Sailing Towards the Storm - A Mariners Dynasty

[West]

Hey all. I am going to do a fantasy draft dynasty for the Seattle Mariners. Unfortunately, the only baseball game that I own is MVP Baseball 2005 for the PS2. I feel like i'm living in the gaming stone age, but whatever. I put it in this forum because there is no MVP Baseball 2005 forum. An interesting thing about this dynasty is that I will try and follow other teams a little bit. So while the focus is on the Mariners, you will also be able to see how your favorite team is doing. I hope you all enjoy this.
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Game Info:
Fantasy Player Draft: On
Difficulty: Pro
Injuries: On
Suspensions: On
Errors: On
DH Rule: AL Only
Trade Deadline: On
CPU Initiated Trades: On
Fair Trades: On
Budgets: Off
Rained Out Games: On
Energy Level Effect: On
Team Chemistry Effect: On
Variable "Stuff": On
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2004:

It was time for Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association to renew their collective bargaining agreement. The MLBPA and team owners were unable to come to a conclusion that was satisfactory for either side. Representatives of the MLBPA demanded larger contracts and lifelong medical benefits. The reasoning behind these demands was due to the physical requirements of participating in professional athletics and the frequency of injuries that often led to more serious health problems with age. The owners were dissatisfied with the demands of the MLBPA and refused to comply. This resulted in many lawsuits from both parties, and a near strike by the players. The Supreme Court became involved with this case and ruled that all MLB player contracts be eliminated. Once the contracts became void, this would make every player a free agent. The MLBPA and team owners were able to come to one agreement, which was that a free agency consisting of every player was a very bad idea. Both sides agreed on the solution to this issue- a fantasy draft.

The fantasy draft made all players available. The order of the draft would be determined at random through a computer. Once a player was drafted, he would be required to work out a contract with his new team or be released. The MLB draft was to be covered by ESPN before the 2005 season began. The schedules created for the 05 season would remain the same.

[West]

Mariners hire new GM

The Mariners have hired a new General Manager to help produce positive results for the upcoming MLB Draft and maintain the current success of the franchise. Jason Murdock, a Seattle native and University of Washington graduate will now hold the position. Murdock has been previously employed with the Minnesota Twins and Colorado Avalanche under different and various management positions.

Quote from the Seattle Times interview:
Jason Murdock: It is definately an honor to have been appointed as the general manager of this organization. I grew up watching the M's, I'm a huge fan. Now here I am as the GM, really it's a dream come true. I will do everything I can to help this organization be as successful as possible.

[West]

MLB announces 2005 Fantasy Draft Order

Seattle has received the first pick in the 2005 MLB Fantasy Draft, and Mariner fans everywhere are going crazy. Who will new GM Jason Murdock select first? Santana, Guerrero, or maybe even career Mariner Ichiro?

Draft order:

1. Seattle Mariners
2. Kansas City Royals
3. Arizona Diamondbacks
4. Washington Nationals
5. Milwaukee Brewers
6. Toronto Blue Jays
7. Colorado Rockies
8. Tampa Bay Devil Rays
9. New York Mets
10. Detroit Tigers
11. Pittsburgh Pirates
12. Cincinnatti Reds
13. Baltimore Orioles
14. Cleveland Indians
15. Florida Marlins
16. Chicago White Sox
17. Philadelphia Phillies
18. San Diego Padres
19. Texas Rangers
20. Chicago Cubs
21. Oakland Athletics
22. San Francisco Giants
23. Minnesota Twins
24. Anaheim Angels
25. Houston Astros
26. Los Angeles Dodgers
27. Atlanta Braves
28. Boston Red Sox
29. New York Yankees
30. St. Louis Cardinals

[Dolphn]

I'm following. I like the background story for why the draft is happening. I meant to do a story for my 'chise (though it wasn't gonna be nearly in depth of complex) but I forgot :-/

Good luck.

[West]

2005 MLB Fantasy Draft

Welcome to ESPN's exclusive coverage of the 2005 MLB Fantasy Draft!

Our experts believe that the first pick in the draft will be Johan Santana. This guy is young, healthy and undebatably one of the best pichers in baseball right now. This guy will have more Cy Young awards than he knows what to do with by the time he retires. Seattle's new GM Jason Murdock also has experience working with Santana during his years with the Minnesota Twins. If Seattle wants to become a team based around big bats instead of pitching, Vladamir Guerrero will most likely be the first pick. Guerrero still has a lot of years left in him and he is always consistant and reliable.

Our experts are fairly certain that Pedro Martinez will go shortly after the first round. He is an older pitcher, but it's always good to have some veterans around. Pedro can win games and he is perfect team captain material. The same applies to the Big Unit Randy Johnson and veteran Curt Schilling.

Catchers and second baseman are also going to go fast. There are only a few elite guys at these positions, and every team wants them.

ESPN Analyst Olney Buster's First Round Mock Draft:

1. Johan Santana SP
2. Vladamir Guerrero RF
3. Alex Rodriguez 3B
4. Pedro Martinez SP
5. Randy Johnson SP
6. Albert Pujols 1B
7. Scott Rolen 3B
8. curt Schilling SP
9. Ben Sheets SP
10. Derek Jeter SS
11. John Smoltz SP
12. Miguel Tejada SS
13. Manny Ramirez LF
14. Ichiro Suzuki RF
15. Mark Mulder SP
16. Chris Carpenter SP
17. Mark Prior SP
18. Adrian Beltre 3B
19. Jim Edmonds CF
20. Carlos Delgado 1B
21. Alfonso Soriano 2B
22. Jake Peavy SP
23. Melvin Mora 3B
24. Barry Zito SP
25. Roy Oswalt SP
26. Jorge Posada C
27. Lance Berkman 1B
28. Barry Bonds LF
29. David Ortiz 1B
30. Roger Clemens SP

ESPN Interview with Mariners' GM Jason Murdock:

ESPN: So how is the transitition going from working for the Twins to becoming the GM of the Mariners?
Murdock: It's going good, going good. I never thought I would have the opportunity to be in this position, I am still trying to soak it all in.

ESPN: Who will you pick first in the draft?
Murdock: It wouldn't be much of a suprise if I told you.

ESPN: Will you at least tell the fans whether you will be drafting a pitcher or a batter?
Murdock: Sorry.

ESPN: When do you believe that Johan Santana will go?
Murdock: Early on, definately early on. He's a great pitcher and an even better person. Star material.

ESPN: How do you feel about the conflicting opinions of the MLBPA and team owners?
Murdock: I don't really feel like it's my place to throw my opinions out there. I just hope both sides can work everything out.

ESPN: What sort of preperations have you made for the draft?
Murdock: We have called a bunch of players in for interviews. The Mariners orginization is also ready for a great deal of criticism after the draft. We have the opportunity here to select any one player in professional baseball. We only get to pick one, so obviously there are going to be baseball fans who dislike our decision.

ESPN: Will you be making any trades after the draft?
Murdock: It is too early to say.

ESPN: Thank you for your time.

[West]

Round 1 of the MLB Fantasy Draft

1. Seattle Mariners: A. Pujols
2. Kansas City Royals: B. Bonds
3. Arizona Diamondbacks: T. Helton
4. Washington Nationals: P. Martinez
5. Milwaukee Brewers: M. Rivera
6. Toronto Blue Jays: S. Rolen
7. Colorado Rockies: J. Santana
8. Tampa Bay Devil Rays: I. Rodriguez
9. New York Mets: D. Ortiz
10. Detroit Tigers: J. Lopez
11. Pittsburgh Pirates: R. Johnson
12. Cincinnatti Reds: C. Pavano
13. Baltimore Orioles: V. Guerrero
14. Cleveland Indians: B. Boone
15. Florida Marlins: M. Ramirez
16. Chicago White Sox: J. Kent
17. Philadelphia Phillies: J. Thome
18. San Diego Padres: T. Hudson
19. Texas Rangers: I. Suzuki
20. Chicago Cubs: A. Beltre
21. Oakland Athletics: F. Rodriguez
22. San Francisco Giants: L. Castillo
23. Minnesota Twins: L. Walker
24. Anaheim Angels: M. Loretta
25. Houston Astros: B. Zito
26. Los Angeles Dodgers: V. Martinez
27. Atlanta Braves: S. Casey
28. Boston Red Sox: C. Beltran
29. New York Yankees: K. Foulke
30. St. Louis Cardinals: B. Sheets

Mariners Draft Pick: Albert Pujols

Age: 25
Position: 1B
Jersey Number: 5
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 225
Contact vs RHP: 91
Contact vs LHP: 98
Power vs RHP: 91
Power vs LHP: 93
Bunting: 70
Plate Discipline: 85
Durability: 90
Speed: 59
Baserunning Ability: 65
Fielding: 75

[West]

Round 2 of the MLB Fantasy Draft

1. Seattle Mariners: J. Peavy
2. Kansas City Royals: C. Schilling
3. Arizona Diamondbacks: A. Rodriguez
4. Washington Nationals: R. Oswalt
5. Milwaukee Brewers: M. Teixeira
6. Toronto Blue Jays: J. Smoltz
7. Colorado Rockies: E. Chavez
8. Tampa Bay Devil Rays: J. Schmidt
9. New York Mets: C. Lee
10. Detroit Tigers: B. Radke
11. Pittsburgh Pirates: J. Varitek
12. Cincinnatti Reds: R. Clemens
13. Baltimore Orioles: J. Edmonds
14. Cleveland Indians: M. Mulder
15. Florida Marlins: A. Ramirez
16. Chicago White Sox: O. Perez
17. Philadelphia Phillies: B. Abreu
18. San Diego Padres: C. Zambrano
19. Texas Rangers: M. Tejada
20. Chicago Cubs: A. Jones
21. Oakland Athletics: A. Dunn
22. San Francisco Giants: F. Garcia
23. Minnesota Twins: R. Halladay
24. Anaheim Angels: J. Bay
25. Houston Astros: C. Carpenter
26. Los Angeles Dodgers: M. Buehrle
27. Atlanta Braves: J. Mauer
28. Boston Red Sox: M. Prior
29. New York Yankees: V. Wells
30. St. Louis Cardinals: M. Cabrera

Mariners Draft Pick: Jake Peavy

Age: 23
Position: SP
Jersey Number: 44
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 180
Stamina: 88
4 Seam Fastball: 93
Changeup: 93
Curve: 83
Slider: 80
2 Seam Fastball: 74

[West]

Round 3 of the MLB Fantasy Draft

1. Seattle Mariners: D. Jeter
2. Kansas City Royals: T. Glaus
3. Arizona Diamondbacks: T. Wakefield
4. Washington Nationals: J. Weaver
5. Milwaukee Brewers: G. Maddux
6. Toronto Blue Jays: H. Matsui
7. Colorado Rockies: D. Wells
8. Tampa Bay Devil Rays: O. Perez
9. New York Mets: E. Gagne
10. Detroit Tigers: C. Delgado
11. Pittsburgh Pirates: A. Soriano
12. Cincinnatti Reds: J. Drew
13. Baltimore Orioles: B. Lidge
14. Cleveland Indians: M. Ordonez
15. Florida Marlins: K. Wood
16. Chicago White Sox: T. Lilly
17. Philadelphia Phillies: T. Hoffman
18. San Diego Padres: M. Mussina
19. Texas Rangers: T. Glavine
20. Chicago Cubs: J. Moyer
21. Oakland Athletics: R. Harden
22. San Francisco Giants: J. Damon
23. Minnesota Twins: A. Rowand
24. Anaheim Angels: D. Lowe
25. Houston Astros: M. Kotsay
26. Los Angeles Dodgers: J. Pierre
27. Atlanta Braves: M. Clement
28. Boston Red Sox: J. Westbrook
29. New York Yankees: D. Willis
30. St. Louis Cardinals: A. Leiter

Mariners Draft Pick: Derek Jeter

Age: 30
Position: SS
Jersey Number: 2
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 195
Contact vs RHP: 80
Contact vs LHP: 86
Power vs RHP: 82
Power vs LHP: 86
Bunting: 85
Plate Discipline: 85
Durability: 90
Speed: 81
Baserunning Ability: 95
Fielding: 95

[West]

Round 4 of the MLB Fantasy Draft

1. Seattle Mariners: M. Mora
2. Kansas City Royals: A. Burnett
3. Arizona Diamondbacks: J. Guillen
4. Washington Nationals: M. Lowell
5. Milwaukee Brewers: L. Rivas
6. Toronto Blue Jays: S. Sosa
7. Colorado Rockies: K. Matsui
8. Tampa Bay Devil Rays: T. Hafner
9. New York Mets: W. Williams
10. Detroit Tigers: W. Miller
11. Pittsburgh Pirates: J Burnitz
12. Cincinnatti Reds: D. Wright
13. Baltimore Orioles: B. Penny
14. Cleveland Indians: T. Hunter
15. Florida Marlins: J. Vidro
16. Chicago White Sox: J. Estrada
17. Philadelphia Phillies: A. Pettitte
18. San Diego Padres: Z. Greinke
19. Texas Rangers: H. Blalock
20. Chicago Cubs: K. Escobar
21. Oakland Athletics: V. Castilla
22. San Francisco Giants: N. Garciaparra
23. Minnesota Twins: F. Cordero
24. Anaheim Angels: B. Mueller
25. Houston Astros: V. Zambrano
26. Los Angeles Dodgers: T. Walker
27. Atlanta Braves: P. Polanco
28. Boston Red Sox: C. Koskie
29. New York Yankees: J. Kennedy
30. St. Louis Cardinals: R. Alomar

Mariners Draft Pick: Melvin Mora

Age: 33
Position: 3B
Jersey Number: 6
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 200
Contact vs RHP: 95
Contact vs LHP: 78
Power vs RHP: 88
Power vs LHP: 75
Bunting: 95
Plate Discipline: 75
Durability: 75
Speed: 84
Baserunning Ability: 70
Fielding: 60

[West]

Round 5 of the MLB Fantasy Draft

1. Seattle Mariners: B. Tomko
2. Kansas City Royals: T. Womack
3. Arizona Diamondbacks: M. Giles
4. Washington Nationals: L. Hernandez
5. Milwaukee Brewers: B. Arroyo
6. Toronto Blue Jays: J. Hairston Jr.
7. Colorado Rockies: B. Giles
8. Tampa Bay Devil Rays: L. Berkman
9. New York Mets: R. Ibanez
10. Detroit Tigers: J. Pineiro
11. Pittsburgh Pirates: M. Alou
12. Cincinnatti Reds: C. Park
13. Baltimore Orioles: P. Kornerko
14. Cleveland Indians: E. Renteria
15. Florida Marlins: L. Gonzales
16. Chicago White Sox: A. Huff
17. Philadelphia Phillies: O. Hudson
18. San Diego Padres: R. Durham
19. Texas Rangers: S. Takatsu
20. Chicago Cubs: J. Vasquez
21. Oakland Athletics: J. Beckett
22. San Francisco Giants: B. Colon
23. Minnesota Twins: S. Ponson
24. Anaheim Angels: G. Sheffield
25. Houston Astros: M. Young
26. Los Angeles Dodgers: E. Alfonzo
27. Atlanta Braves: S. C. Jones
28. Boston Red Sox: C. R. Drese
29. New York Yankees: E. Durazo
30. St. Louis Cardinals: R. Furcal

Mariners Draft Pick: Brett Tomko

Age: 31
Position: SP
Jersey Number: 50
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 215
Stamina: 89
4 Seam Fastball: 90
Changeup: 83
Curve: 81
Slider: 79
2 Seam Fastball: 81