Pirates Play Moneyball 1951 - ????

[luckymann]

Exemplary stuff Bradley, thanks for the memories!

[Brad K]

Thanks luckymann. I had a good time. It appears others did too. And those who didn't have a good time just didn't read the thread!!! LOL.

I have more screen shots of some of he data the game produced. I'll post a some more in a few minutes. I don't know if a rehash is all that interesting but I have a few more to post.

[Brad K]

It took a long time for the first first place finish.

Seven 1st place finishes in the 70s is not out of line. Historically the Pirates finished first six times in the decade.

[Brad K]

Longer Than Historical Play

Historically reliever Robb Nen retired after the 2002 season, but in this save he kept going. He made $8.4 million in Detroit in 2003 and $4 million in Oakland in 2004 but the A's bought out the $4 million option for 2005. The Pirates signed him for 2005 at $4.5 million plus two option years at the same amount.

The Pirate exercised their options for years two and three. Nen's ratings rose and at one point the Pirates scout rated him at five stars. Nen didn't reach his previous save totals due to the Pirates' committee approach to closers but got plenty of innings due to pitching in both closing and non closing but high leverage situations. In three years got 74 saves, a 2.34 ERA, and three All Star team selections.

After three great years the Pirates could no longer afford him and Toronto signed him to a one year contract at $11.6 million. Unless the Blue Jays extend him, he'll be a free agent again. As previously mentioned, I'm not playing 2009 so his next salary will remain a mystery.

[Brad K]

Pirates all time leaders with history starting in 1951. I'm surprised that the vast majority are real life Pirates. One of the unavoidable problems of historical play is my familiarity with the Pirates players means I know who not to trade away.

Bob Veale is the all time MLB leader in ERA but not the Pirate leader due to different IP requirements. (I've just noticed I didn't post MLB ERA leaders so that will be next.

[Brad K]

MLB career ERA leaders. History starts 1951.

Bob Veale is first although not first in Pirates listing because of different IP requirements.

[Brad K]

I'm surprised at how "Pirate" the team is.

Top years of service

* = real life Pirate

23 Nolan Ryan
20 Barry Bonds*
19 Willie Stargell*
17 Roberto Clemente*
16 Dave Parker*
15 Willie Randolph*
14 Goose Gossage*

13
Esteban Loaiza*
Jim Palmer
Frank Thomas*

12
Jose Guillen*
Ed Whitson*
Lance Johnson

11
Mike Timlin
Gary Lavelle

10
Dick Groat*
Vernon Law*
Kevin Young*
Bob Friend*
George Strictland*
John Candelaria*
Don Slaught*
Kent Tekulve*
John Smiley*
Gus Bell*
Bobby Del Greco*


Willie Randolph, Frank Thomas, Dick Groat, John Candelaria, Bobby Del Greco

[Samueltbaum]

This is great! I didn't read too much into it, but I like what you've done!

[Brad K]

Originally Posted by Samueltbaum

This is great! I didn't read too much into it, but I like what you've done!

Thank you.

My presentation improved over time. I eventually formatted the reports as a newspaper article including advertisement. That starts about page 10 or 12 I think.

[Samueltbaum]

Originally Posted by Brad K

Thank you.

My presentation improved over time. I eventually formatted the reports as a newspaper article including advertisement. That starts about page 10 or 12 I think.

I would personally lose interest fast if I did the same thing in game. Not my style...

But that being said, I had great joy in reading it, and would've been cool to follow along as it was happening.

You really did a great thing here. Thank you for this!

[Brad K]

^^^
Like

[Brad K]

I've been thinking about trying another Moneyball scenario with stricter financial restrictions. I may do a different team and a different starting year. With I different team I'd miss the ability to have as much local flavor in the news articles due to having less knowledge of the area. Maybe I could move a historical franchise to St Petersburg FL. It's well established as a terrible baseball market. LOL.

[Brad K]

Thank you everyone. This thread has 12,000 views in the last six month, now up to 91,000. I am glad so many people have enjoyed it. I did it for fun expecting a few people would appreciate it but nothing like this.

Thanks again.