Do you use a different team in place of your favorite team in franchise?

[dragon4ever]

I don't know much about baseball and I'm having trouble finding a fun team to use in franchise. I like the Dodgers in real life, but they're too stacked in this game and I want a bit of a challenge. I'm thinking of either using the Mariners or the Orioles, but don't know the players on any of these teams with the exception of Ichiro.

The Orioles probably have the worst team, but do they have a legitimate Ace? I know they have a beautiful ballpark and decent uniforms, but so do the Mariners.

[fistofrage]

Instead of not using the Dodgers, adjust the sliders or settings to make it realisitic and then try to see what you can do with them. You can make this game as hard or easy as you want.

[sdf4977]

I do use different teams at times. Last year I used my Cubbies and had a lot of fun. This year I wanted to use the A's, but I have also started a Franchise with the pirates now too..

[choadler]

Quote: Originally Posted by dragon4ever

I don't know much about baseball and I'm having trouble finding a fun team to use in franchise. I like the Dodgers in real life, but they're too stacked in this game and I want a bit of a challenge. I'm thinking of either using the Mariners or the Orioles, but don't know the players on any of these teams with the exception of Ichiro. The Orioles probably have the worst team, but do they have a legitimate Ace? I know they have a beautiful ballpark and decent uniforms, but so do the Mariners.

I went with the Ray's. I am enjoying the challenge of trying to beat out the Yankees and Red Sox. Plus, they have an interesting team to play. Decent power from 3,4, and 5, good speed from 3 players, good starting pitching, a decent bullpen.

Right now, I am 15-16, 4.5 games behind the Sox. So it is definitely a challenge.

[cardsfan2222]

I went with the Orioles until the patch screwed that one up. I really liked playing as them, but their pitching is a bit weak. Guthrie is their ace, but he had an ERA of 7 after 2 months in my season. The offense was pretty good though, so upgrading the pitching staff should make them a better team.

[natural320]

I am a Phillies fan, but while waiting for the sweet roster updates I started up a Rangers 'chise (due to wifey being from Dallas, they are my adopted American league team since 2005 TYVM!) and I would highly recommend them. nice stadium to play in and solid uni's. a couple guys can rake (Hamilton, Young), Kinsler is a nice all around guy, and there a few up-and-comers like Davis, Cruz, Salti, and Andrus.
the problem is that they can't pitch a little bit (except for McCarthy for me, he just hits his spots) as far as the rotation goes. the bullpen is actually pretty good, and Derek Holland is a name that everyone is going to know in about a year or so. and since it isn't "your team" per se, it is easy to try to work trades to bolster the rotation.
get a few solid #2 type guys, and next thing you know, lady luck smiles upon you and you sneak into the playoffs!

[dave_sz]

I'm a Cubs fan, girlfriend hates them and loves the Sox. I started a White Sox franchise. Next day I started RTTS with a SP for sheetz and jigglies, got drafted by the cubs.

[mmorg]

I love the Padres and the Indians. Both teams have great uniforms and stadiums. I always use the Indians online and for my serious franchise.

Then I have a mostly simulated and "GM Mode" franchise where I do a fantasy draft with the Padres. I like to win the World Series with them Florida Marlins style and then fire sale the team for as many top prospects as I can stack into my minor leagues. I'm just at a point now where I can let contracts expire and have a young stud be ready at every position in every level. It's a really great way to play.