Addicted Users has just begun the playoffs and will be entering season 77 when they are through. We have a long and storied history with many of the strongest owners in the game are a part of our world. It is not a place for those that are looking for an easy place to play to acquire quick titles before bailing.

It is rare that we find ourselves with three teams available, but it can happen to the best of worlds. We use a Universal DH and have a MWR. The MWR is a 4 year progressive type, 57 wins for any one season, 118 over a two yr period, 185 for 3 years, and 265 for 4 years. In the minors 30 wins must be reached, except for Rookie Ball where only 15 wins are needed. So, if you are competitive and want to test yourself in a world that will take skill and determination, this is the place for you to test your metal.

Here’s a review of the teams available:

AL TEAMS

Former Anaheim Franchise (80-82, 2^nd pl)
After 29 successful seasons, this franchise is looking for new leadership. It’s surprising to find a team like this open having just taken a WS title in Season 74. This season’s sub .500 finish was the first in 9 seasons so there is some work to be done to get it back in the battle for the division crown. With some power, a ton of speed there are some aspects of the offense that works. Yet even in a less than stellar hitter’s park like Anaheim, a .248 leaves a lot of pressure on the pitching staff to hold the other team off the board. Granden Eppley (20, 124, .278) & Jimmie Mercado (30, 82, .268) were the main offensive weapons.

The hurlers put up an average 4.60 ERA. Both the starters and pen struggled in their own ways. The top two starters may be better suited for spots towards the middle of the rotation. The current bottom three starters struggled mightily so moving them into different roles or allowing them to leave would be the best option. Converting only 32 of a possible 47 saves is not good, having no defined closer while struggling to finish games is worse.

The minors have some talent, unfortunately, they need more time to develop before they will be able to help the big-league team. This is most likely a team ready for a rebuild. The new owner will need to figure out how best to do that. This would be an excellent team for either a new HBD player or a veteran owner. Both will need a bit of patience and decide how best to steer this ship.

Former Salt Lake Franchise (83-79, 3^rd pl)
An owner with a short stay but successful run has allowed this team to hit the market. Even with a 3^rd place finish it was within striking distance of a playoff spot and close enough to the division champ that the ground could be made up with a few strong moves. The team produced 40 HR sluggers with another falling just a bit short. Speed isn’t really their game as runners were successful only a little more than they were caught. However, a .271 average produced over 800 runs scored meaning that tweaks may help but wholesale changes are not warranted.

On the mound, upgrades to the 4^th and 5^th slots in the rotation and more consistency closing out games will need to be addressed. A true closer could help reduce the number of blown saves (19 this season), while the rotation could use a couple of solid frontline starters would move the others remaining rotation pieces further down the pecking order to allow them to be more effective.

There is a small amount of talent in the minors, it’s just not ready to help at the ML level yet and it will most likely take a few seasons to be ready. Any improvements will need to come from outside the organization. This could be a good team for a veteran owner that likes using the FA market to fill holes in a team. For a newbie, it may be wise to move slowly and cautiously before making to deep a plunge into the market for veteran help.

Former Tampa Bay Franchise (48-114, 4^th pl)

After 14 seasons in the cellar the owner of this franchise was a victim of the MWR. Offensively, this team starts and stops with Kory Kimbrel (27, 83, .296). No one else hit more than 15 homers, over .261 average, and the base stealers were thrown out more than successful. The bullpen was a strength that could use an extra arm or two with Yadier Cortez (24/26, .2.22) leading the band. The rotation wasn’t as strong and the main reason this team posted a 4.88 ERA.
The bad news is the ML club isn’t very good. The good news is there is some talent on the farm with a few ready to help right away. A first step will be to evaluate the organization to see who should stay and where the minor league help will fit in. A vet that likes rebuilding will love this team. A newbie afraid of making mistakes will like this team since it has nowhere to go but up, he/she would just need to be cautious if handing out long term contracts to veteran FA’s.

We have some time before the new season begins, however if history teaches us nothing else, we fill quickly because of the stability and quality of the people in this world. Contact me if you’re interested and the team, you’d like to take on.