Meet the Owner: aoscott2 - Part 2

We learned a lot about aoscott2 in part one of this interview.  Now in part 2, we learn a little bit more about him and his thoughts on WIS/KML: 

Being located outside of the US, how did you get an interest in baseball and what are you favorite teams?

I’m from Maryland and a veteran.  I moved to Sydney, Australia in July of 2019 before COVID because it made more sense for my girlfriend since I was living in San Francisco at the time.  She lived closer to her family and my family was on the east coast.

When it comes to college “Its all about the U!”  Anything about the Miami Hurricanes (alumni) and I’m from Maryland so, Crabcakes and beer while watching the Orioles & Ravens.  I live in Sydney, Australia now so, its hard to keep up.  Just think when I wake up I’m reviewing the “PM” game while I make coffee and they other two games are later.  I was a Denver Broncos fan before Baltimore got a team so, I pull for both.  In the NBA I’m a Heat fan pre & post LeBron.

What would you like for the new owners of WhatIfSports to add?

Oh, where to begin?  LOL … not in any order

1.) I want them to keep minor league records (W/L) and all-time Franchise (W/L) records.  Similar to the Player Records.  They do it in Gridiron Dynasty

2.) An incentive to commit to a “World” for multiple seasons.  Somehow lock us in to create stability and make it easier on Commissioners 

3.) Post Season Awards

        a. World Series MVP

4.) Give a bonus for progressing in the minor league playoffs for your players

5.) Take a look at coaching

        a. Add contracts for multiple years

        b. Take a look at Fielding Coaches (unfortunate when they leave)

6.) If I have maxed out scouting, then I should at least see the top 10 prospects

7.) A button to give a base stealer the green light to steal whenever they like

8.) I would like to be able to sign players to longer term contracts

        a. I would agree with having to commit to a world for a few seasons for that option

I would say most importantly, just meet with players that have been playing the game and do a Microsoft Teams meeting and ask questions.  Then actually give us an update of what is going on and progress.  All leaders know what a “Action Plan” is.  Whomever, is the leader needs to act like it. The only thing I have seen change was Ballparks from the last ownership which wasn’t hard to change (some codes).

What is the toughest Thing/Decision/Result you had to make/overcome in Hardball Dynasty?

There are a lot of things, however, this one sits with me!

Season 17 NLCS

Games 6 & 7 against Cheyenne (editor21) and we are up 3-2.  We proceed to get shut out over the course of 22 innings.  That series and losing to Cheyenne the same way during the regular season (18) prompted me to go get another bat.  Not to mention Cheyenne lost their starting pitcher early in that game and for the World Series unfortunately for them.   For some reason I couldn’t score enough against Anaheim (Jperiodj), New Orleans (Peoria) & Cheyenne.  Hated those guys in a healthy competition kinda way.  So, I talked to Fresno (Kenfox) and we made a blockbuster deal in season 18.  I look back on it and I would not have made that trade if I had won.

What KML Teams Do you See Coming On Soon?

Philadelphia has the best player and Montreal has the best pitcher from what I see.  A lot of league records are going to be broken soon.  

In the “AL” El Paso has pitching, and Toronto is always there in contention.  Would like to see Toronto break through once as long as its not against me (just being honest).

Philadelphia has a lineup but, Cincinnati has an experienced owner so, that alone will make it tough on Philly.

Seattle is the true dynasty because they only lost their division once in the history of our world.

In the end its hard to say but those teams are great.

In the NL Montreal is going on their run now.  Better pitching staff than what I have.  They will carry the banner soon because they have an experienced owner with titles to his name.  Unfortunately, Chicago is in the same division and they have a team that just wins in they playoffs.

Scranton is coming up in my division.  They beat me down at the end of the season and I decided to look them up.

New Orleans always makes the playoffs and win there division.  They will have high payroll and continue to compete.  If you want to learn something about that “Trade Chat” him about it.  Lots of information there

Fresno looks like a team that’s all in now so, they should be in control until Cheyenne comes back because I see what they are drafting.  

In the end its Montreal because if his “ACE” can pitch like he did all season and against me in the NLCS (22) your looking at a workhorse pitching Games 1, 4 & 7 of a long series.  I witnessed that teams pitching being almost unhittable with Turranga leading the way and he is tough to beat.   

How did you feel about your playoff run in Season 22?

Season 22 was the hardest by far playoff I have been apart of!  I didn’t get a chance to sit back and relax watching because I knew everyone was much stronger than last year.

Chicago can grind you out with pitching and defense combined with just enough power.  I should have lost that series however, Henderson Long proved why he is the MVP and hit a three run homer in the 6th inning and we hold on for a 4-3 win.  My bullpen struggled in the playoffs and blew game 4 late.  That was a struggle.

Then I was able to verify again why Vic Turraga deserved the Cy Young  and how strong Montreal’s starters are.  That series went the distance and I had a game where I had two runs on two hits.  I watched the game seven ticker while waiting for the train in Sydney.  A woman asked me what was so funny as I read my player scored from first on a double.  I lied because I would have had to explain what I was doing and Aussies  she basically made me pause in a critical moment of game 7.

The World Series with El Paso had an exciting because of game 4.  My Big 3 pitchers were tired and I run a 4 man rotation in a seven game series.  The NL Playoffs were rough because I was pushed to the max by Chicago and Montreal which tired them out.  I was able to see (well watch the ticker) my outfield gun down two players at the plate to stop me from losing in 9 innings (forgot which inning the first one) and to prevent a walkoff World Series win.  

If you guys have any questions feel free to reach out.  I’ll even set up a Microsoft Teams meeting to review if you like.

Thanks again to aoscott2 for this great interview!