A Shot of Redemption: The Story of Will Kane

[PotatoOfCouch13]

15. May, Part III

Man, it seems like forever since I’ve sat behind this desk!

One of the guys down in the mailroom tried to turn me onto some new music: some band named ‘Soundgarden’ released an album last week. Naturally, being an open and inquisitive mind, I listened to a few minutes of it. The verdict? Still unsure. This ‘grunge’ music thing has really started to take over Seattle, but it seems a little depressing for my tastes. Why not convert some of that energy into positive things, like watching the Mariners?

Oh wait, that might worsen everything…

Seattle (20-23) at Oakland (26-16)

The AL’s coldest team (L6) hits the road to take on the AL’s hottest team (W5). What’s the worst that could happen? Only everything. Hopefully we don’t leave our bats, gloves, and arms at the Kingdome. Or wherever the h*** we left them (Anaheim, maybe?).

20 – Good news: we put up 9 runs, the most we’ve scored in 3 weeks. Bad news: Mark McGwire and Jose Canseco hit home run #19 and 17, respectively, to help the A’s to 15 runs. A’s 15-9

Jay Buhner is healthy, and will return to right field.

21 – Bad news: our pitching staff allows 4 home runs. Good news: um…Junior got 2 hits? Not really a lot to get excited about in our 8th straight loss. A’s 11-3

Jeffrey Leonard is healthy, and will return to left field.

22 – A win? Against Oakland in their building? Must’ve come in extreme circumstances. Sure enough, Jay Buhner’s 2nd home run of the night caps a 6-run 12th inning, giving the Mariners the extra-inning win. Mariners 11-6 (12)

Mike Schooler will miss a few days with a sore arm. The rest of the bullpen will have to shoulder the load (with their ‘success’, I’m very uneasy about this).

23 – DAY OFF

Minnesota (19-27) at Seattle (21-25)

The 2 worst teams in the AL West meet up in Seattle. Now I see why grunge is so popular around here. With draws like the Twins coming to town, I’m beginning to feel depressed after looking at our financials.

24 – Randy Johnson pitches 7 strong innings, and despite the bullpen adventures, earns his team-leading 5th win of the season. Harold and Omar went 5-9 with 3 R from the top 2 spots in the order. Mariners 6-4

25 – An early candidate for Game of the Year. The Twins got on the board early, and after 6 innings, they were leading 5-0. The Mariners chipped away, getting to within one run. Trailing 5-4 entering the bottom of the 9th inning, the Mariners tried to complete their comeback. Darnell Coles hit a leadoff homer, tying the game. With 2 outs, Omar Vizquel singled past the outstretched glove of Paul Sorrento down the right field line, scoring Dave Valle with the winning run. Great performance by the bullpen in the victory (0 R in 3.1 IP). Mariners 6-5

26 – Memo to self: petition Major League Baseball to see if we can’t get a schedule exemption. We seem to have lots of luck playing the Twins, might as well try and get all 162 against them. The Mariners tally 16 hits, including 7 doubles, en route to a thumping in the series finale. First series sweep in over 2 weeks. Also, the bullpen extended its scoreless innings streak to 5.1; this has to be a team record or something… Mariners 8-4

California (27-21) at Seattle (24-25)

If we play our cards right, the AL West could have 6 teams .500 or better by next week. Of course, that’s hard to do against the 2nd-best team in the division. Hopefully the fans come out for a big 4-game series.

27 – An unearned run in the 1st inning is all the Mariners need, as Scott Bankhead shuts out the Angels for 8 innings, and the bullpen does the rest. Ken Griffey, Jr. hit his 7th home run in the win. Mariners 3-0

Amazingly enough, the bullpen has gone 6.1 consecutive innings without allowing a run. Mike Schooler is back to 100%, so that means we get a little bit deeper. Perhaps the season is turning around?

28 – Junior’s error allows the go-ahead run to score in the top of the 8th, pinning Erik Hanson with a tough-luck loss. The only consolation? The bullpen extends their streak to 7.2 straight scoreless innings. Angels 3-2

29 – In a battle of power lefties, Randy Johnson completely outpitched Mark Langston, striking out 11 over 8 shutout innings. Mike Schooler does the rest, keeping the bullpen unscored upon for their 8.2 innings. Batterymate Dave Valle drives in 4 runs. Mariners 6-0

Darnell Coles needs a day off. Some lineup juggling affords us that opportunity, with Henry Cotto starting in left field.

30 – Brian Holman and the offense are ‘good enough’, scoring 5 while holding the Angels to 4. The bullpen is exemplary again, extending their streak to 10.1 consecutive innings without surrendering a run. Mariners 5-4

Jay Buhner will need a few days off with a sore hip. Enter Greg Briley into right field, as Darnell returns to the starting lineup.

Seattle (27-26) at Kansas City (26-27)

You know how I said the AL West could have 6 teams .500 or better? Well, the Royals had to screw everything up and get swept. So now there are only 5, and we have to beat the Royals to prevent 6.

On a side note, this will be my first trip to Kansas City in almost 2 years. It will be interesting, returning to the scene of the crime, so to speak…

31 – Another Game of the Year candidate. Bill Swift pitched admirably, allowing only 3 runs over 8 innings. Mark Gubicza, however, pitched better, giving up 1 run in the same duration. So the Mariners entered the top of the 9th trailing 3-1, and with closer Jeff Montgomery staring them down. However, the deficit would be erased, thanks to Edgar’s double, and Greg Briley’s home run. With the score even, Montgomery tried to regain composure, sandwiching a single between a strikeout and a sac bunt. Darnell Coles proved the hero today, though, singling up the middle to break the tie. Junior followed with his team-leading 8th home run of the season to give the visitors a 3-run cushion. That was more than enough for Mike Schooler, who recorded his 11th save with a 1-2-3 inning. Mariners 6-3

[PotatoOfCouch13]

MAY RECAP

STANDINGS

AL WEST
Oakland		34-20	-
Chicago		30-24	4
Texas		29-25	5
California	28-25	5.5
Seattle		28-26	6
Kansas City	26-28	8
Minnesota	21-33	13

AL EAST
Milwaukee	30-24	-
Boston		27-27	3
New York	27-27	3
Baltimore	26-28	4
Toronto		25-28	4.5
Cleveland	24-29	5.5
Detroit		22-33	8.5

NL WEST
Houston		31-25	-
San Francisco	29-25	1
San Diego	28-27	2.5
Los Angeles	27-28	3.5
Cincinnati	28-30	4
Atlanta		24-28	5

NL EAST
St. Louis	30-26	-	
Chicago		29-26	.5
Pittsburgh	28-28	2
Montreal	26-27	2.5
New York	27-29	3
Philadelphia	23-31	6

LEAGUE LEADERS
AMERICAN LEAGUE

BATTING AVERAGE	
Wally Joyner (CAL)	.393
Dion James (CLE)	.373
Jim Eisenreich (KC)	.358
	
HOME RUNS	
Mark McGwire (OAK)	26
Jose Canseco (OAK)	18
Randy Bush (MIN)	17
	
RUNS BATTED IN	
Jose Canseco (OAK)	59
Mark McGwire (OAK)	58
Ellis Burks (BOS)	57
	
STOLEN BASES	
Rickey Henderson (OAK)	23
Alex Cole (CLE)		20
3 tied with		19
	
WINS	
Mike Moore (OAK)	9
Teddy Higuera (MIL)	8
Scott Sanderson (OAK)	8
	
ERA	
Bert Blyleven (CAL)	2.26
Roger Clemens (BOS)	2.56
Kevin Brown (TEX)	2.95
	
STRIKEOUTS	
Randy Johnson (SEA)	85
Nolan Ryan (TEX)	84
Curt Schilling (BAL)	80
	
SAVES	
Bobby Thigpen (CHW)	12
Doug Jones (CLE)	11
Jeff Montgomery (KC)	11
Mike Schooler (SEA)	11

NATIONAL LEAGUE

BATTING AVERAGE	
Gregg Jefferies (NYM)	.371
Paul O'Neill (CIN)	.365
Lonnie Smith (ATL)	.363
Eric Davis (CIN)	.363
	
HOME RUNS	
Matt Williams (SF)	20
5 tied with 	14
	
RUNS BATTED IN	
Matt Williams (SF)	58
Jack Clark (SD)		54
Craig Biggio (HOU)	51
	
STOLEN BASES	
Vince Coleman (STL)	32
Gerald Young (HOU)	29
Ozzie Smith (STL)	24
	
WINS	
Ken Hill (STL)		8
4 tied with		7
	
ERA	
Mike Scott (HOU)	1.91
Atlee Hammaker (SF)	2.36
John Smoltz (ATL)	2.90
	
STRIKEOUTS	
John Smoltz (ATL)	91
Greg Maddux (CHC)	86
Jose Rijo (CIN)		73
Bruce Hurst (SD)	73
	
SAVES	
Billy Wagner (HOU)	17
John Wetteland (LAD)	14
Todd Worrell (STL)	14

MARINERS STATS


MILESTONES
5/19 - Giants SP Rick Reuschel: 2000th strikeout
5/23 – Cardinals LF Vince Coleman: 500th steal

EXTENSIONS
5/19 – 1B Cecil Fielder (DET)
5/28 – C Mickey Tettleton (BAL)

MAJOR INJURIES
5/17 – Rangers SP Bobby Witt out 1 month (broken collarbone)
5/18 – Tigers RF Chet Lemon out 1 month (broken wrist)
5/24 – Mets SP Sid Fernandez out 2 weeks (stretched ligaments)
5/28 – Mets 3B Howard Johnson out 4 weeks (broken wrist)
5/30 – Cubs RF Andre Dawson out 2 weeks (broken finger)

TRADES
5/30 – Twins trade LF Dan Gladden to Cardinals for RP Howard Hilton

A straight salary dump. I allowed it because Gladden is in the final year of his contract, and the Twins are the worst team in baseball.

REVERSED 5/21 - Pirates trade CF Andy Van Slyke, RP Lee Smith, and SS Rafael Belliard to Braves for 1B Nick Esasky, RF Geronimo Berroa, C Kelly Mann, and SP Ben Rivera.

Maybe later, when one of these teams is out of contention. With both of them with 5 games of the division lead, I just couldn’t allow it to go through. The Braves already have Dale Murphy in center, and Andres Thomas is hitting over .300. The Pirates have a plethora of young catchers in their system, and Jeff King is hitting over .350 at first base.

RETIREMENTS
5/25 – LF Warren Cromartie (36)
5/25 – RP Mark Ross (32)

[oriole8]

The player's Great. Great Dynasty, too.

[PotatoOfCouch13]

oriole8: Glad you like it! It's always great to keep my constituency happy! Hope to keep you as a reader.

*

16. ‘Tiger’

As he waited for Paul Stanley, Tiger nervously sat on a bench in Central Park. It was a beautiful day, maybe a little cool for early June, but there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. Perfect baseball weather, he thought to himself.

*

Paul Stanley made his way from the subway through Central Park. He knew some sort of foul play was involved when Commissioner Vincent’s ‘disappearance’ happened. Police were combing the New York area for any leads, but nothing had been found.

He saw Tiger sitting on the bench. Tiger stood to greet him.

“C’mon, we’ve got to walk and talk.”

*

As he had done last time, Tiger told Paul a lot. But not entirely what he wanted to hear. “So what happened with Vincent?”

Tiger froze. “What do you mean?”

“I know he disappeared, but that seems a little fishy to me. What happened?”

“Off the record.” Stanley nodded, but kept his tape player recording.

“He’s gone. In the electrical fire that hit the parking garage a few weeks ago. The Board organized the whole thing.”

“But why? Why would the Board want to do that?”

“You’re really a football man, if you don’t know that. Vincent and some of the Board’s senior members absolutely despise each other. After meeting with some members, and discussing philosophy of the advancement of the game, it was determined that he was not the best choice as commissioner. Same thing for Giamatti.”

“So wait, the Board’s just been killing off commissioners until it gets one that suits its needs?”

“Precisely. I vehemently objected to it, but the higher-ups…” Tiger’s voice trailed off.

“So why me? Why did you call me to tell me these things?”

“2 reasons: one, you’re a football writer, not always the most obvious choice in case we get found out; two, you’re from Seattle, meaning you can get close to Will Kane.”

“What does he have to do with all this?”

“I worked closely with him in Kansas City. He’s the one the prophecy foretold of. He has the ability to restore the game to its former glory. I need eyes out there so I can make sure he survives.”

“Survives what?”

Tiger started to walk away. “I’ll tell you next month. June 17. Kansas City. The Stockyards.”

[PotatoOfCouch13]

17. June, Part I

Seattle (28-26) at Kansas City (26-28)

1 – Good news: the bullpen extends its scoreless streak to 11.2 consecutive innings. Bad news, we’re already down 3-0, thanks to a home run by Orestes Destrade, when the bullpen gets into the game. Royals 3-0

2 – The streak is ended at 14.1 innings, and then the floodgates open, as the Royals tag on 6 runs to our demoralized bullpen. Royals 14-8

What do you know? 6 teams in the AL West have a record of .500 or better

Jay Buhner is ready to return to right field

3 – DAY OFF

[Coach Owens]

I'ma just post my guy here for the 1991 draft so I don't forget. Okay, POC?


Name: Will Thompson
Position: LF
Birthdate: 12/21/74
Place of Birth: Seattle, Washington
Height: 6'7"
Weight: 260 Lb.
Age (as of 1991): 16
Bats/Throws: R/L
Overall: 67
Peak: 92
Health: 86
Best skill: Power, glove, speed.
Worst skill: Contact, eye
Additional info: The most preferred stats for him at peak would be ~ .270/.340-.350/.610.

[AthleticsFan2k8]

Me Too, I Can Book Me for the 1991 MLB Draft

Name: Kevin Cude
Position: 2B
Birthdate: 04/07/1971
Place of Birth: San Jose, California
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 183
Age (as of 1991): 20
Bats/Throws: R/R
Overall: 71
Peak: 83
Health: 89
Best skill: Power, glove, contact.
Worst skill: Eye, Speed

[PotatoOfCouch13]

Coach & AF2k8: Thanks! You guys are all set for 1991 (that is, when I'm able to edit the prospects). I'll either post your prospects here or shoot you PMs so you can give the final approval on your creations when I get to next April in my sim.

And, as always, thanks for reading!

*

18. Feeling a Draft

I sat at the head of the conference table. The Draft was scheduled to begin in a half-hour, and I had gathered all the decision-making personnel around the table. I had invited Jeff as well, but he hadn’t shown up yet. With 9 of the 10 chairs set up around the table occupied, it looked as though all hands were on deck for this momentous day: it would be my first time leading a draft.

Back when I was in Kansas City, the draft was always an exciting time. It marked a new start, a new era, a new beginning for both teams and players alike. Hopefully the other 9 individuals (scheduled to be) here shared those feelings.

In the room:
- Myself: Will Kane, General Manager
– Danny Blackstone, assistant to the GM
- J.R. Thompson, Assistant GM
- Eddie (Big E) Earley, VP of Player Personnel
- Carlos Velacruz, VP of International Scouting
- Nick Powers, Director of Amateur Scouting
- Tim Jacobson, Assistant Director of Amateur Scouting
- Lance Butler, Director of Player Development
- Julio Cruz, Mariners Bench Coach
- Jeff Smulyan (hopefully), Principal Owner

*

I began the meeting with a quick speech.

“Alright, thanks again to all of you for being here. I just want to remind you all that the draft this year is only 6 rounds long. So if you have any hidden gems, that you’re keeping for later rounds, let’s hear them!” (nervous laughter) “Just kidding, let’s go out there and have fun doing this. Carlos, I know there are several marquee players from overseas available…”

“Si. You have the usual influx of foreign-born players who emigrated to the United States. Guys like [Manny] Ramirez, they’re easy to gauge because they have documentable stats. Then you have the Japanese players; guys like [Akinori] Otsuka and [Tsuyoshi] Shinjo. Again, not that difficult to project. However, this year there are some obscure players. 2 of the top catching prospects are overseas.”

“Where? Venezuela, Argentina, England?” Lance Butler asked.

“Vietnam and Cote d’Ivoire. The Ivoirian is a prince, as a matter of fact. I’m not sure about the other one, Cambodia or something Asian, but he’s a good prospect.”

“Thanks Carlos.” I turned to the other side of the table. “Nick and Tim, what do you guys have for us stateside?”

“Nothing out of the ordinary.” Nick began, as Tim just nodded along. “This year may be a little deeper in terms of overall talent than normal, especially behind the plate. If we aren’t sold on Widger, we might want to grab a catcher today. Aside from that, pitching is deep, and the middle infield looks to have some talent as well.”

“Great. Anyone else have anything?”

Big E raised his hand. “Remember, no outfielders, unless it’s a special circumstance. We have plenty of young talent down on the farm.” I loved that he left that exception; we were looking forward to having Manny Ramirez available for us when our pick rolled around...

“Alright. Take 15 minutes, and meet me back here, we’ll dial into New York then.”

*

[Coach Owens]

Hey, POC, you should have the M's hire Zduriencik.

[PotatoOfCouch13]

Coach: What, am I doing a bad job!? It's been 2 months! Let me finish the season first! I am under contract through the 1992 season, so you'll have to deal with me for a few more years in Seattle. As for Zduriencik, he is a scout in the Mets system, so I could bring him over in a similar role.

*

...continued

Everyone stood up to leave, but the door suddenly swung open. Immediately, the odor of stale beer filled the room sending everyone scrambling for the door, which was inconveniently blocked by a hung-over owner: Jeff.

“Welcome to the party, Jeff!” I started. “I see you’ve already started without us…”

“Don’t talk like that to me, you wisea**! Remember who your boss is!” Jeff tended to be an angry drunk, and today was no exception. “Now everyone listen up! I’m going to be sleeping this off. So nobody make any loud noises or your fired! Got that?”

Everyone nodded. Jeff nodded back as he closed the door to his office.

I turned to Danny: “Does this happen often?”

“About once a year, right around the draft. No one really has any idea why, we just stay out of his way.”

I nodded, then turned back to the scouting reports, scanning over them for the last time.

*

“Welcome to the 1990 MLB Amateur Draft. Detroit is on the clock.” We were picking 6th.

The War Room was abuzz with activity, with several scouts going over their reports, hoping to find the smallest detail that would favor one prospect over another. I had run through several scenarios in my head; all of which ended with us getting screwed. I only hoped to have Manny Ramirez fall to us. He was the one player that I coveted the most. Pairing a potential 40-home run guy with Junior and Edgar? Try and pitch around that.

“The Detroit Tigers have selected…SP Erik Hiljus from Panorama City, CA."

Good news for us. Hiljus was way down on our board. Maybe we can pull this off after all…

“The Atlanta Braves have selected…3B Larry Jones from DeLand, FL.”

Not great for us, but my mentor, John Schuerholz still knows how to draft! Of course, it helps when you’re drafting near the top.

“The Philadelphia Phillies have selected…C Mike Lieberthal from Glendale, CA.”

Another good pick for us. Lieberthal wasn’t the best catcher on our board. He was in the Top 5, but I’m not sure where. Spirits are high in the War Room.

“The Chicago White Sox have selected…OF…”

We held our breath, hoping that Manny would still be available.

“Shawn Green from Des Plaines, IL.”

Whew! Now we have to survive just one more pick before it’s our turn to pick up a cornerstone corner outfielder! C’mon Cleveland! Do your native son this one favor!

“The Cleveland Indians have selected…”

“OF…”

“Mierda!” Julio Cruz’s exclamation foretold the story.

“…Manny Ramirez from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.”

“Okay boys, now we definitely won’t be taking outfielders. Danny, who are the best players left?”

“Pitchers: Benitez, Otsuka, Pettitte, Nichols, Xavier. Catchers: LoDuca, Varitek, Diaz, Royale, Ethanol. Position players: Delgado, Popeck, Mora, Head, and Graffinino.”

“Any recommendations?”

“Stay away from Delgado, we already have enough talent at 1st base”, Big E chimed in. “Graffinino I’m hesitant about as well. I honestly think we need a catcher.”

“Not so fast, amigo.” Julio Cruz interjected. “We need 3rd basemen. Yes, Darnell is playing well, but what’s the long-term solution there? Edgar?”

“It’s obvious our biggest weakness is pitching, so why not address that?” J.R. mused out loud.

I stood in the corner of the room for a minute. “Danny, what do you think?”

My assistant look stunned. “Well, I feel that without a backbone, a being cannot stand. Therefore, we’ll need a catcher, as that’s the weakest position on the team that can’t be upgraded from within. I’ve heard some great things about Varitek…”

“Nick, what’s your report on Varitek say?”

“Let’s see…switch hitter, great at calling a game, plus power for his position, not the strongest arm, batting eye will come.”

“Any objections?” Nobody said a word.

“Alright, call it in.”

The Seattle Mariners selected C Jason Varitek with the 6th pick of the 1990 MLB Draft.

Scouting is +/- 9

Rd. 1, Pick 6: selected C Jason Varitek [18] (68)
Scouting Report: Great game-caller. Solid arm strength and a good fielder. Very durable, never missed a start in high school. Good eye, and power; contact should come with time. A great all-around catching prospect, the likes of Bob Boone or Tony Pena.

Rd. 2, Pick 32: selected 3B Chase Sanford. [18] (65)
Scouting Report: Raw, but with good potential. Good bat control, but everything else may have to come with seasoning. A solid option at third base, a la Chris Sabo.

Rd. 3, Pick 58: selected SP Mike Hampton. [17] (55)
Scouting Report: Power lefty pitcher. Has good fastball, developing change, slider, and curve. Control and movement will need to come with time. Not a great ace, but could be a solid #2, think a faster Jimmy Key.

Rd. 4, Pick 84: selected SP Jose Armero. [16] (50)
Scouting Report: Young, raw, and talented. Can hit 93 on the radar, with a devastating sinking slider. Projected to be similar to Dan Petry, but with a higher ceiling.

Rd. 5, Pick 110: selected SP Cory Lidle. [18] (49)
Scouting Report: Somewhat of a late bloomer. Has 5 pitches, all of which he throws with similar efficiency. Will require a lot of seasoning. Has future as a 5th starter/long relief pitcher.

Rd. 6, Pick 136: selected SS Lawrence Hancock. [18] (53)
Scouting Report: Not outstanding at anything, but could be a solid middle infielder.

CREATED PLAYERS
2B Andy Popeck – drafted #9 to Cincinnati Reds
C J.T. Royale – drafted #17 to St. Louis Cardinals
SS Dick Head – drafted #19 to New York Mets
SP Brian Nichols – drafted #24 to Chicago Cubs
C Methanol Ethanol – drafted #30 to Chicago White Sox
SP Marcus Xavier – drafted #134 to Chicago White Sox

[TheBigBomber]

Should've drafted Royale, oh well when the Cards are World Champs you'll be sorry

[Coach Owens]

Just please don't, if you're a contender later, don't trade Varitek for Heathcliff Slocumb!

[PotatoOfCouch13]

BigBomber: I really did want to draft one of you guys. I tried to step back and make it as realistic as possible. I could've used a 2Bman, but I have Reynolds there now, and Bret Boone and Fernando Vina waiting in the wings. I've got a lot of pitchers, so I think I'm good there. I have Omar at SS for the foreseeable future, so I'm good there. So that left me at catcher, which I wanted to solidify. And honestly, I'll take the kid from America over the kids from Cote d'Ivoire and Vietnam!

Coach Owens: The only way I'll do that is if I'm trading to the Red Sox, and I can throw in Derek Lowe!

*

First, I'd like to extend a Happy New Year greeting to you and your loved ones. I wish you all good health, good cheer, and good luck in 2009!

With the new year, I'll start with a 'clean slate'. After the middle of the month of June (dynasty wise), I'll update to version 11.25. Just letting you all know if you start to see drastically different numbers...it's not my fault!

[RedsoxRockies]

BigBomber: I really did want to draft one of you guys. I tried to step back and make it as realistic as possible. I could've used a 2Bman, but I have Reynolds there now, and Bret Boone and Fernando Vina waiting in the wings. I've got a lot of pitchers, so I think I'm good there. I have Omar at SS for the foreseeable future, so I'm good there. So that left me at catcher, which I wanted to solidify. And honestly, I'll take the kid from America over the kids from Cote d'Ivoire and Vietnam!

Coach Owens: The only way I'll do that is if I'm trading to the Red Sox, and I can throw in Derek Lowe!

*

First, I'd like to extend a Happy New Year greeting to you and your loved ones. I wish you all good health, good cheer, and good luck in 2009!

With the new year, I'll start with a 'clean slate'. After the middle of the month of June (dynasty wise), I'll update to version 11.25. Just letting you all know if you start to see drastically different numbers...it's not my fault!

He is the only player who you would have been allowed to draft over Ethanol . Which, on that note, why must he be a White Sox?

[Coach Owens]

Oh and POC? You're going to try and make sure that the CPU teams treat the created players well, let them develop and such, right?