HBD is a big, complex game with a user manual that, like stereo instructions, tells you how to operate the device but leaves out all the stuff that makes it cool.

When I started out with HBD, I was unemployed and had lots of time to read forum threads - stuff like Aaron/Ruth, How to Rebuild a Disaster - but even with a lot of time, there was still a steep learning curve. I am still new enough to remember what being inexperienced and clueless was like. And these forums, while occasionally useful, contain a lot of noise rather than signal.

To that end, here's a challenge to HBD vets, thinkers, strategists, wonks, long-term planners - Let's collectively put together a comprehensive HBD handbook, filled with anecdotes, statistically-supported facts, quirks and history that isn't in the User Manual.

Please put some thought into the things YOU wished you knew when you started playing HBD. Write, in detail, about mistakes you've made or things you've discovered. Include the questions that come up repeatedly come up in forum threads. Give it some substance so that we all learn something in the process. Go.

let's do it but leave out the anecdotes and use more statistically supported facts

i think it's a great idea, they used to have something like this in HD, fantastic

What's a "wonk"?

Quote: Originally posted by iain on 9/18/2009What's a "wonk"?

Willy "the wonk" Wonka of course.

Hey, was Handsome Bob a wonk or a poof, I can't remember.

In my first season of HBD, I took over a team that had gone 65-97 the previous season, and i honest to god had absolutely no idea what i was doing. i put a guy who had a 56 glove at short, and a career minor leaguer at 1st base. I also signed a guy who had splits of 53/44 to a 4 year, 4 million dollar contract, with a 4 million dollar bonus. I had no idea how to evaluate, I just went with the idea that these player had emotions, and therefore I played who I thought wanted to play.



I ended up winning my division with a 85-77 record. somehow.

better yet, the guy with 53/44 splits ended up with a 3.8 ERA

In my opinion with so much info. out there a person should not have difficult running a HBD franchise from the start.

Overall ratings mean very little sometimes.

Don't join public leagues if you can help it.

Control is very important for pitchers.

Play a SS in the SS position. (League averages are shown)

Dont use a LH throwing player in the infield.

If you have great pitching, use a good hitting C.

If you have average pitching use a Higher PC C.

Theres some stuff..

Rule #1:

If you're not sure, don't hit the button.

Rule #76. No excuses. Play like a champion!

it's been said before - but can't be repeated enough: if you are brand new then don't trade for one whole season. it takes at least that long to get a feel for a players true value.

Quote: Originally Posted By mitchrapp on 9/18/2009In my opinion with so much info. out there a person should not have difficult running a HBD franchise from the start

Running a franchise, yes. Running it well,no. It took me 4-5 seasons before I became a competent enough owner to evaluate talent, make decent trades, allocate budget $$ properly, etc. When I first started, I signed just about every IFA that came along. Not a good idea. As stated in the manual, this is a deep and complex sim, and it can take many players a long time to get comfortable with the many facets of the game.

Quote: Originally posted by knucklebones on 9/19/2009If you have great pitching, use a good hitting C.If you have average pitching use a Higher PC C.Theres some stuff.. 

I disagree completely
I see this all the time, explain why?

I didn't put stuff down to argue.

PC catchers adjust the strength of the pitches. If your pitchers have great control and vs L/R they are less apt to need the extra modification towards the pitches. It is a slight adjustment which is more pronounced the crappier your pitchers are. I know this through many seasons of experience in addition to the devs. explanation of it.