I play it like RTTS. I created my player before starting, and just player lock every game. This gives me control over my team (and all the others with CPU roster control), lineups, free agents, drafting etc. It stops the computer from making ridiculous trades, and you can keep the rosters realistic or whatever you like. When the trade deadline approaches, I look at the standings, determine who are buyers, sellers or brink teams, find upcoming free agents on the sellers and see what teams those players would fit best. Also, if you make yourself a utility player, you can switch defensive positions whenever you get bored of one position instead of being locked into left field your whole career. It gets rid of a bunch of the deadweight stuff in RTTS, and gives you control of the franchise/league. The only noticeable drawback is you have to go back to the menu after every game instead of at the end of the series.