Baseball Dream New Season Checklist: Five Things Every Manager Should Do Before Opening Day
A new season is about to start. From the rotation and contract renewals to the lineup, the injured list and your strategy lights, a checklist to start strong.
The new season is almost here, and the break before opening day is the best time to tune your team. Half of the first week's results are decided before the first pitch is thrown. Here are five things to check before the season begins.
1. Check the rotation
The first week is packed. If your ace pitches on short rest, fatigue and injury risk pile up quickly. Confirm each starter's rest setting so the work is spread across the whole rotation.
A practical approach is to start your two best starters in the first two games to get off on the right foot, and put tired pitchers or anyone just back from the injured list at the end of the rotation to give them more time. The season is long; one or two early wins are not worth wearing out your ace.
2. Review expiring contracts
Open your roster and find the players whose contracts are about to end. If a player is part of your core, re-sign him early. Once he reaches free agency, other teams start bidding and the price usually goes up.
On the other hand, an expiring contract for an expensive, average player is a chance to reset your payroll. Spending that money on your weakest position usually does more than keeping a costly reserve.
3. Rework the lineup
Use last season's numbers to rebuild your batting order. The basic idea: hitters with the best on-base percentage lead off and bat second to create chances, power hitters bat third through fifth to drive them in, and strong defenders with weaker bats fill the bottom.
Mind the opposing pitcher's hand too. Against a left-hander, moving up a few right-handed hitters who handle lefties well can be worth a run or two.
4. Check the injured list
Look at the injured list before opening day. If anyone is still hurt, line up a replacement now so you do not start the season with a hole in the field.
Watch energy and morale as well. Tired players are more likely to get hurt, and low morale drags down performance. Resting key players before the season often does more good than forcing them onto the field.
5. Set your game plan
Set your steal, bunt and pitching-change lights to fit your team before the first pitch. A fast team with a high on-base percentage can run aggressively and use the hit-and-run; a power-hitting team should bunt less and not give away outs.
The same goes for pitching. With a deep bullpen you can pull your starter earlier and hand the game to your best relievers; with a thin one, you will need more innings from your starters.
Keep checking as the season goes on
Opening day is only the start. Look at your team again after the first ten games: which hitters are getting on base, which pitchers are tiring, and which strategy settings are costing you outs. Small adjustments in the first month are much easier than trying to climb out of a hole in the second half.
It also helps to look at your opponents. If the teams in your league are full of power hitters, a deep bullpen and good outfield defence will matter more. If they rely on speed, a strong catcher and quick infielders can take that away. The best managers prepare for the league they actually play in.
One last thing
Every new season is a fresh start. Take the time to get these five things right and your team will be ready from day one. Then it is just a matter of waiting for the first pitch. Good luck this season!