Tuesday, May 29, 2007

SDMB All World Voting Deadline Extended

Both because one owner requested it and because very few votes have come in, the deadline for voting for the 2009 SDMB OOTP All World Team has been extended to Thursday, May 31.

Please vote. If you need a new ballot, drop me an email and I'll send it out.

Monday, May 28, 2007

Spring Training on Wednesday

Spring Training is set for Wednesday night. Please upload your spring training plans.

Zev

Friday, May 25, 2007

Rule V rules question

Mack noted that while you cannot send a Rule V selectee back to the minors without offering him back to the original team, you can trade him to another team -- and that other team can send him to the minors.

Personally, I feel that this is against the spirit of the Rule V rule -- you're taking the player but with the restriction that he must be kept on the major league roster all year. I think that this restriction should be passed along to any team that acquires a Rule V player as well.

That being said, I'm going to rule that if a traded Rule V player is sent back to the minors, he must be sent back to his original team. If not, you'd have owners colluding to trade their Rule V players for each other and then back again, thereby bypassing the restriction that the player must be kept on the roster.

So shall it be written, so shall it be done.

(However, as always, if a majority of you feel differently, then we'll follow the majority.)

Let's Try That Again -- Saturday Night

Sorry, guys, but in the post-holiday (Shavuous) clean-up (we had my in-laws and my mother over for the holiday), I never got to doing the sim. Heck, I didn't even get a chance to watch the season finale of Lost (NO SPOILERS, PLEASE!!!).

I'll do the sim on Saturday night.

Zev

Monday, May 21, 2007

Round V, part 2

As it turns out, while some people gave me lists of names, they didn't specify whether they simply wanted the top available name or all available names. As such, I really can't progress past round one.

That being said, please specify who you would want in future rounds and at what point (how many players) you want me to stop.

I'll finish the draft on Thursday night. The league file has NOT been updated.

The players taken in the first round are:

Hickory: P James Turner
New York: P Morris Spellman
Brooklyn: CF Joseph Bevers
Saskatoon: 3B Philip Runge
South Bay: 3B Christian Sitton
Seattle: SS Cristobal Santoyo

Zev

Sunday, May 20, 2007

Sim's Done. Rule V on Monday

Please have your Rule V picks to me by Monday evening.

Zev

Thursday, May 17, 2007

A Silver Lining... (Rule V)

I got called away last night and did not get to run the sim finishing free agency. Considering the discussion concerning the Rule V draft taking place here, I guess it's a good thing that the sim didn't get done.

So that people have time to get their rosters in order for the Rule V draft, here's what we'll do. I'll hold off on doing the sim until Saturday night. At that point, I'll finish off the free agency period and the amateur draft (since no one has complained *and* no one sent me Round 5 picks, I'm going to assume [unless I hear from someone] that it's OK to have the computer finish up). Then we'll do the Round 5 draft and spring training next week and actually get to the 2010 season the week after.

Comments? Suggestions? Complaints? Observations? Let's hear 'em.

Zev

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Finishing up free agency!

Tomorrow night is the last night for free agency. It'll also be Round 5 of the amateur draft.

If no one objects, round 5 will be the last round done by email -- after that the computer will pick. If you have an objection, please feel free to post here or email me.

Zev

Monday, May 14, 2007

Days 16-20 Done. Next five days on Tuesday night

Round 4 of the amateur draft on Tuesday night as well.

2009 SDMB OOTP All World Team?

Last offseason, we had a vote where the owners selected the 2008 SDMB OOTP All World Team. I started to put together the list again, but thought I would ask if the rest of you are interested in it, or if I'm just wasting my time.

So, your comments are welcome.

Sunday, May 13, 2007

Days 13-15 Done. Days 16-20 Monday night.

In addition, the third round of the amateur draft will be Monday night.

Zev

Thursday, May 10, 2007

Days 10-12 Done. 13-15 on Saturday Night

Round 3 of the amateur draft on Monday night.

Zev

Contest: Nicknames

This game has some OK nicknames, such as Sabertooth, The Gimp, Terminator and Grandpa, but I think that we could do better. So, here goes:

Come up with a cool nickname for a player under your control. Post it in the comments. Feel free to enter more than once. I will act as judge and pick the best entry. The reward? Well, we'll give the nickname to the player!

Criteria: Names should be clever, cool and witty. Oh yes, and original -- so "Death to Flying Things" is out.

Zev

Wednesday, May 9, 2007

Days 7-9 done; 10-12 tomorrow night.

In addition, round 2 of the amateur draft is tomorrow night.

Note: Please make sure that you assign players you acquire via trade or free agency. Please don't just leave them in the DFA column.

Zev

You know you've been playing this game too long...

... when you look at a real player's stats and the first thought that pops into your head is "where are the 2008 and 2009 stats?"

Zev

Scouts

I received an email from an owner who does not have a scout. In addition, the only scouts in the game don't want to play for his organization.

Since all scouts are created equal (or at least made equal by the "Set All Scouts To Average" button), I'm going to create a new scout for his organization.

However, please note that this really cannot be done for coaches or managers (unless someone wants to come up with a way that's fair).

Zev

Tuesday, May 8, 2007

Days 4-6 done. Days 7-9 tomorrow night.

I didn't update the league page, however.

Round 2 amateur draft will be Thursday night.

Please note that I had to engineer some "dummy trades" to make sure that everyone got the draft picks they wanted.

Zev

Traded Draft picks - Updated

Round 2
Seattle's pick to Covington 5/27/2009
Covington's pick to Houston 1/31/2010
Houston's pick to Covington 1/31/2010
New York's pick to River Cities 1/31/2010
River Cities's pick to New York 1/31/2010
South Bay's pick to Brooklyn 2/4/2010
Hickory's pick to Brooklyn 2/4/2010

Round 3
Hickory's pick to Seattle 6/10/2009
New York's pick to Seattle 6/24/2009
South Bay's pick to Seattle 2/13/2009
Seattle's pick to Danville 1/26/2010
Brooklyn's pick to Hickory 2/4/2010

Round 4
Seattle's pick to Hickory 6/10/2009
South Bay's pick to New York 6/10/2009
New York's pick to Houston 1/26/2010
Brooklyn's pick to South Bay 2/4/2010

Rounds 5
Seattle's pick to Danville 1/26/2010
Covington's pick to Houston 1/31/2010
Brooklyn's pick to Danville 2/4/2010

Rounds 6
Seattle's pick to Danville 1/26/2010

Rounds 7
Seattle's pick to Danville 1/26/2010

Rounds 8
Seattle's pick to Danville 1/26/2010
South Bay's pick to Walla Walla 1/31/2010

Rounds 9
Seattle's pick to Danville 1/26/2010

Rounds 10
Seattle's pick to Danville 1/26/2010

Rounds 11
Seattle's pick to Danville 1/26/2010

A Busy Day In Brooklyn

After not completing a trade in almost two seasons, the Wolves' front office was buzzing today with word of three separate deals that change the face of the Brooklyn team and revitalizes their minor league system.

First, Brooklyn sent reliever Johnny Cowherd and a fourth round pick to South Bay for second baseman Bill Turek, first base prospect John Hodge and South Bay's second pick.

Next, the Wolves sent all-time saves leader Samuel Alfano and a fifth round pick to Danville. In exchange they got catcher Billy Foster and second-base prospect James Banks.

Lastly, Brooklyn packaged catcher Willy Guzman, outfield prospect Ronald Amos and a third round pick to Hickory for reliever Jerome Geise, prospects Michael Woolsey and Marcus Santoro and Hickory's second round pick.

The final tally? Brooklyn gave up three good major leaguers, a prospect and three draft picks. In exchange, they got a starting second baseman, catcher, reliever, four prospects and two higher draft picks.

Whispers around the South Bay

A flurry of activity prompted by yesterday's trade for Bill Johnson has caused talk radio to talk nothing but Scorpions baseball this winter. Rumors persist that an ace pitcher is on his way to Los Angeles International airport now for a late afternoon press conference.

Other whispers include a position shift for one of last year's starters, a new role for the team's ace pitcher, and a welcoming parade for new catcher Martin Baker.

"No comment," said GM Michael Weintraub, tersely, when asked about these rumors while announcing the signing of Baker, who spent two seasons with arch rival River Cities before returning to the most illustrious franchise in league history.

"I've heard the rumors, too," Baker said. "I can't wait to catch for this team. I heard that I might even bat lead-off, too." He was cut-off from speaking more by a glare from his once and future GM.

"I said: No comment!" shouted Weintraub. "Now, how's the traffic on the 405 to LAX? Or, should I take local roads?" He mused for the gathered press.

Monday, May 7, 2007

New Addition To The Wolf Family

The Brooklyn Wolves are pleased to announce the signing of starting pitcher Vernon Larry to a two-year deal.

Larry is a veteran of the league, having spent the last six years as the ace of his former staff. Mr. Larry brings an impressive 45 wins to the table, as well as a track record of over 1000 innings pitched. We feel that he can be a valuable member of our pitch... hold on, one second please.

<> What? What do you mean he has 111 losses to go with those 45 wins? What do you mean his career ERA is over 5? Why didn't you tell me this before I went out there? < / aside >

Ahem, where was I? Um, er.... oh yeah. Larry is, um, er, well... he's a swell guy, a real pal around the, um, clubhouse. He, um, er, did have a winning season back in 2007, when he went 13-12. He, er, um... ah, the heck with it. He's here. This press briefing is at a close.

Free Agent Signings 4-6 Tuesday night

Also, please have your Round 1 Amateur draft picks in for tomorrow night as well.

Zev

Traded Draft picks - Updated

Round 1
Covington's pick to Seattle 5/27/2009
Seattle's pick to Danville 1/26/2010
Danville's pick to Seattle 1/26/2010
New York's pick to River Cities 1/31/2010

Round 2
Seattle's pick to Covington 5/27/2009
Covington's pick to Houston 1/31/2010
Houston's pick to Covington 1/31/2010
New York's pick to River Cities 1/31/2010
River Cities's pick to New York 1/31/2010

Round 3
Hickory's pick to Seattle 6/10/2009
New York's pick to Seattle 6/24/2009
South Bay's pick to Seattle 2/13/2009
Seattle's pick to Danville 1/26/2010

Round 4
Seattle's pick to Hickory 6/10/2009
South Bay's pick to New York 6/10/2009
New York's pick to Houston 1/26/2010

Rounds 5
Seattle's pick to Danville 1/26/2010
Covington's pick to Houston 1/31/2010

Rounds 6
Seattle's pick to Danville 1/26/2010

Rounds 7
Seattle's pick to Danville 1/26/2010

Rounds 8
Seattle's pick to Danville 1/26/2010
South Bay's pick to Walla Walla 1/31/2010

Rounds 9
Seattle's pick to Danville 1/26/2010

Rounds 10
Seattle's pick to Danville 1/26/2010

Rounds 11
Seattle's pick to Danville 1/26/2010

New York / River Cities Trade

New York and River Cities pulled off a trade today, with New York acquiring 15 game winner Hector Orozco from the Paddlewheelers for minor league prospects
Richard Hudock, Joan New and New York's 1st round pick in this year's draft. In addition, the two teams exchange 2nd round picks in this year's draft, and New York also gets veteran AAA 2B Simon Reyes.

"We hate to give up the high draft pick in this year's draft", NY's GM Paul Michael said, "but to be honest, it was the sixth pick in a five player draft. Plus, the chance to get a SP of Hector's quality, who's just entering his prime and we will control for the next four years, was too much to pass up. Adding Orozco to our core of Placencia, Biscoe and McGreevy gives us a quality top four in the rotation for the next several years. Reyes should help our IF depth, as we'll give him a real chance to make the major league roster."

Orozco sounded happy to get a fresh start in New York. "Yeah, sure, it's New York, how can you not be excited?" said the Dominican right-hander. "The Big Apple, the City That Never Sleeps... how much better can it get? I mean, I'm grateful to River Cities for giving me my first chance, but heck, I played there for three years and I'm still not sure where River Cities is!"

Walla Walla/South Bay trade

Earlier today, South Bay GM Michael Weintraub announced the acquisition of 3B Bill Johnson from Walla Walla. He was traded by the Federal Duck to the Scorpions in exchange for SP Joe Daye, an 8th round pick in the 2010 Amateur draft, and $3.5 million cash.

"Adding Bill gives us an upgrade at third base," Weintraub stated. "While we've been happy with Jeffrey Drewry there the past few seasons, we feel that Jeff would be more suited coming off the bench against lefties, and also spending time at second base. We hope this also makes Bill Turek a better player, with regular rest and some competition."

Reached for comment at his winter home in Augusta, Georgia, Johnson stated "I'm pleased to be joining the Scorpions. I understand that they have had a few years of disappointment, and I'm thrilled at the opportunity to help recapture the Zotti League pennant."

This reporter tried to reach Drewry for comment, but his wife, Zelda, stated that he was locked in a batting cage, learning how to hit a curveball thrown by a right-handed pitcher.

Sunday, May 6, 2007

Need a 3B?

Walla Walla has your man!

Bill Johnson, a veteran coming off a season where he hit .304 and got on base at a .373 clip is available for starting pitching help, picks, prospects, or what have you.

The only reason I'm looking to move him is because he's blocking a younger, cheaper option at third. Keep that in mind when looking at his numbers: He wasn't hurt last year, he was just splitting playing time.

Free Agents! Get yer red hot Free Agents here! (and ameturs too)

It's free agent signing season!!

We're going to do something different this year. In the past, we went one day at a time (unless nothing was happening toward the end of the FA signing period). This time, however, we're going to try to speed things up a bit. We're going to sim the first three days tomorrow night.

To submit a bid, go to the game, and go to League -> Free Agents. Choose your team from the "Select Offering Team" pulldown. To view a free agent, click on the name, to bid, right-click on him. When you are done making your offers (watch your available money) press the "Export Team Offers via FTP" button to send me your offers.

You can also send me offers for your team via email if you wish.

In addition, the first round of the amateur draft will be run on Tuesday. The draft order (not taking into account traded picks) is:
1. Covington
2. Hickory
3. Danville
4. Houston
5. Denver
6. New York
7. Brooklyn
8. Saskatoon
9. Walla Walla
10. South Bay
11. River Cities
12. Seattle

Zev

Friday, May 4, 2007

Now to may go drink your wine

Steffen Gehring, Second Base is evil and must go. Dillo offer a package of:

Gehring 2B
Houston 10th Round Pick

for

5th Round Pick
Scrub to be named later

Gehring voiced a preference of Hendrix's "All Along the Watchtower" over Dylan's. The Piggy's taste will not be questioned.

That is all.

Knee Before Piggy!!!

Fear the Piggy!
He means business!

Look at his moves and cowher.

New York
C Anthony Coats
4th round draft pick.

to Houston for
RF Brian Bingham


and

Covington Demons
Michael Orme, Catcher
Kenneth Byers, Starting Pitcher
Herme Conde, Centerfield
Cov 2nd Round Pick
Cov 5th Round Pick

to Houston for
Russell Powell, First Base
Eric Camargo, Catcher
Samuel Santos, Centerfield
William Minton, Starting Pitcher
Hou 2nd Round Pick
$1,750,000 Cash

All 3 2009 All Stars are gone! The piggy does not need them. Houston does note need talent to win. The Piggy is happy to have Earle Stollings 2009 Slick Fielder Award at Pitcher back. He is happy to make 1/2 of what he did. New York ond Covington are welcome to Piggy Poo! If no one wanted Silas Caruthers why should the Piggy re-sign him. Hi the bricks All Star.

The Piggy want an inquiry to why New York and Covingion plays showed up blindfolded and drowsy. This is the Piggy's job. The blindfold hid Michael Orme's tears of joy.

Wolf propaganda will no longer be tolerated! The vandals of the Straw House training facility will be captured! It hurts that the fists time the Piggy saw his wife naked was when it was painted on the infield. That was wrong, but more players were happy to try to steal home. You will pay foul canine!

Seattle will also pay dearly for winning the Cup. Only piggy can do the for Adams! River Cities will pay for its weakness.

That is all.

Thursday, May 3, 2007

Coaching Day 4 Done

Day 5 will be done Saturday night.

Zev

Wednesday, May 2, 2007

Tuesday, May 1, 2007

Interleague Play?

I've discovered a source of pre-made schedules that will allow us to play with either a balanced or limited interleague schedule.

Do we have any interest in discussing going to such a schedule?

Day 2 Coaching Done.

Day 3 tomorrow night.

Zev