I've now been around long enough to take a team, mold it, develop it and structure it the way I want. I've drafted players and watched them grow into ML players and in some cases become stars. But the hardest thing is letting go! Realizing they are getting too old to contribute and having to find new talent is hard! I would not make a good GM in real life!

Sadly enough, you're right.

There's a fantasy sports writer who likes to say, "remember, players don't get 25% better just because they're yours."

The pros (ie Billy Beane) treat the players like randomly generated computer Sim players - as soon as they are demanding more than they're worth, cut ties. Try not to think about what they've done. Try to think of what they'll do.

But yes, that is probably the hardest thing in the game, especially if you are planning a budget around that kind of decision and getting distracted by the players in world chat that available for trade.

Posted by tlowster on 1/12/2019 4:38:00 PM (view original):
The pros (ie Billy Beane) treat the players like randomly generated computer Sim players - as soon as they are demanding more than they're worth, cut ties. Try not to think about what they've done. Try to think of what they'll do.

But yes, that is probably the hardest thing in the game, especially if you are planning a budget around that kind of decision and getting distracted by the players in world chat that available for trade.

Administration in pro ball get more attached than you realize. Don't let the movie fool you. They have to make tough decisions, but don't fool yourself into thinking they are easy decisions.

Posted by damag on 1/12/2019 2:53:00 PM (view original):
There's a fantasy sports writer who likes to say, "remember, players don't get 25% better just because they're yours."

Haha amen, I say this to one of my friends all the time during fantasy football season

I would have thought the hardest part was winning a world series title. :P

But I agree though. I have kept guys around far too long for far too much before.

Posted by strikeout26 on 1/12/2019 5:06:00 PM (view original):

Posted by tlowster on 1/12/2019 4:38:00 PM (view original):
The pros (ie Billy Beane) treat the players like randomly generated computer Sim players - as soon as they are demanding more than they're worth, cut ties. Try not to think about what they've done. Try to think of what they'll do.

But yes, that is probably the hardest thing in the game, especially if you are planning a budget around that kind of decision and getting distracted by the players in world chat that available for trade.

Administration in pro ball get more attached than you realize. Don't let the movie fool you. They have to make tough decisions, but don't fool yourself into thinking they are easy decisions.

Relationships are real, even between you and a computer generated data point.

This is the truest thread in some time. Who here hasn’t given a fake player one last big contract as a thank you?

Posted by topoftheworl on 1/15/2019 1:14:00 AM (view original):
This is the truest thread in some time. Who here hasn’t given a fake player one last big contract as a thank you?

Dealing with this right this moment, matter of fact.

The first season I played, I had the #1 overall pick in the draft and took a slugging outfield prospect named George Carr. I had to pay him extra to sign because he was considering an NFL career. But since then, we have been through many highlights, including three World Series rings that he is in large part responsible for.

His contract expires at the end of this season. He is 33 now, and doesn't want to negotiate a new deal. He's telling me he wants to see what the market will offer. And it hurts, man. It hurts. George, where did we go wrong?

George wants you to show him you really care! go out there and break the bank for him!

And if Carr doesn't sign with you go on WC and post something at least 4 chat sections long about what a betrayal this is, how you will never, ever forgive him, and start inventing "crimes" he committed while he is with you. Then, when he is 38 and still on the free agent market well into spring training, sign him once more and gush about healed feelings, mended fences, and how never truly stopped caring about him. Give roughly twice the at bats he deserves given his skill set, announce in WC every time he goes 3 for 3 or crosses an important statistical threshold.

I have done this at least twice and seen it done two other times. Its soooo much fun.

And if he does sign with you despite "testing the market", claim part of the deal was that you have to rename your team after him as part of the deal once he retires. And then really do it! I am in the process of this in Cobbfather about 4 seasons away from going from the Colorado Spring From My Loins to the Colorado Springs Dizzy Leonards.