My GM'ing noob pro tips

aquapong · 01-02-2016, 08:55 PM

1. Watch signing guys to big contracts. Most players won't live up to them.

2. If you have a number 1 or 2 starting pitcher or an elite position player, lock them up long term as soon as they've proven themselves for a few years. The risk of them declining is usually worth it considering how much elite position players will cost you if you let them get to free agency.

3. If you need an elite player in free agency, sometimes you can get them to come to your team by offering a shorter contract with high yearly value.

4. Don't sign catchers or first baseman to long deals. Both tend to decline quickly after 30. Yes, there is the occasional exception, but chances are your guy isn't one of them.

5. Depth, depth, depth. Sign a bunch of decent guys to small contracts, preferably with team options so you can keep guys who play well. Plus injuries. You will know the joy of losing all star players for the season and you need decent players to fill in. The same with picking guys up off of waivers and the Rule 5 draft.

6. As a rule, don't sign closers to big contracts. But do have at least two top bullpen guys to serve as a setup man and closer.

7. Don't use the force start option all the time. Keep in mind that two guys platooning in a position based on the opposed starting pitcher can bring out the best performance in both of them.

01-02-2016, 08:55 PM	#1
aquapong Major Leagues Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 378	My GM'ing noob pro tips 1. Watch signing guys to big contracts. Most players won't live up to them. 2. If you have a number 1 or 2 starting pitcher or an elite position player, lock them up long term as soon as they've proven themselves for a few years. The risk of them declining is usually worth it considering how much elite position players will cost you if you let them get to free agency. 3. If you need an elite player in free agency, sometimes you can get them to come to your team by offering a shorter contract with high yearly value. 4. Don't sign catchers or first baseman to long deals. Both tend to decline quickly after 30. Yes, there is the occasional exception, but chances are your guy isn't one of them. 5. Depth, depth, depth. Sign a bunch of decent guys to small contracts, preferably with team options so you can keep guys who play well. Plus injuries. You will know the joy of losing all star players for the season and you need decent players to fill in. The same with picking guys up off of waivers and the Rule 5 draft. 6. As a rule, don't sign closers to big contracts. But do have at least two top bullpen guys to serve as a setup man and closer. 7. Don't use the force start option all the time. Keep in mind that two guys platooning in a position based on the opposed starting pitcher can bring out the best performance in both of them.