Ultimate Roster Project (PC,Xbox,PS2)

[TwentySeven]

Hey Totte, where would you expect a beta roster to be ready? I know you have problems with the fact that there is like too many players on some teams and not enough on others, how soon do you think those will be sorted out?

I can't wait to play with these :)

[Totte]

Hey Totte, where would you expect a beta roster to be ready? I know you have problems with the fact that there is like too many players on some teams and not enough on others, how soon do you think those will be sorted out?

I can't wait to play with these

It's hard to say bro. I've got like 10-11 organisations left to go to add some missing players in order to be able to fill out the lineups/rotations. An average of 5 players/team makes it roughly 50 more new players to add leading up to xx hours. I'll be busy for the 3 upcoming nights straight so :chin: ...hmm...

...To be honest, I can't even calculate it myself. You have my word that I'll try my very best to have a beta version out be next weekend (prolly sunday) but it's not a guarantee.

If there's is one, it's not going to be fancy in any aspect lineup or rotation wise and I hope you can live with that

EDIT: The next update will however be available in both Standard and Plus for PC :wink:

[TwentySeven]

It's hard to say bro. I've got like 10-11 organisations left to go to add some missing players in order to be able to fill out the lineups/rotations. An average of 5 players/team makes it roughly 50 more new players to add leading up to xx hours. I'll be busy for the 3 upcoming nights straight so :chin: ...hmm...

...To be honest, I can't even calculate it myself. You have my word that I'll try my very best to have a beta version out be next weekend (prolly sunday) but it's not a guarantee.

If there's is one, it's not going to be fancy in any aspect lineup or rotation wise and I hope you can live with that

That is why it will be a beta, isn't it? If it was perfect, you would just release it as a complete roster set. :binkybaby:

Honestly I didn't expect anything too soon, I was actually expecting you to say that you would get them out spring training at earliest.

Keep up the good work! :stickman:

[Totte]

That is why it will be a beta, isn't it? If it was perfect, you would just release it as a complete roster set. :binkybaby:

Honestly I didn't expect anything too soon, I was actually expecting you to say that you would get them out spring training at earliest.

Keep up the good work! :stickman:

Yeah well I'm gonna try and make a push for it.

The reason for why I said it wouldn't be fancy is because I know how people would ***** about how lineups were incorrect and how that thing was wrong. It wouldn't be anything close to please change this but rather complaints about certain things. Glad to see that some still now what a beta is used for though

If I were to release a set next weekend, the next update after that would come on opening day, I can tell you that much :alright:

[Totte]

Hey tej, love the scouting reports. Noticed that there are a bunch of guys on the list that I don't have in the rosters. Could you create them in MVPedit and e-mail them to me? *please*

You should now the adress by now...

[krawhitham]

Yeah well I'm gonna try and make a push for it.

The reason for why I said it wouldn't be fancy is because I know how people would **** about how lineups were incorrect and how that thing was wrong. It wouldn't be anything close to please change this but rather complaints about certain things. Glad to see that some still now what a beta is used for though

If I were to release a set next weekend, the next update after that would come on opening day, I can tell you that much :alright:

You're killing me here

just killing me

[josh07039]

I dont know if this has already been asked, but when is the release date for the new roster?

Also will the Yankees farm system include really young guys like Betances and Montero?

Thanks in advance.

[krawhitham]

I dont know if this has already been asked, but when is the release date for the new roster?

Also will the Yankees farm system include really young guys like Betances and Montero?

Thanks in advance.

Look 2-4 messages back

[josh07039]

Look 2-4 messages back

Thanks, didnt see it, really dumb. Can't wait for the impending update.

[cybernetic]

Free agent Brian Lawrence and the Rockies have come to terms on a one-year deal with an option for 2008, the Denver Post reports.

According to the Boston Globe, Tomo Ohka is close to deciding on offers from the Blue Jays, Nationals and Pirates.

Free agent Bucky Jacobsen is likely to play in Korea or Mexico this season.

The Cubs could have Cliff Floyd signed to a one-year deal before the end of the week.

The Cubs are again considering Alfonso Soriano as an option in center field.

The Reds and Aaron Harang have had few discussions recently about a long-term deal.

According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Indians would love to reacquire John McDonald. The Jays may be willing to move him if Ray Olmedo cracks the opening day roster in Spring Training.

Under the terms of his minor league deal with the Indians, Luis Rivas can request his release on March 28 should he not make the team.

[tejdog1]

Hey tej, love the scouting reports. Noticed that there are a bunch of guys on the list that I don't have in the rosters. Could you create them in MVPedit and e-mail them to me? *please*

You should now the adress by now...

I really don't know how I know how to edit already existing rosters, but I don't know how to make new players independent of the rosters. If you told me how, I could get it to you by Tuesday (are you making me a cyborg, too ).

[MarkB]

Load the roster in MVPEdit, click Create, edit the new player added to the free agents list. For their Audio/photo ID, check the player ID thread. :)

[tejdog1]

Hey Mark

Wouldn't that change the entire roster? I figured Totte would just want the new players, and not the entire roster...

Edit: Because then it's no problem, because I've taken UR 8.0 and edited it heavily, including all those new players.

[Totte]

Hey Mark

Wouldn't that change the entire roster? I figured Totte would just want the new players, and not the entire roster...

Edit: Because then it's no problem, because I've taken UR 8.0 and edited it heavily, including all those new players.

Well you can export players and send the xported players my way...or...you can just zip up your whole roster file and send me that?

[Totte]

You're killing me here

just killing me

That's not my intention. I'm open for suggestions . Drop me a PM over at EAmods with your thoughts...

[HypnoxXx]

Thanks for the kind words of re-(re...re?) welcome everyone...I like to pop in every once in a while to see how things are going and bring forth any info that could be useful. Kinda enthralled in football right now with the Bears heading back to the Super Bowl and all. I haven't forgotten you guys though, and if there are ever any questions or input you need from me, never hesitate to message me. As always, keep up the incredible work Totte! :w00t:

Here's my take on when to release rosters...

When I hopped on the UR bandwagon two years ago this February, we did a bunch of releases and it really made no sense. First off, the season hadn't started, so there was absolutely NO way to have an accurate roster set. You can't guess who's going to make the team, who's going to be in AAA, who's going to be in AA and who's going to tear their ACL mowing their lawn in March let alone who's batting second or who's that No. 5 starter.

Work has GOT to be getting increasingly tougher as the original MVP 05 release date fades further into memory. Year one of UR was all about filling in the minor leagues and getting fake players out of the roster set. If minor leagues had the amount of changes the major league squads have, this stuff would be cake. Move a guy here, delete a guy there, etc. But the minor leagues have wayyyyyyy more player movement than the majors and not as many sources to keep tabs on it. Adding to the problem is that most of those scant few sources don't update minor league rosters until right around opening day (if even by then.)

So the best thing everyone who wants these rosters updated can do is just help Totte out with every little detail you find, because the less Totte has to research, the more he can focus on just inputting the info and getting the rosters under control and ready for release.

[tejdog1]

Well you can export players and send the xported players my way...or...you can just zip up your whole roster file and send me that?

Can I send you the mbe file?

[Totte]

Can I send you the mbe file?

Yeah, no problem bro. Make sure you send along some instructions though on who to add from your rosters etc.

[Totte]

Thanks for the kind words of re-(re...re?) welcome everyone...I like to pop in every once in a while to see how things are going and bring forth any info that could be useful. Kinda enthralled in football right now with the Bears heading back to the Super Bowl and all. I haven't forgotten you guys though, and if there are ever any questions or input you need from me, never hesitate to message me. As always, keep

up the incredible work Totte! :w00t:

Nice to see you around again buddy and thanks for handing the project over to me

Here's my take on when to release rosters...

When I hopped on the UR bandwagon two years ago this February, we did a bunch of releases and it really made no sense. First off, the season hadn't started, so there was absolutely NO way to have an accurate roster set. You can't guess who's going to make the team, who's going to be in AAA, who's going to be in AA and who's going to tear their ACL mowing their lawn in March let alone who's batting second or who's that No. 5 starter.

Work has GOT to be getting increasingly tougher as the original MVP 05 release date fades further into memory. Year one of UR was all about filling in the minor leagues and getting fake players out of the roster set. If minor leagues had the amount of changes the major league squads have, this stuff would be cake. Move a guy here, delete a guy there, etc. But the minor leagues have wayyyyyyy more player movement than the majors and not as many sources to keep tabs on it. Adding to the problem is that most of those scant few sources don't update minor league rosters until right around opening day (if even by then.)

So the best thing everyone who wants these rosters updated can do is just help Totte out with every little detail you find, because the less Totte has to research, the more he can focus on just inputting the info and getting the rosters under control and ready for release.

Wise words from a wise man people. Listen carefully and you'll learn something from the master.

[MarkB]

Thanks for the kind words of re-(re...re?) welcome everyone...I like to pop in every once in a while to see how things are going and bring forth any info that could be useful. Kinda enthralled in football right now with the Bears heading back to the Super Bowl and all. I haven't forgotten you guys though, and if there are ever any questions or input you need from me, never hesitate to message me. As always, keep up the incredible work Totte! :w00t:

Here's my take on when to release rosters...

When I hopped on the UR bandwagon two years ago this February, we did a bunch of releases and it really made no sense. First off, the season hadn't started, so there was absolutely NO way to have an accurate roster set. You can't guess who's going to make the team, who's going to be in AAA, who's going to be in AA and who's going to tear their ACL mowing their lawn in March let alone who's batting second or who's that No. 5 starter.

Work has GOT to be getting increasingly tougher as the original MVP 05 release date fades further into memory. Year one of UR was all about filling in the minor leagues and getting fake players out of the roster set. If minor leagues had the amount of changes the major league squads have, this stuff would be cake. Move a guy here, delete a guy there, etc. But the minor leagues have wayyyyyyy more player movement than the majors and not as many sources to keep tabs on it. Adding to the problem is that most of those scant few sources don't update minor league rosters until right around opening day (if even by then.)

So the best thing everyone who wants these rosters updated can do is just help Totte out with every little detail you find, because the less Totte has to research, the more he can focus on just inputting the info and getting the rosters under control and ready for release.

Co-signed. Great post!

[DJEagles]

Co-signed. Great post!

Nice Post from one of the legends of this site. Co-Signed. Should be gospel.

[herky]

Here is some early info if you decide to create Jeff Samardzija for the Cubs. He'll begin the season at one of the A Ball teams for the Cubs.

Samardzija made seven starts between Class Low A Boise and Class A Peoria for the Cubs a season ago. He was 1-2 with a 2.70 ERA.

Jeff Samardzija

Ht: 6-5 Wt: 216

Bats/Throws: R/R

Position: SP

Date of Birth: 1/23/1985

Five-year, $10 million contract

(Scouting Report from Baseball Fever)

His fastball is of the sinking nature, and was consistently hitting 91-94 mph with his max at 99 mph.

Hard strong slider (81-84 mph) and added a changeup.

Doesn’t have much control or command of his arsenal. Raw still.

[herky]

Updated 2007 Scouting Report For Cubs Prospect Tyler Colvin. (From Cub Hub).

Tyler Colvin

B/T:L/L

Ht: 6'3

Wt: 190lbs

Birthdate: 9/5/1985

Batting and Power: Colvin has quick wrists that allow him to get around on inside pitches, an aspect of hitting that is hard to come by. His short compact stroke has always been centered around contact and gap hitting, it wasn't until his Junior year at Clemson, this year, that he first started to show his power and good amounts of it. When he starts hitting balls in the leftcenter gap, that's when he's on his game. He continued his power trend over to the Short Season A League with Boise, where he was second on the club in many categories (R, HR, RBI, TB, SLG, OPS), not bad considering he missed the first week plus of the short season. Still the Cubs see him more as a high average hitter with doubles/triples power. His walk rate and strikeout rate in Boise, were both worse than what the organization had expected out of the well rounded Colvin. But it's also the reason, why management thinks he'll turn it around next year for Peoria (Low-A), and improve in both facets. In addition to his gap power and solid contact, Colvin is a great bunter and isn't afraid to lay one down if the time calls for it especially with his speed.

Baserunning and Speed: In addition to his solid hitting and developing power, Colvin has real good speed and instincts on the basepaths. This year for Boise he was just 12 for 17 in stolen bases, but the speed was fine, it was just that his basestealing technique was lacking. Thus he spent time after the season in Arizona, working with former Cubs' speedster, turned coach, Bobby Dierner along with Cubs' uberprospect, and the only other true outfield prospect Felix Pie. With more tutoring and development, there is no reason to believe that Tyler can't steal 20 bases or more in a full season (A ball and beyond), with a good success rate.

Defense: As a leftfielder, Colvin is above average with his glove and his arm. He's very athletic which gives him good range so he could move elsewhere in the outfield. There was some talk from Wilken that he thinks Colvin could play centerfield, yet he'd likely be average at best anywhere else even at first base. With the Cubs' having Pie in center, look for Colvin to stay in leftfield, it'll keep pressure off him as he tries to hone his bat more. It's also a position he's become familiar with the past few years since his high school days where he was a pitcher and first baseman.

Biggest Strength: Well Rounded

There is nothing particular that sticks out about his game, he doesn't do anything exceptionally well; he's not going to hit 50 hrs, he's not going to steal 50 bases, he's not going to hit .350. But Colvin doesn't lack an asset to his game, he can do it all, hit for average, power, speed, and defense. That's one of the reasons why Wilken loved the kid and he was a late climber in the draft. How often do you have a guy that can hit in the middle of the lineup that can lay down a bunt when needed or isn't afraid to hit the ball to the opposite field to advance the runner. The hardest factor of Colvin to predict is his power, as for Clemson he went from near nothing in 2005 to a slugging monster in 2006. Currently, the consensus is that 15-20 homer is what can be expected from him but if he keeps physically building, a 25-30 homer profile is not out of the question.

Biggest Weaknesses: Lack of Power and Position

Colvin's biggest problem is that he plays what is typically a power position, and he's not a power player. Matt Murton, who plays the same position and has more power potential, is in jeopardy of getting passed up in 2007 of a full-time gig due to the same reasoning. Colvin has more defensive flexibility than Murton but his power is unlikely to unfold to the level of Murton's. If Tyler becomes more adapt to playing CF than his worth escalates more, even with Felix Pie ahead of him. Unfortunately, the Cubs don't look to be going that road with Colvin and he's looking locked in at LF for the Cubs foreseeable future.

There is alot of worry over his strikeout rate this season for Boise, but don't be alarmed too much. This was one of Colvin's longest run using a wooden bat in his career, and there is usually a lag time to get used to feel. Look for him to significantly decrease his K rate next year while increasing his walk rate over the next two seasons.

Keys to Success: Determination

Coaches say one would never know that Colvin was a first round pick. Unlike other top picks, Colvin treats himself as a scrub player trying to hang onto a roster spot. He's always been talented and gifted as an athlete but it wasn't until this past offseason between his Sophomore and Junior at Clemson that he started to take conditioning seriously, hitting the weights hard. Reportedly, he's continued his trend this offseason has bulked up more without losing his speed and flexibility, which is always a worry when players start lifting heavily.

MLB Comparision: Luis Gonzalez

Colvin's tall athletic build is very similar to that of when Gonzo came onto the scene. Their games are mirror images of each other. Both are gap hitters with decent power, run the bases well, play the LF corner nicely, and are overall smart ballplayers. Tyler lags behind him in the BB and K rates, but like I said earlier expect those numbers to improve as Tyler continues to get more experience.

Bob's Take: Colvin is a quality outfielder that can do everything well. Problem is he's not the prototypical leftfielder who's going to give you a power bat, so the power would have to come elsewhere in the lineup. But what Tyler lacks in big power, he makes up for in the rest of his abilities. There is some belief that Colvin will never become an MLB regular due to the lack of powerhis but my worst case scenerio for him is a 4th outfielder. If he stays on offensive pace and the organization keeps promoting him, he'll be ready at some point for the MLB in 2009 or at least by 2010. Remember the Cubs' Scouting Director, Tim Wilken has an excellent pedigree when it comes to getting MLB talent to the big leagues. So I'll put my faith in him that Colvin will reach the show at some point.

[herky]

Updated 2007 Scouting Report For Cubs Prospect Mark Pawelek. (From Cub Hub).

Mark Pawelek

Born: 08/18/1986

Height: 6' 3"

Weight: 190

Bats: L

Throws: L

Pitching: Pawelek has four pitches that have MLB potential. His fastball was clocking in around 92-94 mph for most of the season while topping out at 97. It's got good life to it with a sharp downward break (essentially a sinker), though early in the season it was flat and he was leaving it up and teams were hitting him pretty well. As for his secondary pitches, the Cubs are only allowing him to work with his slider and changeup, both are definately MLB pitches in the future but are spotty in command right now. Mark's slider is his outpitch, as his deceptive delivery makes the hard tight nasty break difficult to pick up. Often times, his slider is mistaken for a curveball.

The pitches the Cubs aren't allowing him to throw are his splitter, basically forcing him to use and work on his essential two secondary pitches (slider and change). The splitter is absolutely nasty, especially when mixing it in with his fastball and slider, as it comes out of the same arm slot when he's on. The Cubs will likely start letting him use once he establishes himself more and finds his control like Sean Gallagher, another high school draftee, who was just allowed to use the rest of arsenal this past season.

Durability: He's still limited to innings right now but that's just a precautionary measure, as he was a high schooler drafted in 2005. A measure the Cubs has installed in recent years due to the vast number of injuries occuring to high school drafted pitchers. Still he's steadily building arm strength, and is in line to throw around 120-140 IP next year for Daytona. His mechanics though could definately cause problems in the future.

Biggest Strength: Poise

In addition to having the movement, velocity, and stuff on his pitches, he's got the gut factor. Mark's unlike most pitchers his age in that he takes pressure very well. When drafted he was often compared to having the mound presence of an advanced College Sophomore. He can have runners on the corners with no outs, and he still has confidence that he'll get out of the inning unscathed. Some call might call it brass, while others see as calm and cool-headed, anyway you look at, he gets the job done without breaking.

Biggest Weakness: Mechanics

From draft day it was known that Pawelek had inconsistant mechanics, consistantly shifting his release point and adjusting his arm angle. The Cubs have tried to hammer out some of those problems but they still keep popping up. Especially occasions where he's struggling with his other major problem, location. Then he reverts to his old ways, which usually gets the job done but is just begging for an arm injury.

Key to Success: Mark's success lies in his weakness, mechanics. If there is anything that will keep him from having a nice MLB career, it'll be that he can never harness his delivery and he's plagued by arm injuries throughout his career. This is the main reason why we're handling him with kid gloves; by limiting his innings, keeping him under constant supervision, and promoting him slowly. We screwed up with Kerry Wood, he was pushed too quick without adjusting his biggest flaw, his mechanics. Even still we kept up the quick approach and it hurt a few other arms. It's only recent we've been very cautious with our high school arms, calling them up very slowly in the early levels while giving them free run once they prove they can handle the load. It's the same model we did with Donny Veal this season, starting him in Low A and promoting him to High A halfway through the season.

MLB Comparision: Rick Ankiel (Mark Langston)

I always want to put a disclaimer on these or just leave them out entirely because it's nearly impossible to compare a low level prospect to an established MLB, but fans love to read and think about so here's something to chew on. Mark has the identical frame as Ankiel entering the professional ball, both were early draft picks (Pawelek much higher) with similiar accolades (high K, poise). Pawelek like Ankiel keeps the ball on the ground and in the park, along with a good strikeout rate. Ankiel also had some serious mechanical problems that caught up with him and unfortunately ended his pitching career early . Those delivery dilemmas also led to a high walk rate through Ankiel's career, something Pawelek has to be weary of. It also didn't help Ankiel that he was pushed quickly through the Saint Louis system and heavily relied upon early in his career.

Bob's Take: Usually I'm not a fan of taking high school arms early in drafts but for Pawelek to fall to us was a heaven sent. He's got four pitches that are MLB projectable, excellent poise, and the ability to be a frontend starting pitcher. But that delivery of his just screams, I'm going to get hurt somewhere down the road. He throws too much across the body, and is ever shifting his arm angle. One of those components alone could be tough to cope with but both of them combined, it spells disaster. Mainly in his command, Pawelek's walk rate is as low as it is due to the incredibly high hit batsmen (9 in 2005 and 13 in 2006) and his wildpitches are high as well (13 in 2005 and 7 in 2006).

With the depth of pitching talent the Cubs have in their minors there is no need to rush him through the system or heavily rely on him to build the franchise around. Still if Mark Pawelek is able to establish consistant mechanics, he's a gem. Additionally, he does have the uncanny ability to induce groundball and keep them in the ballpark. Finding lefties with his amount of ability and potential is very hard to come by. He'll start next year in Peoria (Low A) and will likely see some time in Daytona (High A), the question is how much time. Much of that is dependent on how quickly Pawelek starts off for the Chiefs. If he begins the season like for Boise this year then he'll be in Peoria for awhile. But if he reports to camp this time in physical condition instead of "out of shape" like last year, he should get some good time in the Florida State League.

[herky]

Updated 2007 Scouting Report For Cubs Prospect Joel Santo. (From Cub Hub).

Joel Santo

Height: 6-3

Weight: 180

Bats: Right

Throws: Right

DOB: 6/4/1984

Joel Santo is a 22 year old righty, who has very smooth mechanics and an easy delivery. He's one of those pitchers with a natural arm that many scouts feel is projectable. His fastball usually sits between 91-93 mph, topping out at 95 this year with rumors of 98 mph. His secondary pitches are a slider and change but both are very raw and need some serious work. He's got a good upside but he likely won't stay a starter too long and could be best suited for the pen. This year for the Fort Wayne Wizards, which is in the same league (Midwest)as the Peoria Chiefs, Santo was 6-6, appearing in 20 games, 15 being starts, logging 92 IP, giving up 96 hits, 55 earned runs, 9 hrs, 54 bb, 48 k, 5.38 ERA, 1.63 WHIP, .281 BAA. Despite his solid mechanics, he has poor control over his secondary pitches that has lead to his high walk totals and the longballs.