heard of Madoff, huh?)

Good luck to Ryno and the Cubs!

[Nick Soulis]

JETER TRANISTION SHOCKS CAPTAIN



The legend of Derek Jeter goes way beyond anything the league has seen over the past 20 years. The Yankee shortstop has been the flag of the Yankees and the face of the most famous franchise in the game.

As the Yankees announced the signing of free agent short stop Jose Reyes to a multi million dollar contract, many wondered if an era had come to a close. Jeter likely now will not be the starting shortstop or leadoff man in the Bronx and likely will spend time on the bench or maybe the outfield, especially now that the DH position has been eliminated.

Jeter could not be reached for comment but as the Yankees get ready to report to Tampa for pring training, the leader of the team for the last 15 years will likely not be part of the Yankee everyday plan.

BRAVES BRING IN FIELDER

The Atlanta Braves mean business about winning a championship and put their money where there mouth is by signing top class free agent Prince Fielder. Fielder has 227 home runs already and is one of the biggest run producers in the game.

Fielder signed a 6 year deal worth 110.3 million dollars making him a fixture now in Atlanta.

[Nick Soulis]

Cubs Prepare For 2012 With Optimism

Ryne Sandberg prepares to make his managerial debut on Friday in the city that he began his major league career in. The Cubs will face the Philadelphia Phillies to open the season with a strong sense of a new era and much optimism. Most projections have the Cubs competing in the National League Central along with the Cincinnti Reds and the Milwuakee Brewers.

Here is a closer look at the 2012 Chicago Cubs:

Starting pitching
Ryan Dempster and Matt Garza return to the head of the rotation in hopes of staying healthy and eating up innings. Dempster is in the last year of his contract so will have much to prove while Garza is poised to be the ace of the staff entering his prime years. Andrew Cashner won 10 games in 2011 and is a big player in the cubs rotation, the young right hander may have all the stuff a good starter needs. Randy Wells for the moment is the 4th starter and has proved consistent over the past three seasons. The real wild card is Carlos Zambrano who is back for another year but is said to have a very short leash; Aaron Harang is also part of the roster and will be a spot starter in case of injury or if Big Z loses it.

Relief Pitching
Carlos Marmol is back for another season as a closer but concern is that he may be lacking the mentality to be a big time closer. Theo Epstein was said to be looking for another closer, but didnt get the man he wanted so Carlos has another shot at it. Kerry Wood and Sean Marshall are still the setup men on this team with Wood showing his age of late. Juan Cruz is back on the squad and is expected to contribute and find his stuff again. Jeff Samardzia and Josh Rupe are also part of the mix and will likely help in long relief.

Catching
At 29 years old Geovany Soto has a chance to have a big year in his prime. Epstein loved the catcher's ability to take a walk and get on base and his occasional power is a nice sourse; his defense is average. Max Ramirez will be the backup and doesnt have much of a bat but can do all the little things well and earned a roster spot.

First Base
Carlos Pena now has his big contract and is the mainstay at the position. His defense is top of the line and he has the power even if batting over .250 for his is a dream. Pena is also a big clubhouse leader on this team. Bryan LaHair is the backup who will be used in spot duty, LaHair is 29 and may never be a star but he does have some power and made the roster.

Second Base
Ryne Sandberg knows something about this position and his ability to mentor Dawin Barney will be key. Barney is a heady player who makes great contact and plays with everything he has, he is a perfect player on a winning team. Jonathon Mota will back up Barney and is a player that is average but competent.

ShortStop
The future of this team lies with Starlin Castro who is the 21 year old short stop will all the skills. Castro is sure to come around to be all all around player and the Cubs cant wait to see him mature. Castro is a player anyteam in the league would love to have. Akinori Iwamura will spent time as the backup for Castro but he obviously wont get much time.

Third Base
They tried to deal him but Aramis Ramirez is back for another season with the Cubs, his last on contract. Ramirez still has the big bat and if he can somehow find a way to have a big year the Cubs may reconsider trying to keep him, he is not however a Theo Estein favorite.

Right Field
Tyler Colvin came into his own in 2011 and is one of the up and coming stars of the game and this team along with Castro. Colvin has a power bat that can mature into 30+ home run power, the Cubs have confidence in his skill and will give him the chance to play for most of the season. Jonathan Van Every is the backup corner outfielder and is a fine pinch hitter and role player, as a left handed bat he will see pinch hit duties.

Center Field
Carlos Beltran cant cover as much ground as he used to but is still a very experianced cetner fielder who can play the angles. Even more then that Beltran is expected to hit and lead the lineup as he likes to take pitches and set up good hitters spots. Tony Campana is a great baserunner and fine fielder that Sandberg can use in the late innings.

Left Field
The most reluctant starter on the team is Alfonso Soriano who doesnt fit on the philosophy of this ballclub and has already been rumored of seeing time on the bench. The Cubs will do all they can to rid themselves of the aging player and his contract, but he may be stuck on the team all season.

Lineup vs RHP # B Name Pos AVG HR RBI SB 1 R Starlin Castro SS .000 0 0 0 2 R Darwin Barney 2B .000 0 0 0 3 L Tyler Colvin RF .000 0 0 0 4 R Aramis Ramirez 3B .000 0 0 0 5 S Carlos Beltran CF .000 0 0 0 6 R Geovany Soto C .000 0 0 0 7 L Carlos Pena 1B .000 0 0 0 8 R Alfonso Soriano LF .000 0 0 0

[PhillieFever]

Originally Posted by Nick Soulis

The league came up with this on its own. Thats what I love when the Dynamic Evolving League option is on.

Im a National League guy anyway, so i love the change.

I'm also a NL guy, so of course I love it too! Truthfully I find the DH to be an abomination which really dumbs down the game in certain respects. And the argument AL guys often give about how "boring" it is to watch a pitcher just bunt or strikeout never take into consideration the thrill of seeing a pitcher unexpectedly come up with a big hit. Most people out of Philadelphia would never remember this, but in 2008 in game two of the division series against Milwaukee, a pitcher at bat changed the entire series. In was the 2nd inning with a runner on 2nd and two outs and Brett Myers(an awful hitter who had a .116 career avg.) quickly went down 0-2 to Sabathia, but then Myers began to "scrape, claw, and foul off pitch after pitch, eventually drawing a 9 pitch walk" all the while the crowd watch ratcheting up higher and higher. This at-bat really unnerved CC, who walked Jimmy Rollins next before giving up a grand slam to Shane Victorino, virtually cementing the game. As for Sabathia, he didn't make it out of the 4th.

[Chicagofan76]

Originally Posted by Nick Soulis

Wish you were running the Cubs for real, then I know they would still suck.
Colvin batting 3rd? He should bat 5th in AAA. I like Castro, Barney and A-Ram so i cant say bad things about them. Beltran batting 5th is ok he should bat 6th he isnt the player he used to be. Soto should bat 8th he has pop but k's a lot and Pena for his bad avg and high strikeouts is the only Cub left handed power hitter to hit almost 30 HR in ages. he should bat 5th. Soriano ehh, rather see Rabbit.

[Amazin69]

I mean, your game has already broken my heart (Reyes to the muddahfuggin' Yankees?), but I still feel obliged to let you know that Beltran's time as a CF has passed him by. Put him at a corner, put Colvin at the other, nail Soriano to the bench, and hit Campana 8th. You'll save runs, and gray hairs.

(Reyes to the YANKEES??? )

[Nick Soulis]

Originally Posted by Amazin69

I mean, your game has already broken my heart (Reyes to the muddahfuggin' Yankees?), but I still feel obliged to let you know that Beltran's time as a CF has passed him by. Put him at a corner, put Colvin at the other, nail Soriano to the bench, and hit Campana 8th. You'll save runs, and gray hairs.

(Reyes to the YANKEES??? )

Yeah Reyes to the Yankees. Leave it to OOTP to completely pull the unexpected. Not only is Reyes a Yankee but he completely takes Derek Jeter out of the lineup now that there is no DH.

I feel your pain but remember, you won the Pujols lottery!

[Nick Soulis]

Originally Posted by Chicagofan76

Wish you were running the Cubs for real, then I know they would still suck.
Colvin batting 3rd? He should bat 5th in AAA. I like Castro, Barney and A-Ram so i cant say bad things about them. Beltran batting 5th is ok he should bat 6th he isnt the player he used to be. Soto should bat 8th he has pop but k's a lot and Pena for his bad avg and high strikeouts is the only Cub left handed power hitter to hit almost 30 HR in ages. he should bat 5th. Soriano ehh, rather see Rabbit.

Ok please keep in mind that I am playing as Theo Epstein and am not the manager of the team. I decided to llet Sandberg run the team and pick the lineups so I havent tampered with it.

Also keep in mind that 2011 was simulated with OOTP and is diffrent that what happened in real life. For example Colvin had a break out season in my game and is a star, his 2011 numbers were (.312, 29, 98).

Soriano no one would take of course. So all I can say is give Sandberg a chance....