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2042.2: Hammers and Expansion

Posted: Sat Mar 28, 2020 10:07 pm
by lordtoffee
This blog has not really referenced what the impact of what expansion is going to have on the Hammers this year. The addition of Athens and Kuwait City are going to bring a new energy to the league, though I'm not sure how much they are going to be good. With no expansion draft, this means that the free agent pool was notably much fiercer this year, and this observer notes that both newbie teams are going to be at least having a chance without worrying about what castoffs would be available in an expansion draft.

For the Hammers, they will face an uphill battle in the newly realigned BANC. Athens is going to have to build up for a few years, and did not have any cap related problems. The goal is going to be to have a better start to avoid having to make panic buys sniffing around the bargain bin leftovers that BBA teams like to cut after spring training. The most interesting thing coming up from the farm system is two new catchers who are going to be strong contributors in the future. Say hello to the future of the Hammers in Wally Dingle and Baden Dutton.

I'm really excited about both of these guys. They are both young, hungry and have a lot of power. In particular, Dingle looks like a real prize. The guy tore up the minors and quite honestly I would not be surprised to see a BBA team try and snag him in the UMEBA-BBA draft process soon. The Hammers view catching as one of the more important positions in the diamond, and offensive value is going to be important to combat the rising cost of keeping players because of the cap. No matter what happens, we need to make sure that young players are going to be in the pipeline, and I already have my eyes on a number of draft prospects to help us in the upcoming draft.

Re: 2042.2: Hammers and Expansion

Posted: Sun Mar 29, 2020 3:18 pm
by bschr682
you are welcome!

Re: 2042.2: Hammers and Expansion

Posted: Sun Mar 29, 2020 6:16 pm
by johnd2442
Dingle does look terrific and just 19 years old too. I agree with you in that catching looks like an important position. I think I'll understand more about it once I understand OOTP, and if catching has something to do with how good your pitching is too.

Re: 2042.2: Hammers and Expansion

Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2020 8:44 pm
by shoeless.db
Here’s some catching nerdiness for you: viewtopic.php?f=23&t=26010

Re: 2042.2: Hammers and Expansion

Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2020 2:00 pm
by Dington
Not worried about Kuwait City, huh?!?! Ok I see your point...