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Argonaut · 08-19-2019, 02:28 PM

1976 SPRING TRAINING

Big moves in the offseason for the Rangers, as the market for players has gotten shaken-up in 1976 from a new financial system which includes free agency. The great news is that we finally got the top two guys on our shortlist!

Trade Summary

To Pirates: Jay Johnstone (RF), Lou Brock (DH), and three prospects -- Jim Burton (RP), Joseph Stewart (CF), and Rick Waits (SP)
To Rangers: Al Oliver (LF) and $100,000 cash

To Padres: Frank White (2B)
To Rangers: Mike Caldwell (SP)

To Mets: Mike Caldwell (SP), Billy Sample (LF), Marty Perez (IF)
To Rangers: Jon Matlack (SP)

To Angels: Larry Gura (SP)
To Rangers: Bill Madlock (DH)

I sold Jay Johnstone while he's hot in order to get Al Oliver, a good historical Ranger. The Pirates made out pretty well here, as although Oliver has maybe a little more upside than Johnstone in the future, they also pick up Lou Brock who has a couple good years left, and Rick Waits who can be a decent back-end rotation guy. I'll slot Oliver in at LF hopefully for the rest of his career. He has a chance at the Hall of Fame, and I got him 2 years earlier than Texas did in real life so it's a tossup between if he'll choose a P or T cap (knock on wood).

With Bump Wills slotted in as the starting 2B, I sent Frank White to the Padres for Mike Caldwell -- a finesse pitcher that I liked the look of. To my surprise, the Mets were interested in him as part of a package for Jon Matlack, who I've been trying to get for years. So I flipped Caldwell. I also sent Billy Sample, a prospect with some excellent ratings but who will be blocked by Al Oliver in LF.

Matlack becomes our 4th ace pitcher, which is ridiculous but awesome. He's one of those guys that FanGraphs likes better than BBRef, as his FIP is often better than his ERA. He's done super well in my universe so he has a shot at the Hall. Again, I brought him in 2 years before the Rangers did so he has a chance at wearing the Texas cap if he gets in.

The last trade is the only one I feel where I straight-up fleeced the AI, but it does make sense from their perspective. The Angels are in a huge financial hole, so they were happy to deal Bill Madlock and his large contract to us for Larry Gura, who can be a mid-rotation SP and is on a cheap deal right now. It's nice to bring Madlock back to the Rangers where he was drafted, and if has has a great career for us he just may be the first DH to make the Hall of Fame.

Our solid record last year and bringing in popular players has increased our financial outlook and fan interest by a lot. That's part of the reason why we're able to bring in some of these expensive players.

After these moves we have an incredibly strong roster that I believe has a big window in the late 70s and early 80s to win titles. Our prospect pool is barren, but I expect a lot of these starting guys to have long careers for Texas. I'll probably let a lot of them retire as Rangers, which will add some challenge to the dynasty as I'm not doing the prudent thing and recycling my assets.

Hmm... we brought in Matlack and Madlock. If they watch Matlock in the clubhouse together, the universe might just explode.

08-19-2019, 02:28 PM	#18
Argonaut All Star Starter Join Date: Apr 2019 Posts: 1,085	1976 SPRING TRAINING Big moves in the offseason for the Rangers, as the market for players has gotten shaken-up in 1976 from a new financial system which includes free agency. The great news is that we finally got the top two guys on our shortlist! Trade Summary To Pirates: Jay Johnstone (RF), Lou Brock (DH), and three prospects -- Jim Burton (RP), Joseph Stewart (CF), and Rick Waits (SP) To Rangers: Al Oliver (LF) and $100,000 cash To Padres: Frank White (2B) To Rangers: Mike Caldwell (SP) To Mets: Mike Caldwell (SP), Billy Sample (LF), Marty Perez (IF) To Rangers: Jon Matlack (SP) To Angels: Larry Gura (SP) To Rangers: Bill Madlock (DH) I sold Jay Johnstone while he's hot in order to get Al Oliver, a good historical Ranger. The Pirates made out pretty well here, as although Oliver has maybe a little more upside than Johnstone in the future, they also pick up Lou Brock who has a couple good years left, and Rick Waits who can be a decent back-end rotation guy. I'll slot Oliver in at LF hopefully for the rest of his career. He has a chance at the Hall of Fame, and I got him 2 years earlier than Texas did in real life so it's a tossup between if he'll choose a P or T cap (knock on wood). With Bump Wills slotted in as the starting 2B, I sent Frank White to the Padres for Mike Caldwell -- a finesse pitcher that I liked the look of. To my surprise, the Mets were interested in him as part of a package for Jon Matlack, who I've been trying to get for years. So I flipped Caldwell. I also sent Billy Sample, a prospect with some excellent ratings but who will be blocked by Al Oliver in LF. Matlack becomes our 4th ace pitcher, which is ridiculous but awesome. He's one of those guys that FanGraphs likes better than BBRef, as his FIP is often better than his ERA. He's done super well in my universe so he has a shot at the Hall. Again, I brought him in 2 years before the Rangers did so he has a chance at wearing the Texas cap if he gets in. The last trade is the only one I feel where I straight-up fleeced the AI, but it does make sense from their perspective. The Angels are in a huge financial hole, so they were happy to deal Bill Madlock and his large contract to us for Larry Gura, who can be a mid-rotation SP and is on a cheap deal right now. It's nice to bring Madlock back to the Rangers where he was drafted, and if has has a great career for us he just may be the first DH to make the Hall of Fame. Our solid record last year and bringing in popular players has increased our financial outlook and fan interest by a lot. That's part of the reason why we're able to bring in some of these expensive players. After these moves we have an incredibly strong roster that I believe has a big window in the late 70s and early 80s to win titles. Our prospect pool is barren, but I expect a lot of these starting guys to have long careers for Texas. I'll probably let a lot of them retire as Rangers, which will add some challenge to the dynasty as I'm not doing the prudent thing and recycling my assets. Hmm... we brought in Matlack and Madlock. If they watch Matlock in the clubhouse together, the universe might just explode. __________________ Texas Rangers Dynasty (Est. 1972) Hartford Whalers Dynasty: Brass Bonanza Last edited by Argonaut; 08-20-2019 at 01:53 AM.