We recently contacted SimLeague Baseball standout Lazerhawks to discuss setting lineups, drafting pitchers, Ron Blomberg, Robin Williams, college baseball, capitalism and Don Denkinger.
WIS
Thanks for taking the time out to meet with us.WIS
Who is Lazerhawks?Lazerhawks
Lazerhawks is a retired public school teacher, coach and administrator and currently serves as a two-term city councilman and Mayor Pro-Tem. I've been married for 38 years, have 3 children and 6 (soon to be 8) grandchildren.WIS
How did you find out about WhatIfSports.comLazerhawks
My brothers and I were APBA players. This is a natural progression.WIS
Which SimLeagues or Dynasty games have you played?Lazerhawks
Mostly Gridiron Dynasty and (SimLeague) Baseball. I also played a season or two of (SimLeague) Football.WIS
Besides simulation sports websites, what are some of your other interests and hobbies?Lazerhawks
As a former Navy Pilot, I've always been interested in Aviation - not really, just wanted to brag a little. Like Bush Jr., I got out of the service as soon as I could. Right now my interests are in how I can obtain some of the "stimulus" money for our city without bowing too low to the ones who write the checks.WIS
What is your favorite sports moment?Lazerhawks
When the Cardinals won the World Series in 1982 and on the final out, Jack Buck said, "Go crazy, folks!"WIS
What is your favorite WIS moment?Lazerhawks
Winning my first TOC and playing free for a few months.WIS
Which five people, past or present sit at your dream roundtable discussion? Lazerhawks
Jesus (It's not what you know but WHO you know, even to get to Heaven), Don Denkinger (Umpire) so I can insult and slap him around for that idiotic call in the 85 World Series, Robin Williams (let's see how funny he is with Jesus at the table), Mickey Mantle, (I would have given him half MY liver), George Washington (hey, I'm a politician).
WIS
Which are your favorite teams of all-time?Lazerhawks
I was a huge Yankee fan growing up in the 60's. And, the '82 Cardinals and "Whitey ball" so named because of Whitey Herzog, the coach, and his emphasis on speed, pitching and defense.WIS
Did you play any baseball (or other sports) growing up?Lazerhawks
I played Division I baseball in what was formerly the Big Eight conference. I was on an Atlanta all-star team when I was 12 that had the first player to officially bat as a DH - Ron Blomberg. He makes a great trivia question. I also played football and wanted to play two sports in college, but the football coach thought I could help his team more by being a fan!WIS
Why do you think it is that sports are so big in our culture?Lazerhawks
Big money, big fame, lots of power and it's fun to watch - a capitalist's dream.WIS
Who are your favorite players of all time?Lazerhawks
Mantle, Aaron, Pujols, Maddux and Clemens (despite his recent confusion).WIS
What is the top sports related thing you want to do in life that you have not yet done?Lazerhawks
I would like to attend the football Pro Bowl, primarily because it is played in Hawaii. I also have never been to a Major League All-Star game and would gladly go unless they were Ueker seats. Do you know anyone?
(Editor's note: Not really, sorry.)WIS
In SimLeague baseball, what is your general strategy for building teams? Do you draw on the influence or philosophy of any actual general managers or managers?Lazerhawks
My strategy is to have the best pitching I can get (low WHIP and HR+ and high erc+) with a balanced line-up. I experiment a lot and like to use different position players, but pay close attention to Avg+ and defense.WIS
How do you go about setting your lineups?Lazerhawks
Speed at the top, hitting in the middle, overs at the bottom. High OBP still wins in sim.WIS
How do you go about setting your pitching staffs? Lazerhawks
Generally 3 good starters who throw 800+ innings. I place them at 2 in the advanced settings. I like to have 5 relievers (set at 4 or 5) that include a shut-em down closer (set at 4). I place the two AAA's at mop up with an occasional start. If they perform well, they are placed at Long A.WIS
Do you make transactions during the season to try and separate yourself from others?Lazerhawks
If my team is not succeeding, I hit the waiver wire - sometimes it works. Most users reject my unbalanced trade offers. But, I'll keep trying.WIS
Are there any players in specific that you like to put on your teams?Lazerhawks
Mantle, Ruth (1917 pitcher), Maddux, Aaron and Willie Wilson.WIS
Do you spend much time in the forums? Lazerhawks
Not much as a contributor, but I like to read the comments and it's a great way to improve. If I could go by a different name I would do a lot of blasting. JohnGPF and a few others are worth reading.WIS
Who are the users you respect and/or enjoy the most?Lazerhawks
JohnGPF, ARomano, Richard3244, ligapelota and Mgs17 (he paid for this mention). They are great players and only use the message boards in a positive way. Although it makes it a lot more fun when there is a blowhard or two mixing it up.WIS
If you were in one of our games, which sport would you play? At which position? And, what would you cost? Lazerhawks
Pitcher in baseball as a $200,000 scrub. Kinda like real life!