I notice the same thing. People are just overly sensitive. I like when my team is down because it lets me know where I need to improve. You're right, it's about the prize at the end. But, make sure you don't get discouraged. There are many players (teams) out there who aren't "overly sensitive."
The pitches in the dirt can be difficult to pickup sometimes. One good thing about those is you know it's a definite ball. Gotta follow the pitch as it leaves his hand.
I like it. You've got your upper-tiered diamond teams where you may have to play your ace more than once. You may have to use a franchise coin sometimes. I like it better than the regular mode. By-the-way, trying to repeat as champions!