Roster strategy

[Brettford]

Playing the MLB quickstart. Trying to wrap my mind around the various roster rules. You've got your active roster, your reserve roster, 3 minor league option years...it goes on and on.

I have read through the manual a few times on this topic and I am trying to put forth a good effort to learn how effective roster management really works. I am developing an early understanding of how it all fits together, but what would be helpful is to hear a bit from more experienced players on how they manage their rosters.

The biggest lessons so far have been that you have to think very hard about promoting guys for the first time because they instantly get a major league salary. Also, it seems like it is wise to not hold a full 40 man reserve roster, because it can be difficult to remove guys without losing them to waivers.

It would be helpful of people would post some examples of how they manage their roster...how you normally treat a prospect who is nearing his debut, how/when you go about calling him up...how you deal w a bunch of injuries and guys coming off the DL etc.

[tigey75]

Originally Posted by Brettford

Playing the MLB quickstart. Trying to wrap my mind around the various roster rules. You've got your active roster, your reserve roster, 3 minor league option years...it goes on and on.

I have read through the manual a few times on this topic and I am trying to put forth a good effort to learn how effective roster management really works. I am developing an early understanding of how it all fits together, but what would be helpful is to hear a bit from more experienced players on how they manage their rosters.

The biggest lessons so far have been that you have to think very hard about promoting guys for the first time because they instantly get a major league salary. Also, it seems like it is wise to not hold a full 40 man reserve roster, because it can be difficult to remove guys without losing them to waivers.

It would be helpful of people would post some examples of how they manage their roster...how you normally treat a prospect who is nearing his debut, how/when you go about calling him up...how you deal w a bunch of injuries and guys coming off the DL etc.

You're definitely right about the 40 man roster point, I always have to put some guys on waivers due to an injury and a call up. I never have enough catchers and make that same mistake every season. I usually let the AI handle my entire minor league system, lineups, callups send downs, etc. I only get involved when it comes to bringing someone up to the MLB club or sending someone down.

[jnotrizzle]

Originally Posted by tigey75

You're definitely right about the 40 man roster point, I always have to put some guys on waivers due to an injury and a call up. I never have enough catchers and make that same mistake every season. I usually let the AI handle my entire minor league system, lineups, callups send downs, etc. I only get involved when it comes to bringing someone up to the MLB club or sending someone down.

I'm the same way.

I rarely keep a full 40 man roster. It's just very tough to keep things perfect, and giving yourself a little wiggle room is nice. I also set computer to control my minor league lineups/staffs and promotions.

Just dealing with your major league club is immersive enough for me. Trying to manage three-five other teams' DL's, staffs and lineups is just too much for me. I will keep tabs on my top 10 prospects though and if the computer isn't doing right by them, I'll put them in the level I think they should be in and lock them there.

[tigey75]

Originally Posted by jnotrizzle

I'm the same way.

I rarely keep a full 40 man roster. It's just very tough to keep things perfect, and giving yourself a little wiggle room is nice. I also set computer to control my minor league lineups/staffs and promotions.

Just dealing with your major league club is immersive enough for me. Trying to manage three-five other teams' DL's, staffs and lineups is just too much for me. I will keep tabs on my top 10 prospects though and if the computer isn't doing right by them, I'll put them in the level I think they should be in and lock them there.

I have no idea how some people are able to manage their entire minor league system. My mind can only focus on the MLB team, if I tried figuring out when a guy is ready to move from Rookie A ball to Short season A ball, I'd lose all control.

[Bmorebirds_24]

Originally Posted by Brettford

Playing the MLB quickstart. Trying to wrap my mind around the various roster rules. You've got your active roster, your reserve roster, 3 minor league option years...it goes on and on.

I have read through the manual a few times on this topic and I am trying to put forth a good effort to learn how effective roster management really works. I am developing an early understanding of how it all fits together, but what would be helpful is to hear a bit from more experienced players on how they manage their rosters.

The biggest lessons so far have been that you have to think very hard about promoting guys for the first time because they instantly get a major league salary. Also, it seems like it is wise to not hold a full 40 man reserve roster, because it can be difficult to remove guys without losing them to waivers.

It would be helpful of people would post some examples of how they manage their roster...how you normally treat a prospect who is nearing his debut, how/when you go about calling him up...how you deal w a bunch of injuries and guys coming off the DL etc.

I think is a very good post and thread. What team do you control?

I am in the same boat as you. I am new to the game and feel overwhelmed trying to control everything down to the detail on my organization. I'm learning as I go and always have 100 questions.

This board has been pretty helpful. I am learning to use my notes and adding notes. I have added a few players to my shortlist but can't figure out how to find the list of my shortlist players.

I use the Orioles so I am taking the first year and going to try and trade away some of the guys I don't value very high and try and make a splash in free agency this offseason.

To get back on topic I too, only watch my top 10 prospects and control the Major league team. I have a little scrap book that I write things down that I feel is important so I can remember what I need to do and not to do.

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk

[Orcin]

Here are some roster rules to live by:

The 40-man roster should be reserved for players that are major-league ready, major league reserves at AAA, and a few top prospects that demanded major league contracts when drafted or need to be sheltered from Rule 5. That's it. If you don't have 40 on the roster, don't worry. The concern is to have a backup to the active roster for every key position and a couple of extra starting pitchers to cover for injuries.

Be aware of the remaining options for players that are on your 40-man roster but that might not make your active roster. Don't get caught at the end of spring training trying to sneak these players through waivers. Trade them in the early spring for prospects. (If they have no trade value, then why are they on your 40-man roster?)

Be cautious with waiver claims. Don't claim any player that can't make your active roster, unless they are good prospects WITH remaining options. I don't claim a player with no options and then put him back on waivers, but some people do this sucessfully and sneak a guy through. (If he is so weak that no other team wants him, why would you?)

DO rush to waiver claim good young players with remaining options, especially if your minor-league system needs the position. This is just like a free draft pick. The AI may have gotten caught in a numbers game with its roster, or sometimes the AI just tries to sneak one through to free up a spot for a waiver claim. Take advantage of their mistake!

Move your prospects through the system patiently but steadily. If they are not making progress at a level, they may never get past that level. The cold truth is that 90% of your minor-league system is crap. Pay close attention to the top 10% and you will be fine.

[Orcin]

Here are two great posts to read if you want to understand more about options. This is a tough subject, even for veteran players. Basically, you can just read the posts by Le Grande Orange and you will know everything that you need.


http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...revocable.html


http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...t-options.html