When playing in the franchise mode, the best way to improve your team is to trade for Oliver Perez of the San Diego Padres. You can trade a much less valuble player to get Perez, and he will be well worth it. Every franchise I've done I've got him for nothin and he's won multiple Cy Young Awards, never having an ERA over 3, plus he's in his early 20's. If you're gonna make any trades make it this one.