Auction draft update: As expected finalizing a time when we can all meet up for the draft has been thrown a few curveballs. [more inside]
Also, we're looking for the help of an impartial auctioneer - so if you're willing to gather around the campfire and help us out I'm willing to donate an iTunes gift card.
If I was going to be in town, I'd volunteer. Good luck guys!
posted by jerseygirl at 08:03 PM on March 29, 2006
is this a local thing, or can someone help via the net?
posted by ninjavshippo at 08:16 PM on March 29, 2006
I'll be in the draft. I love spreadsheety stuff. I'd play the auctioneer in a second! but I'm in the pool so that perhaps limits the impartiality. and it isn't local. it is to be run via the sportsfilter campfire chatroom (link will appear in the thread at somepoint, I presume).
posted by gspm at 09:19 PM on March 29, 2006
...of course another option is to stay the course with 2:00 Sunday and try to make it work. gspm, I was just thinking that it's to much multitasking to try and corrdinate and draft. Everyone who has done one has said to get an outside auctioneer, but your offer is clearly awesome.
posted by YukonGold at 09:20 PM on March 29, 2006
Yukon, you have admin access on the campfire, so you can create a new chatroom just for the occasion.
posted by DrJohnEvans at 11:21 PM on March 29, 2006
How the hell did I miss out on this?
posted by wfrazerjr at 09:08 AM on March 30, 2006
4/2 works 2 ET works also, but earlier or later work as well, changing dates not so much...
posted by elovrich at 09:26 AM on March 30, 2006
Looking at the rules again, playing that age-old game of 'stump the ump', wherein you come up with wild scenarios to try to, well, stump the ump. Rule Twelve concerning players traded out of the AL ( I am assuming this includes trades to Japanese ball as well). What happens to the status of the contract? Does the answer to the first question vary if the contract is guaranteed?. (oops, found this under 7.5.4) For instance: My stud reliever is traded away in late-July so the AL club can make room for next year's prospect. Being the shrewd wheeler-dealer that I am, I have used up all of my FAAB (assuming it still exists, see below). Am I relegated to what is available on the waiver wire? Do I lose out on any FA that goes for even a $1 bid? The FA rules are certaily simplified, too much perhaps? Who has the claim to a free agent if 2 claims are made on the same day? What is the contract value? What happened to the FAAB? As confusing as the original was, aside from removing the restrictions of dates of when you can sign (which is a tool to help the commish) it is not that hard once you have gone through it a couple of times. As this and players retention and the auction are the heart of the difference between auctin and straight draft, it needs to be well defined procedures. I am all for simplifying the rules though and hashing out situations in owner meetings when situations arise that require it. The growing pains are also part of the game in a ong-term keepr league like this will (hopefully) be. Oh, and one other thing, I know one never wants to leave the auctiuon with money left on the table, but, if it happens, are we rolling that into the FAAB for that year only, or just lose it immediately (this assumes the FAAB still exists)
posted by elovrich at 09:50 AM on March 30, 2006
That's the only problem with an auction -- everyone has to be there. I'm not really thrilled about the 9 pm EST time, but I can certainly do it. I would be available any time next weekend as well.
posted by bperk at 10:09 AM on March 30, 2006
I'm fine for either time on sunday.
posted by tron7 at 10:23 AM on March 30, 2006
I know cl has a ball game to go to on sunday, does earlier in the day work? Or is there still a conflict with dusted? How about the evening of 4/1? 4/8 is out for me, not sure about the 9th, as I am starting a new job and don't know what my schedule will be... A 9 ET time is just asking for trouble in my opinion, we need to remember, this is not a straight draft, we have 240 seperate auctions to go through, even if each one is done in a minute (highly unlikely unless there is NO competitive bidding) it will take 4 hours. Seriously, I have seen auctions, live auctions, where you dont have to account for typing speed, eat up an entire weekend. Just food for thought before we decide on Sunday night.
posted by elovrich at 11:00 AM on March 30, 2006
I think Sunday night is only an option to start the draft. Try to do a few rounds, it will definitely take more than one session with that. This is our challenge. I am available any night next week and am willing to take this to the evening for a couple hours over the week and multi-session it. Dusted is definitely on the west coast, so that effects the later start time and he will be unavailable earlier to my knowledge. elovrich, I'll respond to your rule questions later. I know what you're saying though...strapped for time right now. p.s. don't automatically offer up leaving to make space for someone with a more flexible schedule please. I want to find a way to make it work with this group. Everyone seems pretty excited and we can do it.
posted by YukonGold at 11:25 AM on March 30, 2006
If you're doing it sometime next week in the evening, I can act as auctioneer on Tuesday or Wednesday.
posted by DrJohnEvans at 11:56 AM on March 30, 2006
So is there any thoughts on maybe doing nights next week starting Sunday? Would any of the west coast folks be able to start before 9:00 ET?
posted by YukonGold at 12:47 PM on March 30, 2006
Man, you're gonna have a hard time getting everybody together for a few hours. I suggest those who can't attend name an assistant GM for the auction, whom they would give precise instructions. I'd volunteer as the auctioneer, but I'm not available this weekend. It's draft time for me too. wfrazerjr: How the hell did I miss out on this? You have a baby. You do not have time for a keeper league.
posted by qbert72 at 12:54 PM on March 30, 2006
fraze, I coulda sworn I sent you the invite and you signed up. When I noticed you weren't in there I was surprised. Despite my efforts, I may be making this more confusing.
posted by YukonGold at 01:00 PM on March 30, 2006
I'll offer an opinion. I know no one asked and that I'm not playing. Draft the following: 6 infielders 4 outfielders 2 Catchers 2 DH 5 SP 2 Closers Start the following: 1- 1st Base 1-2nd Base 1-SS 1-3rd 1-C 3 SP 1-Closer 1-DH Don't draft Utility Players. The above leaves room on your active rosters for back up players. If you draft (7) Pitchers and have to start (7) pitchers, you are really draining that market. There are only 14 teams in the AL. You are planning on drafting and having to play 84 pitchers. Teams will have to back up this postition so there will more than likely be close to 100 pitchers on everyone's rosters. I wouldn't want to have to start and keep track of middle relievers, leave that to the pros. The more strict setting on the positions as opposed to utility players adds a couple rounds to your draft but I think it would make things less confusing and perhaps speed it up a little. Or you could do the right thing and get rid of the DH! (or combine the Catcher position with the DH?) / back to minding own business.
posted by tselson at 01:15 PM on March 30, 2006
Despite my efforts, I may be making this more confusing. Well, 4/2 during the day worked for everyone except one or two people, right? The odds of getting that to happen again are astronomical. The odds of getting it to happen again before opening day are . . . not going to happen. Call the ball, Mav. You're either on the glide deck for 4/2 daytime or not. IMHO.
posted by yerfatma at 02:43 PM on March 30, 2006
I don't how you could do an auction unless everyone was available though. It isn't like a draft where you can pre-select your players.
posted by bperk at 02:50 PM on March 30, 2006
Sunday 11 PT is best for me & I hope we stick with it. Monday & Friday at 6 PT would work if we need to stretch it out.
posted by catfish at 03:37 PM on March 30, 2006
Elovrich your from the UP? You ever umpire the labor day felch tournament?
posted by tron7 at 03:41 PM on March 30, 2006
I suggest those who can't attend name an assistant GM for the auction, whom they would give precise instructions. That sounds like a great idea to me. Anyone want to be my assistant GM?
posted by dusted at 04:06 PM on March 30, 2006
I'd be happy to select your players.
posted by yerfatma at 04:24 PM on March 30, 2006
Awesome! Heyyyyyy, wait a minute...
posted by dusted at 04:28 PM on March 30, 2006
Dusted, if you trust me, I think I can make the draft. I insist on 10% of all earning, though, and the right to have Rickey Henderson squirreled away in a closet somewhere if things go south.
posted by wfrazerjr at 05:22 PM on March 30, 2006
Methinks tselson is begging for an assistant GM job.
posted by qbert72 at 06:59 PM on March 30, 2006
Alright, sounds like we have options to leave the draft scheduled as planned on Sunday (4/2 2:00ET) and have every team accounted for. I've set up the draft room. Members can access it through the main lobby or login here. We'll talk more about the rules issues that have been raised. I'll try to hang in the draft lobby off and on if anyone wants to pop in and discuss anything.
posted by YukonGold at 07:40 PM on March 30, 2006
tron7 Yes I have, in fact I was the main umpire for the Felch Rangers for the past 4 years, save this last one, I assume you play for one of the Town teams??
posted by elovrich at 07:48 PM on March 30, 2006
tselson is begging for an assistant GM job. Assistant! Hell no...I would only be Jerseygirls Assistant to get a free trip to Nigeria! I was hoping to be the Commissioner! Having some time to kill and really thinking about your rules, I for some strange reason decided to give you guys an opinion that nobody even asked for. Why, I don't know. I still think you need to reconsider that pitching thing. Oops, did it again. Why did I even read the rules? Why I am here? / wonders why...can't think of any reason other than boredom and decides to post this nonsense anyways. Says, "hope you have a fun auction and a great season!" Hits the red X in upper right hand corner and goes to bed.
posted by tselson at 10:57 PM on March 30, 2006
Dusted, if you trust me, I think I can make the draft. I insist on 10% of all earning, though, and the right to have Rickey Henderson squirreled away in a closet somewhere if things go south. Sounds like a plan! With Rickey at least we won't be boring. Seriously, thanks a bunch, Wayne. I really want to be in the league, but it wasn't looking good for a little while there.
posted by dusted at 03:24 AM on March 31, 2006
Sunday (4/2 2:00ET) EDT, right? Anyone who doesn't believe in that Godless Communist Daylight Savings crap should plan on being there around 1 EAGMIT (Eastern As God Meant It Time).
posted by yerfatma at 07:25 AM on March 31, 2006
Let's get it on.
posted by mbd1 at 07:36 AM on March 31, 2006
EDT, right? Anyone who doesn't believe in that Godless Communist Daylight Savings crap should plan on being there around 1 EAGMIT (Eastern As God Meant It Time). Off topic but I do enjoy reading (just about) all the threads. My question is why do "they" set the time change for 2am on Sunday mornings? Does anyone else find it a pain in the ass to have to set an alarm to get up at 2am to reset all their clocks?
posted by Folkways at 08:35 AM on March 31, 2006
Call me ignorant, but to this day I have my mom come and change the clocks for me when appropriate.
posted by YukonGold at 08:42 AM on March 31, 2006
If you draft (7) Pitchers and have to start (7) pitchers, you are really draining that market. Clarify for me, do you mean having 7 (P) as opposed to (SP,SP,SP,RP,RP,P,P) is a problem or just the overall roster size of pitchers.
posted by YukonGold at 08:46 AM on March 31, 2006
Right....tselson, the word "start" does not mean what you think it means. It means you have 7 active pitchers who can accumulate stats on a particular day. They can be any combination of starters or relievers in real life.
posted by mbd1 at 08:59 AM on March 31, 2006
Is Sunday daylight savings? It's spring ahead right? elovrich: No not the town teams I'm from central wisconsin but I've played in the labor day tournament in felch the last few years.
posted by tron7 at 09:59 AM on March 31, 2006
Does anyone else find it a pain in the ass to have to set an alarm to get up at 2am to reset all their clocks? posted by Folkways at 8:35 AM CST on March 31 Folkways - I don't think the police or any government official is going to be looking at what time you change your clock so set it when you go to bed. Unless of course you are talking on the phone when you change them and Bush is listening.
posted by skydivemom at 10:52 AM on March 31, 2006
Does anyone else find it a pain in the ass to have to set an alarm to get up at 2am to reset all their clocks? Everyone should nonconform. Everyone. Folkways, you should get to pick what time you personally want to set your clock. I for one am going to set my clocks ahead at 2pm on Sunday. That's right, I'm going to know how the first hour of the draft shakes down before anybody else has even bid. It's just so brilliant.
posted by BullpenPro at 11:36 AM on March 31, 2006
a problem or just the overall roster size of pitchers. I was just thinking that the overall roster size was rather large. You'll have every starting pitcher, closer and a setup guy from every team in the AL, on someone's roster. Just doesn't leave room for any depth at the position for injuries. "start" does not mean what you think it means. I only meant that if they have to be in your everyday lineup, then you really need to have 7, non injured pitchers all season. You have to back up that position so now you're talking 8-9 pitchers on every roster and you're up to 96-108 pitchers. There isn't that much quality depth in all of baseball, let alone the AL. Here are the stats from last year's AL top 40 pitchers, I just thought you really wouldn't want to draft and play another 44, at the very least. Granted, the addition of closers to that list helps, but you're still a far cry away from 100 pitchers. If you just drop it from 7 to 5, you'll add 24 pitchers to the free agent pool and save some time on your auction. I'm really not trying to annoy the shit out of anyone. It's just fun setting up new leagues and I couldn't help myself.
posted by tselson at 03:56 PM on March 31, 2006
I'm not going to make the draft either. Anyone else want to be a co-GM? gmail.com to the veg9000.
posted by cl at 04:15 PM on March 31, 2006
tselson it would be a big help if you would draft for cl. we can always tweak the league but if cl ain't going to draft then we need to drop him.
posted by catfish at 08:04 PM on March 31, 2006
14 teams in the AL, most teams have a 5-man rotation, 70 starters, they also carry another 5 or 6 setup men and closers figure 5.5 average, 77 relievers. Total, 147 pitchers in the AL. We are drafting 7 per team for 12 teams, 84 pitchers, plus (a guess) another 2 or 3 depending on the desires of the GM, figure 2.5 per team on average, another 30 pitchers, for a total of 114. That is 77.5% of the available pitchers. Compare that to position players; 16 or 15 roster spots left after pitchers (a 5.5 average) times 14 teams, 217 hitters, but 28 of those are catchers and will platoon at best, subtract 14, 203 hitters. We are drafting 11.5 (20-man roster less 9.5 pithcers average) times 12 teams for 138 or 68.0% of the available hitters. QED: We will have a harder time finding quality pitching late in the draft rather than quality hitting. Yes, we are in a deep league, but anyone can pick the top 40 at any position, the challenge will come from being the GM/owner who can find the pearl in with the swine....
posted by elovrich at 10:07 PM on March 31, 2006
tselson it would be a big help if you would draft for cl. I have been away all weekend. I would have helped if I'd have known. Guess it was all good as the draft was postponed. Hopefully everyone can make the rescheduled time.
posted by tselson at 09:34 PM on April 02, 2006
Most people have given the thumbs up to this Sunday 4/2, but a couple have some conflicts pop up with the start time (2:00 ET). Possible options, we can start the draft at (9:00pm ET) and split into two parts - but that probably isn't a guarantee or we can also look at what next weekend looks like for people. If we can get the draft done we''ll be sitting pretty. Also, I've posted the revised rules. Please check those out, this version simplifies the free agent process and fixes most of the roster size inconsistencies. If anyone is interested in helping us with the auction as the auctioneer, it will require a multi-hour commitment hanging out in the spofi campfire. Other than that the only responsibilities will basically be keeping track of the draft order and timing nominations. Thanks for everyone's help and patience in helping set this up.