AL Discussion Thread

[Minstrel]

Feel free to use this thread to discuss the on-going AL draft. Just try to avoid name-dropping players who have yet to be selected, thanks.

[Westlake]

Cesar Izturiz. Oops!

[Minstrel]

Cesar Izturiz. Oops!

Okay, Cesar Izturis is no longer eligible.

Way to go, Evan. You weakened our talent pool!

[tearforamariner]

Okay, Cesar Izturis is no longer eligible.

Way to go, Evan. You weakened our talent pool!

He's still eligible in the NL draft, right? :D

[Wade8813]

Wait, we can make players no longer eligible? I should go through and list all the 2nd basemen, since I already took one... :D

Okay, let's try this: I'll propose a time and day with a decently long window. If most people can hit it, great. If not, we'll try to close the window to the point that most/all people can be there.

This Sunday (2/11) from 3 PM EST until 9 PM EST. That's noon until 6 PM on the west coast.I can make it here then. I'll have to leave a few minutes early (our church has an evening service). But I'll be available basically the whole time, so don't change the window on my account.

[Erik Bedard]

I can tell you right now that I can probably only do 7-9, maybe 6-9.

[Williamsburg2599]

Okay, let's try this: I'll propose a time and day with a decently long window. If most people can hit it, great. If not, we'll try to close the window to the point that most/all people can be there.

This Sunday (2/11) from 3 PM EST until 9 PM EST. That's noon until 6 PM on the west coast.
Let me check my schedule...(*stares blankly at empty calendar*) Yup, seems good to me. :D

[-Kyle-]

I'm surprised a ton of pitchers were taken in the 2nd round.

[Erik Bedard]

There seems to be one more great one left. Hopefully, he'll last to me.

[-Kyle-]

I can do the lightning rounds.

[Wade8813]

There seems to be one more great one left. Hopefully, he'll last to me. Wha...?!??!??

There may not be enough great SP for all the teams to have 4-5 greats, but I KNOW there's more than one more left...

[Minstrel]

There seems to be one more great one left. Hopefully, he'll last to me.

You have a pretty high standard for greatness if you only see one left. I see at least two arguable top-five guys remaining.

[yanks0714]

I can go for the Sunday afternoon/evening suggestion. I'll just ignore my wife....waitaminit, I do that anyway..... :D

Pitchers, pitchers....I need a stud pitcher....just couldn't pass up Mickey and Hank, my boyhood heroes.

[Minstrel]

I can go for the Sunday afternoon/evening suggestion. I'll just ignore my wife....waitaminit, I do that anyway..... :D

Pitchers, pitchers....I need a stud pitcher....just couldn't pass up Mickey and Hank, my boyhood heroes.

I took a pitcher but wept over the position players that I also wanted to take at that spot. These early picks are hell for second-guessing one's self. ;)

[yanks0714]

I took a pitcher but wept over the position players that I also wanted to take at that spot. These early picks are hell for second-guessing one's self. ;)

You don't know how close you came to not getting Lefty....very close....when I saw Alexander wasn't there anymore....I was just about to select Grove and switched to Aaron quickly so I wouldn't have time to change my mind.
You're right....the early picks are the toughest.

[Wade8813]

Unless you make a mistake. Then a late pick might be the toughest, as you scramble to find a player to fill a hole in your team, and realize everyone you know who fits the bill is already taken...

[Minstrel]

You don't know how close you came to not getting Lefty....very close....when I saw Alexander wasn't there anymore....I was just about to select Grove and switched to Aaron quickly so I wouldn't have time to change my mind.
You're right....the early picks are the toughest.

Ha, I switched from another position player to Grove. And then after I posted, I wanted to change again, but felt that was too obsessive so I left the computer to get some work done. ;)

[Erik Bedard]

No, by all means, go ahead and change your pick.

Damn it.

[Minstrel]

Damn, Wee Willie managed to ace me out of two guys I was interested in for the next pick.

[Erik Bedard]

Are we going to do a lightning round?

[Minstrel]

Are we going to do a lightning round?

Informally, we're going to try. We'll call it an "encouraged-to-be-faster round"...a six hour window (12 PM PST to 6 PM PST) tomorrow in which it would be nice if you checked in as frequently as possible to see if you're up.

If you can't be around for all or parts of it, try PMing picks to someone to draft for you. Mention ahead of time who's authorized to pick on your behalf.

[Huntington Avenue]

I jumped at Ott after considering some middle infielders. He had the second- highest career OPS of anyone remaining (I think), and the other guy would have forced Pujols off of first base.
His '35 season was higher than '34 in WARP1, but only by .1. The WARP3s were equal. '34 had higher BA, OBP, and SLG.

Crude methods of decision, sure, but I'm know at least 2/3 of the 4/5 2B and SS I was looking at will still be around when I'm up again.

[ChrisLDuncan]

Wow Ronnie5 looks to be unstoppable...he has some greats on his team. Also I've been seeing a lot of good picks by everyone here. I think I'll get my ass kicked.

[Wade8813]

Wow Ronnie5 looks to be unstoppable...he has some greats on his team. Also I've been seeing a lot of good picks by everyone here. I think I'll get my ass kicked. I disagree with some of that. No one looks like they're pulling ahead of the group. And you certainly have great picks. I'd be glad to have anyone from your team on mine.

I think things will start shaping up more a few rounds from now, when at least a couple people will realize that they have holes on their team, and scramble to fill them.

[Erik Bedard]

Ouch. The "lightning round" got a grand total of two picks in.

[Disgruntaledmarinerfan]

were obviously not making to much progress with draft. hopefully in the near future people wil be a little more vigalent about drafting with punctuality. regardless of how slow drafting is it still is alot of fun.

[Wade8813]

So, we're actually picking slower during the lightning round... :confused: :noidea :ughh

[Westlake]

I think Chris' clock is running out within the next our. And no sign of him at all today. Lightning round didnt work very well huh?

[Wee Willie]

IMO, if Chris was going to be gone this long, he should have told somebody. He knew that most of us had reserved today to get some picks in. He was logged on after midnight last nite, but I don't think he's checked the site at all today.

I'm not sure if we need to shorten the windows, but we certainly need better communication. Anyone who's in the draft should make a reasonable effort to keep things moving. I'd say if Chris doesn't make his pick by 10pm eastern, then it's time to move on. He's had more than a reasonable window in which to pick, on a day like today.

[-Kyle-]

Chris's pick is awesome for him if he can play Foxx at catcher and get his '33 season.

[The Splendid Splinter]

Chris's pick is awesome for him if he can play Foxx at catcher and get his '33 season.


foxx only played 108 games or something like that at catcher and you need at least 162...

[plask_stirlac]

Foxx has zero games at catcher that year, if he put him there, it could be disastrous. EDIT: Aah, another rule, besides low probability of success.

Now if we're in the proverbial cornfield and Jimmie is 25 and healthy, I'd give it a shot with my first or second round pick. It's kind of unfortunate he and Cochrane came up together AS catchers with only one catcher spot, of course, and Mickey (with Connie's blessing) wasn't going to give it up.

[Erik Bedard]

Can we hurry up? I need to pick Neifi Perez!

[ChrisLDuncan]

I think Chris' clock is running out within the next our. And no sign of him at all today. Lightning round didnt work very well huh?


My bad dudes...also did I take Jr. too high? I feel like I did...but I needed a CF, and he was the best available IMO.

[Disgruntaledmarinerfan]

My bad dudes...also did I take Jr. too high? I feel like I did...but I needed a CF, and he was the best available IMO.
Personally I would have waited at least one round on griffey, but it is true that the talent pool in centerfield is wearing thin,but I do under stand why you took Jr. better being safe than sorry.

[ChrisLDuncan]

Personally I would have waited at least one round on griffey, but it is true that the talent pool in centerfield is wearing thin,but I do under stand why you took Jr. better being safe than sorry.

There are other players that I wanted though...however the talent pool there is still ample.

[Wade8813]

also did I take Jr. too high? I feel like I did...but I needed a CF, and he was the best available IMO. It's hard to tell. I have no idea how likely it is for others to take him so soon. But CF is definitely a vital position, and it isn't as deep as other positions.

[ChrisLDuncan]

I mean it's not like Jr isn't a great player either, he had a WARP over 10, and as far as I know he's the best CF available and I NEEDED a CF.

[Disgruntaledmarinerfan]

you had a very strong motive for picking Griffey, that is all that matters.

[Wade8813]

It may or may not have been the best pick, but it was certainly a good pick.

[Erik Bedard]

What does everyone think about me taking Sosa?

[AlecBoy006]

Just wondering, what does this simmed league do?

[Disgruntaledmarinerfan]

What does everyone think about me taking Sosa? I think it was a very bold move taking him, obviously he put up some of the best power numbers, but I do think He may have been picked to early... I thought Sosa would be taken in the middle to later rounds of this draft, but thats just my opinion.

[Erik Bedard]

Just wondering, what does this simmed league do?

The same thing all sim leagues do. It plays out games with the teams we drafted.

I think it was a very bold move taking him, obviously he put up some of the best power numbers, but I do think He may have been picked to early... I thought Sosa would be taken in the middle to later rounds of this draft, but thats just my opinion.

.320 with over 60 HRs is outstanding, IMO. I believe that was the only 60+ HR season for anybody not named Bonds that would be eligible for this draft. Sure, his defense isn't great, but I've got Willie Mays for that.

[The Splendid Splinter]

.320 with over 60 HRs is outstanding, IMO. I believe that was the only 60+ HR season for anybody not named Bonds that would be eligible for this draft. Sure, his defense isn't great, but I've got Willie Mays for that.



by the way... 2000 Sosa only hit 50 HRs... '99 is the season you're thinking of 60+ HRs... but he only batted .288.

[ChrisLDuncan]

I thought that I had a sleeper in Sosa

[Erik Bedard]

I almost picked him when I picked Schmidt, but I decided I needed a 3Bman more than another OFer, so I went with Schmidt.

How does everyone feel about their picks so far?

[BoSox Rule]

Feeling good. Have a few good ones up my sleeve if it ever gets to me. Long way to go so I need some backups.

[Erik Bedard]

Sosa was the only one I had "up my sleeve".

[ronnie5]

Hey Erik, I've got a question for you since you're the one doing the simming... If we play someone at a position they didn't play the year we chose them, how will they do defensively? Will their defense in the sim be reflected on how they did that season defensively, regardless of what position they played? I'm curious since my plan is to have Biggio catch, but if he's going to be kill me back there, then I wont. Thanks in advance for the info.

[-Kyle-]

I almost picked him when I picked Schmidt, but I decided I needed a 3Bman more than another OFer, so I went with Schmidt.

How does everyone feel about their picks so far?
Ok, I wish I could of taken Koufax '65 instead of Walsh, then picked Walsh later.

[Wee Willie]

I feel very good about my picks so far. I like having two excellent lefty pitchers. I can put Delahanty in CF and not have to sacrifice offense in later picks.

[Erik Bedard]

Hey Erik, I've got a question for you since you're the one doing the simming... If we play someone at a position they didn't play the year we chose them, how will they do defensively? Will their defense in the sim be reflected on how they did that season defensively, regardless of what position they played? I'm curious since my plan is to have Biggio catch, but if he's going to be kill me back there, then I wont. Thanks in advance for the info.

I believe that, at least position-wise, defense is based on their career. For example, Robin Yount could still play a decent SS even in a year that he played CF, because he would still have the skills. I'll test it out sometime.

[Wade8813]

I feel great about all my picks, although I think I should have waited a round on Chipper Jones. He was a great pick, but I probably could have gotten him later. I was also looking at Delahanty, but I didn't think he'd get taken for at least a couple rounds.

[BoSox Rule]

Sosa was the only one I had "up my sleeve".Wouldn't really say "up my sleeve" they're fairly obvious players, just saying I have some options, like everyone else does.

[Disgruntaledmarinerfan]

I feel great about all my picks, although I think I should have waited a round on Chipper Jones. He was a great pick, but I probably could have gotten him later. I was also looking at Delahanty, but I didn't think he'd get taken for at least a couple rounds.
If you didn't take chipper with your last pick I surely would have. g

[Disgruntaledmarinerfan]

I feel great about all my picks, although I think I should have waited a round on Chipper Jones. He was a great pick, but I probably could have gotten him later. I was also looking at Delahanty, but I didn't think he'd get taken for at least a couple rounds.
If you didn't take chipper with your last pick I surely would have.

[Minstrel]

I feel good about my team, so far. I think I got solid to excellent value at each choice so far which, combined with feeling major needs each time, is about as well as it can go.

Now if I had three first basemen, or something, and was talking about good value for the pick...I may be in trouble. ;)

[Huntington Avenue]

Now if I had three first basemen, or something, and was talking about good value for the pick...I may be in trouble. ;)

This wasn't aimed at me, right? I only have two...:p

I've tried to do the best I can so far without going through the tedium of poring through dozens of WARP1 records. I'm pretty sure I've overvalued power so far at the expense of 'fundamentals' See Greenberg, Hank and Ott, Mel.
There has been much questioning on my part all my picks so far except Pujols, who was a sure thing from the start. Also, I think I want to change Cy Young's season to one in which he was a more dominant pitcher; 1895 must have been helped out by his hitting or something, and that won't be a factor in the AL... Is a change possible?

[Westlake]

1895 must have been helped out by his hitting or something, and that won't be a factor in the AL... Is a change possible?

I dont think it would be a problem. You're up to bat, by the way.

[Minstrel]

This wasn't aimed at me, right? I only have two...:p

Wasn't aimed at anyone, just a throw-away comment. ;)

Also, I think I want to change Cy Young's season to one in which he was a more dominant pitcher; 1895 must have been helped out by his hitting or something, and that won't be a factor in the AL... Is a change possible?

No! Well, okay. As far as I'm concerned, years don't have to be official until the sim...but for EriK's sake, try to not change up too much. ;)

[Westlake]

I guess Huntington didnt know it was his turn. He got on, and posted in this thread. I figure since the clock is there to help for people who cant be on until a certain time, if they are on, AND they post in this thread, and they still dont make a pick, shouldnt they be skipped? I dont want to be a jerk, but thats really slowing it down if he isnt going to get on until tomorrow.

[Wade8813]

Nah. Ronnie5 isn't even on, so it wouldn't accomplish anything.

[Westlake]

Yes, he is.

Im not saying we have to skip him right now, for future reference. If a person has an obvious opportunity to pick, and he doesnt and holds up the draft, should he be skipped? I figure the only reason at 8 hour clock is there is to give people a bigger chance to get online. If they are on, and even in the draft threads, they should make their pick.

[Wade8813]

Yes, he is.

Im not saying we have to skip him right now, for future reference. If a person has an obvious opportunity to pick, and he doesnt and holds up the draft, should he be skipped? I figure the only reason at 8 hour clock is there is to give people a bigger chance to get online. If they are on, and even in the draft threads, they should make their pick. Huh. Either he came back, or I missed him before. Oh well...

Anyway, I think that it should become a rule that we do that, however, it's something that we have to announce to everyone before we enforce it. It's not fair to not let them know ahead of time - even if it's not fair of them to not pick.

[Westlake]

Huh. Either he came back, or I missed him before. Oh well...

Anyway, I think that it should become a rule that we do that, however, it's something that we have to announce to everyone before we enforce it. It's not fair to not let them know ahead of time - even if it's not fair of them to not pick.


Sorry, hes online, im talking to him, I guess he just logged out of BBF. Hes available to pick whenever HA does.

I agree with you. It should be announced to everyone so that it isnt unfair to the person it pertains to at the moment. That is if everyone else is ok with it and Minstrel agrees with it.

[Minstrel]

I agree with you. It should be announced to everyone so that it isnt unfair to the person it pertains to at the moment. That is if everyone else is ok with it and Minstrel agrees with it.

The only problem I see with it is proof. What if someone picks ahead of someone else and says, "Yeah, I saw him online during his window, and then he logged off so I picked," while the other person says he wasn't on BBF at the time?

If there's tangible proof, like the guy posted in a thread on BBF after it became his turn, then I'm all for it.

[ronnie5]

If there's tangible proof, like the guy posted in a thread on BBF after it became his turn, then I'm all for it.

Well, he posted in this thread at 9:54 central, after 538280 made his pick at 9:35 central. How's that for proof?

[ChrisLDuncan]

Well the cookies in my browser are set to log me in as long as my browser window is up. But my thing is that they get eight hours right? What if they are mulling over a pick? I don't really like it. Also there is no proof due to browser settings, also if they are to be skipped they should at least be PMed and be allowed the full time, seeing as how you can be deciding between something like taking the best player available, say a pitcher, or filling a need with a lesser player. Lets take an earlier example say that someone was mulling over taking a pitcher like Seaver, there are alot of good pitchers, or taking a Biggio, where there are few top flight second basemen. That can be a tough decision sometimes.

[Westlake]

Well the cookies in my browser are set to log me in as long as my browser window is up. But my thing is that they get eight hours right? What if they are mulling over a pick? I don't really like it. Also there is no proof due to browser settings, also if they are to be skipped they should at least be PMed and be allowed the full time, seeing as how you can be deciding between something like taking the best player available, say a pitcher, or filling a need with a lesser player. Lets take an earlier example say that someone was mulling over taking a pitcher like Seaver, there are alot of good pitchers, or taking a Biggio, where there are few top flight second basemen. That can be a tough decision sometimes.

Sure that can be a tough decision, but this isn't a decision to go to war. Its really not that hard. If it's your turn, you are online, you post in the forum, and then log off and hold up the whole thing for 15 hours or something like that, i dont think thats fair to everyone else.

[Wade8813]

I understand taking the time to think, but you should let us know that you are aware it's your pick, so we'll know what's going on.

Also, it takes a while to get to your pick. I've made a whopping total of 5 picks in a little over a week. That should be enough time to think about the pick for the most part. If you know it's your pick, you should probably make the decision within an hour, just to help things keep moving.

[Minstrel]

Well, he posted in this thread at 9:54 central, after 538280 made his pick at 9:35 central. How's that for proof?

We aren't talking about this particular case, since as others have noted, we can't just make this rule and enforce it without it being properly announced. I was speaking of future cases.

[ChrisLDuncan]

Sure that can be a tough decision, but this isn't a decision to go to war. Its really not that hard. If it's your turn, you are online, you post in the forum, and then log off and hold up the whole thing for 15 hours or something like that, i dont think thats fair to everyone else.


Only if the people that were entrusted to make that decision took as much time planning that we do to make our picks

[Westlake]

Only if the people that were entrusted to make that decision took as much time planning that we do to make our picks
:laugh Dont get me started.

[Erik Bedard]

I know I often log on at my school, post in a few discussion threads, then make my pick when I get home, because BP is blocked at my school. For that reason, I don't think it would be fair for someone to get skipped, even if they logged on, posted, or whatever.

BTW, I would be in favor of shortening the window to speed up the draft.

[Wade8813]

I know I often log on at my school, post in a few discussion threads, then make my pick when I get home, because BP is blocked at my school. For that reason, I don't think it would be fair for someone to get skipped, even if they logged on, posted, or whatever.

Of course, you could try to have a pick ready before you sign on at school. You can't do that every time, but if you get in at least a couple picks that way, things would go faster. Also, if you notice it's your pick while at school, you can say that you know it's your pick, and that you'll pick at a certain time (which you did yesterday - and it helped a lot).

[Westlake]

I know I often log on at my school, post in a few discussion threads, then make my pick when I get home, because BP is blocked at my school. For that reason, I don't think it would be fair for someone to get skipped, even if they logged on, posted, or whatever.

BTW, I would be in favor of shortening the window to speed up the draft.

The difference is that you say that you will pick when you get home.

[Erik Bedard]

OK, cool. I'll try and remember to do that.

[Westlake]

OK, cool. I'll try and remember to do that.
You never seem to have any problems. You're always pretty prompt with your picks or you let us know when you will be able to. :)

[yanks0714]

Of course, you could try to have a pick ready before you sign on at school. You can't do that every time, but if you get in at least a couple picks that way, things would go faster. Also, if you notice it's your pick while at school, you can say that you know it's your pick, and that you'll pick at a certain time (which you did yesterday - and it helped a lot).
I don't want to give the impression that I'm trying to tell anybody how to go about this draft (I mean look at my IF'ers I've picked) but I have a list of about 10 names, various positions + their WARP year I want, and keep it handy. I cross off those names that some unscrupulous poster picks ;) and when it's my turn I know wxactly who I want.
This ain't rocket science, if it was I wouldn't be in it. We all know who the very best players are by position. It's more a matter of knowing what position you you need/want to fill and what their WARP is.

[yanks0714]

So is everybody happy with whom they've picked thus far?

I'm pretty happy about mine. I wanted Stan Musial but Frank Robinson is a pretty good alternate.

Had Eddie Mathews in my sights....gone....said, oh, well, Brett is still there....gone. Wade? Where's Wade? Gone.

Felt I needed to get two stud pitchers. Managed to get Seaver and Gibson so that worked out reasonably well. Really wanted Spahn, but later, alas, he diappeared before me eyes.

Some great picks you guys are making. I try to determine what each poster is looking for...I think I can glean a certain direction from a few of you.

Chris, I'm still in shock that you took Ernie Banks after all I've read you post on him.

[Wade8813]

Well, I'm disappointed I didn't get Bonds, Hornsby, or Ruth, but that's not my fault, so I'm happy with who I have.

Do you know what direction I'm going in?

[ChrisLDuncan]

Ehh I was kind of hoping that Biggio would have dropped, but Carew had an awesome peak too. I liked my Matthews pick, Wagner was actually number one on my board. I liked that I got Pete Alexander...although I wanted Clemens.

[-Kyle-]

I kinda of dissapointed about taking Eddie Collins over a top tier pitcher, and second guess myself over Hugh Jennings...I also dislike all the "old-timers" I am taking...but besides that I am fine. :crazy

[538280]

Chris, I'm still in shock that you took Ernie Banks after all I've read you post on him.

I think Banks is pretty overrated in general not really because of his peak years, they were legitimately great seasons. The problem is that outside of that peak, and after he moved to 1B, he wasn't worth much at all. In his peak I think he can also sometimes be overrated but he was still a great, great player and probably the best hitting SS still available when I took him. Really in his peak he was pretty similar to A-Rod, just without really good baserunning and a little worse in the field.

[Erik Bedard]

I'm exceptionally pleased with all my picks, not least among them Dahlen, Rodriguez, and Maddux.

[Minstrel]

I'm quite happy with all my picks. I think I've been filling key positions without reaching, really.

[Erik Bedard]

Attention AlecBoy006 and ChrisLDuncan: Please post your roster in the appropriate thread.

[Disgruntaledmarinerfan]

I actually am quite pleased with my pick thus far, I got hornsby which was a huge want. But i must say I am a little disapointed with my round two pick Jack Pfiester. I saw his rediculous stats and I made a very impulsive selection... wish I waited a couple or few rounds before picking him.
but aside from that I love the team I have picked.

[Minstrel]

Good lightning round! By my count, we got in 28 picks over a two to two and a half hour period. That's productive.

Thanks to Evan (Westlake) for taking the initiative to get it started. I'd like to follow-on and ask if this time works for people every week? Could/should we start it an hour earlier, or was 8 PM EST ideal?

It would be nice to get in at least one of these a week, if we can manage it.

[Westlake]

Thanks Minstrel. I'm fine with the time we had, but I think it would be better to move it up an hour.

[Wee Willie]

I'm very happy with my starting rotation. I'm ecstatic that Jim Palmer was there as my 4th pitcher. Still plenty of room for improvement, though...

[Minstrel]

I'm very happy with my starting rotation. I'm ecstatic that Jim Palmer was there as my 4th pitcher. Still plenty of room for improvement, though...

Well, considering you stole Rube Waddell from me, I'd hope you're happy with your ill-gotten gains. ;)

[Disgruntaledmarinerfan]

By my count, this lightning round went great. a lot of progress has been made tonight, little by little we're getting closer to completing the draft.

[-Kyle-]

Thank god I got a somewhat good catchers...they were all slipping away before my eyes!!! :o

[Erik Bedard]

I could easily have taken Kelly where I took Rodriguez... nice pick.

BTW, I can do Thursday night at eight pretty much every week, especially when I don't have any homework.

[Disgruntaledmarinerfan]

Thank god I got a somewhat good catchers...they were all slipping away before my eyes!!! :o
Sadly, I didn't read the writing on the wall, and now I'm left without an upper level catcher. having a good backstop could be quite important to a team... but now i have to settle for a a more mediocre catcher.

[Minstrel]

Sadly, I didn't read the writing on the wall, and now I'm left without an upper level catcher. having a good backstop could be quite important to a team... but now i have to settle for a a more mediocre catcher.

John Marzano is still available.

[Disgruntaledmarinerfan]

John Marzano is still available.
dang it, stop name dropping I wanted him.:laugh
How desperate would someone have to be to take Marzano... I mean come on, he statistically is crap.

[Wade8813]

Wade, to drafter Disgruntaled, after DMF drafted catcher John Marzano, injuring his chances of winning - "You're screwed."

[Disgruntaledmarinerfan]

Wade, to drafter Disgruntaled, after DMF drafted catcher John Marzano, injuring his chances of winning - "You're screwed."
Har Har Har, Very funny.

[Wade8813]

I thought so... :laugh :dance :rolleyes: :D ;) :p

[yanks0714]

Hey, guys, don't laugh...I ain't got a catcher yet either. Man, that is sure gonna be lots of passed balls....

I wonder if Jake Gibbs is still available....

[Wade8813]

Hey, guys, don't laugh...I ain't got a catcher yet either. Man, that is sure gonna be lots of passed balls.... I wasn't just laughing because DMF doesn't have a catcher. It's because he doesn't have a catcher, he and I had specifically talked about grabbing players at positions that are more likely to run out of greats, and the clever way I made a spoof on his sig.

Oh, and by the way - :laugh

[Wee Willie]

Minstrel, I must say you've got a pretty well-rounded squad thus far.

[Minstrel]

Minstrel, I must say you've got a pretty well-rounded squad thus far.

Thanks, WW. It's agonizing to leave a pitcher when I think a position player is urgent or vice versa, but I don't want to be left with a huge hole.

I've been a fan of your picks as well. In fact, I usually expect your double-picks to eliminate at least my next pick. ;)

[Erik Bedard]

I think I've got enough pitchers and position players that I can take the best player available at a position I need, and not pass up a talented position player to take a pitcher, as I did taking Plank.

[-Kyle-]

I think I've got enough pitchers and position players that I can take the best player available at a position I need, and not pass up a talented position player to take a pitcher, as I did taking Plank.
Same here. My Number #1 priority was to get a big slugger (bonds) and not lose out on a top 3 second basemen (collins) and good shortstop (Jennings). Worked out pretty well.

[Disgruntaledmarinerfan]

Same here. My Number #1 priority was to get a big slugger and not lose out on a top 3 second basemen.
I did that with one pick; The Rajah.

[Westlake]

Well, I was debating between two players when Chris went and took Wilhelm. Looks like this will be an easy decision for me...

[Wade8813]

(From the Draft thread)

Wow Wade, I thought I had a sleeper there. I thought I had a sleeper in Alomar...I guess I'll have to go to plan B.
Damn it. There goes my main sleeper. Chris, quit taking my sleepers! Agreed. He keeps taking my sleepers!!! I still think Sosa was a sleeper.
Those were two of my "sleepers" I guess with you I can't let any players from the state of Texas sleep. Chris, no!!!! I've been looking at Rusie for several rounds but had to fill out my line-up. He was my sleeper pick! UGHHHH One of my sleepers to play LF.
(And that's just from a Ctrl+F of the word sleeper. It doesn't count any other ways people might have said the same thing)

So, has ANYONE actually managed to get someone they thought was a sleeper?

[Disgruntaledmarinerfan]

I got derek Jeter. he was a sleeper in my opinion.

[Westlake]

Dan Brouthers. I've holded off picking him for a couple rounds.

[-Kyle-]

(From the Draft thread)



(And that's just from a Ctrl+F of the word sleeper. It doesn't count any other ways people might have said the same thing)

So, has ANYONE actually managed to get someone they thought was a sleeper?
Duke Snider I thought should've gone earlier...also Tony Perez, who has a 315/410/600 line with 40hr from a 1st/3rd basemen.

[ronnie5]

So, has ANYONE actually managed to get someone they thought was a sleeper?

I was eyeing Hershiser's 85 a few rounds ago, and I thought I could hold off and still get him, because WARP1 doesn't think it was that great of a season. But he had a 172 ERA+, a 2.03 ERA, and batters only had a 539 OPS against him. I'll take that anyday as a 12th rounder.

[Wade8813]

I got derek Jeter. he was a sleeper in my opinion. I dunno. I think that's about when he should have been taken. A lot of teams had already taken SS, most of whom arguably were better.

Duke Snider I thought should've gone earlier...also Tony Perez, who has a 315/410/600 line with 40hr from a 1st/3rd basemen. Snider was probably a sleeper. Perez, taken when he was, probably wasn't a sleeper, because there's still an unpicked player who also qualifies at 1st/3rd, with almost identical hitting (although probably worse fielding).

I was eyeing Hershiser's 85 a few rounds ago, and I thought I could hold off and still get him, because WARP1 doesn't think it was that great of a season. But he had a 172 ERA+, a 2.03 ERA, and batters only had a 539 OPS against him. I'll take that anyday as a 12th rounder. He's kinda borderline, IMO. Definitely good as a 12th rounder, but I think you're overrating him a little if you take him a few rounds before.

[ChrisLDuncan]

So, has ANYONE actually managed to get someone they thought was a sleeper?


Gwynn, Matthews, Wagner, and Berra I got them pretty low.

[Westlake]

Wade, since you responded to everyone's answer except for mine, i'll take that as an insult. Now we are at fantasy war.

[-Kyle-]

Gwynn, Matthews, Wagner, and Berra I got them pretty low.
Wagner? He was taken in 7th pick? I wouldn't call that a sleeper...maybe a tiny bit lower than expected.

Anyone think of picks they took too high? Mine are definitly Nichols and Walsh, I just got nervous and was desparate for pitching.

[Wade8813]

Gwynn, Matthews, Wagner, and Berra I got them pretty low. I think they were taken about where they should have gone. And I'm not sure if it's possible to be a "sleeper" when you're picked in the first round.

Wade, since you responded to everyone's answer except for mine, i'll take that as an insult. Now we are at fantasy war. Fine. Can I use my real army weapons? :p

Besides, I'm at fantasy war with everyone in our league :laugh

Dan Brouthers. I've holded off picking him for a couple rounds.Again, I think he went about where he should have. There are unpicked players with better raw stats, although the era adjustment favors him.

[Westlake]

Again, I think he went about where he should have. There are unpicked players with better raw stats, although the era adjustment favors him.

The raw stats will be adjusted, however, and he had a 201 OPS+.

I figured him for a sleeper because I know some people dont even know who he is.. and in the other all-time draft in this forum, he was taken in the 7th, so I figured I got him at a good round.

[Wade8813]

The raw stats will be adjusted, however, and he had a 201 OPS+.

I figured him for a sleeper because I know some people dont even know who he is.. and in the other all-time draft in this forum, he was taken in the 7th, so I figured I got him at a good round. Right, which is why I think he was taken about where he should have been.

[Westlake]

Right, which is why I think he was taken about where he should have been.
I dont care, I still declare WAR! And no using blue decks or whatever you MTG guys use.

[Wade8813]

I dont care, I still declare WAR! And no using blue decks or whatever you MTG guys use. I don't want to use my MTG deck. I want to use my M16-A2 rifle.

[Westlake]

I don't want to use my MTG deck. I want to use my M16-A2 rifle.

Um... I have a Prince Precision Response tennis racket... I can hit a mean 110 MPH serve... um yea... dont shoot me please. :p

[Wade8813]

So, you admit defeat?

[Westlake]

So, you admit defeat?

Yes.. :ughh

[Wade8813]

Yes!!! :dance :gt

One down, 12 to go...

[Erik Bedard]

Eddie Plank, IMO, was the exact opposite of a sleeper.

[Wade8813]

Eddie Plank, IMO, was the exact opposite of a sleeper.Do you mean he was picked to early? Or at the right time? Or that others remembered him?

[Erik Bedard]

He was picked too late, and I was extremely glad to pick him up when I did.

[-Kyle-]

He was picked too late, and I was extremely glad to pick him up when I did.
I am definitly shying away from the pre WWII pitchers, because WARP favors their large amount of innings and I am not sure how that will translate over.

[Minstrel]

Important Announcement

Based on feedback, I've changed how the nightly "dead period" works. Instead of the time simply not counting, it now counts towards the expiration of a selection window, but the window can't actually expire until the dead period ends.

What this means practically is that under the old system, if you had 5 hours left in your window when the dead period began (11 PM EST), you still had 5 hours left when the dead period ended (8 AM PST).

Now, in that same circumstance, those 5 hours will run out during the dead period, meaning you'll have no time left once the dead period ends. But since selection windows can't expire during the dead period, it won't be the next person's turn until the dead period ends.

Let me know if you have any questions.

[Minstrel]

I am definitly shying away from the pre WWII pitchers, because WARP favors their large amount of innings and I am not sure how that will translate over.

Well, WARP understands that all pitchers pitched more innings in the past, it uses relative stats, so it's not like pre-WW II pitchers are getting an artificial boost from innings.

[Wade8813]

Otherwise, some of those pitchers with 400+ IP would have a Warp of 20, or something.

[AlecBoy006]

I'm gonna win the championship.

I guarantee it.

[Wade8813]

Unless you know a lot more about the sim than the rest of us, you can't honestly say that. It's possible the sim rates defense lower than you do, in which case, you're in trouble. It might not adjust for LQ as much as you hope (or more than you hope), and again, you're in trouble.

[AlecBoy006]

Johnny Bench
Keith Hernandez
Bobby Shantz

Those who have won MVP's

Al Kaline
Ralph Kiner
Jim Edmonds

great power outfield

[-Kyle-]

Johnny Bench
Keith Hernandez
Bobby Shantz

Those who have won MVP's

Al Kaline
Ralph Kiner
Jim Edmonds

great power outfield
I think I can say Yanks and Westlakes outfield kills yours. :o

[AlecBoy006]

As I stated in another thread.

If they started giving Silver Sluggers during Kiner's area, it'd be named the Ralph Kiner award.

I would call Kaline a top 10 player of all time.

Edmonds has pop/glove also.

[Disgruntaledmarinerfan]

I'm gonna win the championship.

I guarantee it.
Brave Words... but I don't think the team that you have assembled so far is going to be able to back it up.

[Wade8813]

I'll take my OF's hitting over yours. And my D out there isn't too shabby either.

[AlecBoy006]

Heh- I know it seems farfetched, but I don't all superstar Yankee like teams. I want a Cardinal like team that has 2-3 stars and a couple of scrap players.

[Disgruntaledmarinerfan]

Heh- I know it seems farfetched, but I don't all superstar Yankee like teams. I want a Cardinal like team that has 2-3 stars and a couple of scrap players. You want scrap players? fine. whatever floats your boats. you can have the scrap, I'll take the pure undefiled gold.

[AlecBoy006]

I believe in having scrap for a good chemistry.

And Walker/Vlad over Edmonds/Kiner/Kaline? Nice!

[Wade8813]

I'm not sure, but I don't think the game cares about chemistry.

And yes, I'd take Simmons/Walker/Vlad over Edmonds/Kiner/Kaline.

[Erik Bedard]

I'll take Mays/Sosa/Crawford, thank you very much, not to mention Rodriguez, Killebrew, Dahlen, Yount and Schmidt.

[AlecBoy006]

I'm glad to see you are writing me off.

[yanks0714]

Al Kaline
Ralph Kiner
Jim Edmonds

great power outfield

So you think your OF has more power than Frank Robinson/Mickey Mantle/Hank Aaron ?????

The only sheer power hitter you have is Kiner. Edmonds and Kaline have good power but I wouldn't say they are 'power hitters' per se'.

[Erik Bedard]

Generally, what wins games in these all-time greats leagues is pitching. Last time, Sockeye had the best pitching, and he ran away with the title almost every year.

[Minstrel]

Sorry, AlecBoy, but I'll take my outfield of Musial/Cobb/Jackson over yours, both on offense and defense.

[AlecBoy006]

Just you wait and see.

Keep on overlooking me.

I'm gonna be good.

[Wee Willie]

Generally, what wins games in these all-time greats leagues is pitching. Last time, Sockeye had the best pitching, and he ran away with the title almost every year.
That's good to know, as I feel that it's a strength of my team. I may not have the best ace, but I love my depth.

[Westlake]

That's good to know, as I feel that it's a strength of my team. I may not have the best ace, but I love my depth.

Same here. I really like my staff.

[Wade8813]

Generally, what wins games in these all-time greats leagues is pitching. Last time, Sockeye had the best pitching, and he ran away with the title almost every year. And yet, for some reason, NO pitchers were taken in the first round.

Besides, there's no real point in comparing just the OF, or whatever. Someone can easily have picked a bunch of OFers early, but get stuck with a player no one wants at another position. I'm convinced that my lineup matches favorably against anyone elses (unless the LQ adjustments are bigger than I think), but will I be able to get enough pitching?

[AlecBoy006]

I like my staff, also.

[Erik Bedard]

And yet, for some reason, NO pitchers were taken in the first round.

Look at the second round, though.

I feel fairly good about my staff. Maddux, Joss, and Plank is a fairly good front three, and having Mo for the ninth is awesome.

BTW, I had a name bouncing around in my head, and then my mind went blank. Hold on....

[plask_stirlac]

I believe in having scrap for a good chemistry.


I didn't draft scrap but I did look at chemistry, defense, and LQ to keep things interesting. If I don't finish well, so be it. If pre-liveball star power dominates, more power to 'em.

[Wade8813]

Look at the second round, though.
True, but everyone seems to value their best batters over their best pitchers.

[Minstrel]

I think I kept myself competitive in pitching. I have one of the super-aces in Lefty Grove and then two more big-time pitchers behind him. Dean is an all-time great who will be as good as almost anyone's fourth pitcher.

But I guess a fair amount depends on who I fill my fifth spot with.

[Erik Bedard]

Drysdale makes a great fourth starter for me (Alec, don't say it), and I think I know who I want for the fifth slot.

[yanks0714]

In all honesty, what do you think of Tom Seaver, Bob Gibson, Robin Roberts, and Nolan Ryan thus far>

[Erik Bedard]

Better than mine. Better than everyone's. :clapping

[AlecBoy006]

I will say it.

Drysdale sucked!

[ChrisLDuncan]

In all honesty, what do you think of Tom Seaver, Bob Gibson, Robin Roberts, and Nolan Ryan thus far>


The only guys I see having better pitching are Ronnie5 and Evan (Westlake)

[-Kyle-]

I'm fairly dissapointed in my pitching, I think (compared to the other drafters) its below average.

[Disgruntaledmarinerfan]

I honestly really like my starting pitching staff. Some of them happen to be rather obscure players, I'm pretty sure most of them played during the deadball era. Statistically I think my pitching staff matches up pretty well verus others, I have no starters with an ERA over 1.80, most struck out a significant amount of batters, and each of pitcher WHIP is lower then or very close to 1.00.

[-Kyle-]

I mean, isn't it hard not to like your own team? Your picking from the greatest players of all time.

[Wee Willie]

Better than mine. Better than everyone's. :clappingI beg to differ:D But it is very good.

[Wade8813]

I mean, isn't it hard not to like your own team? Your picking from the greatest players of all time.
True, but so is everyone else. And if you forgot someone, or hoped they'd come back around, but they didn't, you might be somewhat unhappy with your team.

[Wee Willie]

The only guys I see having better pitching are Ronnie5 and Evan (Westlake)

:noidea
Going by the numbers below, I don't see how Yanks0714 or Westlake has a better staff than mine, thus far (sorry, no offense). Ronnie 5 has a better ace, but top to bottom - I think mine is right there. (Remember, we're taking the third best year instead of going by complete career)

Yanks0714:
SP1: Tom Seaver, 1975 - 10.7 WARP1, 145 ERA+
SP2: Bob Gibson, 1970 - 11.4 WARP1, 132 ERA+
SP3: Robin Roberts, 1952 - 10.5 WARP1, 141 ERA+
SP4: Nolan Ryan, 1974 - 10.5 WARP1, 119 ERA+

Ronnie5:
SP1 - Walter Johnson 1918 - 14.9 WARP1, 214 ERA+
SP2 - John Clarkson 1885 - 16.4 WARP1, 165 ERA+
SP3 - Johan Santana 2005 - 9.7 WARP1, 153 ERA+
SP4 - Orel Hershiser 1988 - 7.7 WARP1, 172 ERA+

Westlake:
SP1 - Sandy Koufax, 1964 - 8.8 WARP1, 187 ERA+
SP2 - Bob Feller, 1939 - 12.4 WARP1, 154 ERA+
SP3 - Steve Carlton, 1969 - 9.6 WARP1, 164 ERA+
SP4 - Whitey Ford, 1958 - 7.3 WARP1, 176 ERA+

Me:
SP1: Randy Johnson, 2002 - 11.3 WARP, 190 ERA+
SP2: Hal Newhouser, 1946 - 13.5 WARP, 188 ERA+
SP3: Rube Waddell, 1902 - 11.6 WARP, 179 ERA+
SP4: Jim Palmer, 1973 - 9.6 WARP, 156 ERA+
SP5: Stan Coveleski, 1917 - 9.4 WARP, 156 ERA+
Closer: Billy Wagner, 2005 - 7.6 WARP, 300 ERA+

[ChrisLDuncan]

Top to Botton Ronnie's staff is lights out, he just doesn't have a closer yet neither does Evan or Yanks

[Wee Willie]

Top to Botton Ronnie's staff is lights out, he just doesn't have a closer yet neither does Evan or Yanks
Well, I think Wagner's 2005 is better than any closer who is left, so neither Yanks nor Evan will make up any ground there. Even without the closer, my starters stack up better than those two when you look at the respective years. Ronnie doesn't have a 5th starter and might have a tough time getting one as good as my 5th. Plus, my 3rd and 4th (Waddell and Palmer) combined are better than Santana's and Herhiser's respective years combined. Clarkson was a 50-foot mound pitcher which inflates his WARP some, but I agree he was probably the best of that era.

[ChrisLDuncan]

Evan has K-Rod's 2004, and I'll take that over Wagner's 2005...I think he pitched to a weak league in 2005, K-Rod in 2004 had more innings and about 40 more Ks.

[Westlake]

:noidea
Going by the numbers below, I don't see how Yanks0714 or Westlake has a better staff than mine, thus far (sorry, no offense). Ronnie 5 has a better ace, but top to bottom - I think mine is right there. (Remember, we're taking the third best year instead of going by complete career)

Yanks0714:
SP1: Tom Seaver, 1975 - 10.7 WARP1, 145 ERA+
SP2: Bob Gibson, 1970 - 11.4 WARP1, 132 ERA+
SP3: Robin Roberts, 1952 - 10.5 WARP1, 141 ERA+
SP4: Nolan Ryan, 1974 - 10.5 WARP1, 119 ERA+

Ronnie5:
SP1 - Walter Johnson 1918 - 14.9 WARP1, 214 ERA+
SP2 - John Clarkson 1885 - 16.4 WARP1, 165 ERA+
SP3 - Johan Santana 2005 - 9.7 WARP1, 153 ERA+
SP4 - Orel Hershiser 1988 - 7.7 WARP1, 172 ERA+

Westlake:
SP1 - Sandy Koufax, 1964 - 8.8 WARP1, 187 ERA+
SP2 - Bob Feller, 1939 - 12.4 WARP1, 154 ERA+
SP3 - Steve Carlton, 1969 - 9.6 WARP1, 164 ERA+
SP4 - Whitey Ford, 1958 - 7.3 WARP1, 176 ERA+

Me:
SP1: Randy Johnson, 2002 - 11.3 WARP, 190 ERA+
SP2: Hal Newhouser, 1946 - 13.5 WARP, 188 ERA+
SP3: Rube Waddell, 1902 - 11.6 WARP, 179 ERA+
SP4: Jim Palmer, 1973 - 9.6 WARP, 156 ERA+
SP5: Stan Coveleski, 1917 - 9.4 WARP, 156 ERA+
Closer: Billy Wagner, 2005 - 7.6 WARP, 300 ERA+

I could care less about winning the sim, I would rather have the best team and win the vote, not the best '3rd year by Warp1' team.

Also, whats the point of listing WARP? It has nothing to do with the sim outside of deciding what year you can use.

[Wee Willie]

Evan has K-Rod's 2004, and I'll take that over Wagner's 2005...I think he pitched to a weak league in 2005, K-Rod in 2004 had more innings and about 40 more Ks.
Whatever, Chris. :rolleyes: You can downplay me all you want, the numbers don't lie. Wagner's ERA+ is 50 points higher. K-Rod pitched only 7 more innings, Wagner's WHIP was .837 vs K-Rods 1.000. Weak league, yeah riiiiiggghtt...K-Rod is a nice pick, but I think most people on here would take Wagner's year.

[Wee Willie]

I could care less about winning the sim, I would rather have the best team and win the vote, not the best '3rd year by Warp1' team.

Also, whats the point of listing WARP? It has nothing to do with the sim outside of deciding what year you can use.
Oh, YOU'D rather have the "best team". Like somehow I'm not going for the best team. Your intentions aren't any purer than mine. I am playing more for the sim, but nevertheless I feel it is important to state my case in the "rotation battle", as it were. Voting is very subjective, and winning the vote doesn't necessarily mean you have "the best team". I could list other things besides WARP1 or ERA+ - I was merely giving a snapshot of mine vs. other highly regarded staffs. It's perfectly valid. If you want to give a numbers comparison of your own, go right ahead.

[Westlake]

Oh, YOU'D rather have the "best team".:rolleyes: Like somehow I'm not going for the best team. Your intentions aren't any purer than mine. I am playing more for the sim, but nevertheless I feel it is important to state my case in the "rotation battle", as it were. Voting is very subjective, and winning the vote doesn't mean you have "the best team". I could list other things besides WARP1 or ERA+ - I was merely giving a snapshot of mine vs. other highly regarded staffs. It's perfectly valid. If you want to give a numbers comparison of your own, go right ahead.

Haha, chill bro. I never said you werent going for the best team, but I think you're playing more for the WARP season than I am... and I never said there was anything wrong with that either.

AND I never said winning the vote would mean I had the best team, I just said I would rather win the vote. Whats the point of jumping all over what I said? There were no undertones, just saying I wasnt paying attention to WARP when I was picking my team.

[Wee Willie]

Haha, chill bro. I never said you werent going for the best team, but I think you're playing more for the WARP season than I am... and I never said there was anything wrong with that either.

AND I never said winning the vote would mean I had the best team, I just said I would rather win the vote. Whats the point of jumping all over what I said? There were no undertones, just saying I wasnt paying attention to WARP when I was picking my team.
Go back and look at what you wrote, Evan. Your last post said "I could care less about winning the sim, I would rather have the best team and win the vote" - implying that winning the vote and having "the best team" are one in the same. That is how I took it initially. If it's not what you meant, than it's cool and I'm sorry for my reaction. I realize that each of us has their own set of goals/value systems, and that's what makes it so interesting.

[Westlake]

Go back and look at what you wrote, Evan. Your last post said "I could care less about winning the sim, I would rather have the best team and win the vote" - implying that winning the vote and having "the best team" are one in the same. That is how I took it initially. If it's not what you meant, than it's cool and I'm sorry for my reaction. I realize that each of us has their own set of goals/value systems, and that's what makes it so interesting.

I can see how it came off the wrong way, but when I said "I would rather have the best team and win the vote" as in I would like both, not necessarily one has to do with the other.

[Wee Willie]

I can see how it came off the wrong way, but when I said "I would rather have the best team and win the vote" as in I would like both, not necessarily one has to do with the other.
No problem, man. Sorry for the misread. I hope you understand that I wasn't downplaying your staff with the list I made - it's really good. I just wanted to point out how my staff compares with others, since I had been making a concerted effort to put pitching at a premium.

[-Kyle-]

Whatever, Chris. :rolleyes: You can downplay me all you want, the numbers don't lie. Wagner's ERA+ is 50 points higher. K-Rod pitched only 7 more innings, Wagner's WHIP was .837 vs K-Rods 1.000. Weak league, yeah riiiiiggghtt...K-Rod is a nice pick, but I think most people on here would take Wagner's year.

He was the one I wanted until you picked him. That 300 ERA+ looked so good.

[Minstrel]

Okay, everyone. Shall we try another lightning round tomorrow, like we did last Thursday?

Last week, we began at 8 PM EST. Could 7 PM EST work for people, so it doesn't get pushed up against people's bedtimes so quickly?

Check in with whether you can do a lightning round tomorrow and whether 7 PM EST works for you. Thanks.

[Westlake]

I dont think i'm going to be able to make it. I'm going to be studying all night. :eek:

[Minstrel]

I dont think i'm going to be able to make it. I'm going to be studying all night. :eek:

Wow. Betrayal from the one I counted on as the rock.

Ill times, my friends...we are in ill times.

[-Kyle-]

Okay, everyone. Shall we try another lightning round tomorrow, like we did last Thursday?

Last week, we began at 8 PM EST. Could 7 PM EST work for people, so it doesn't get pushed up against people's bedtimes so quickly?

Check in with whether you can do a lightning round tomorrow and whether 7 PM EST works for you. Thanks.
Since its vacation I can stay up 'til at least 1.

[Erik Bedard]

Possibly.... I'll get back to you tomorrow.

[Disgruntaledmarinerfan]

Most likely I will be able to be there.

[ChrisLDuncan]

I dont think i'm going to be able to make it. I'm going to be studying all night. :eek:



Ditto :eek: :eek: :eek:

[Minstrel]

Ditto :eek: :eek: :eek:

In late February? Seems too late for winter finals and too early for spring finals.

Are you guys studying for the California Bar exam? ;)

[Westlake]

In late February? Seems too late for winter finals and too early for spring finals.

Are you guys studying for the California Bar exam? ;)

Mid terms my friend. I have my "Severe Weather" exam tomorrow and Astronomy on Friday.

Bar exam is about 4 years away. Thank god.

[ronnie5]

Mid terms my friend. I have my "Severe Weather" exam tomorrow and Astronomy on Friday.

Bar exam is about 4 years away. Thank god.

I'm in for 7 EST... Evan, send me your picks and stop being a girl :p

[Westlake]

I'm in for 7 EST... Evan, send me your picks and stop being a girl :p

Now I remember why I waited to come to UT until after you graduated. :D

I'll give Ronnie my picks if I cant make it.

[ChrisLDuncan]

In late February? Seems too late for winter finals and too early for spring finals.

Are you guys studying for the California Bar exam? ;)

Midterms man

[Minstrel]

Midterms are a breeze. ;)

[538280]

Okay, everyone. Shall we try another lightning round tomorrow, like we did last Thursday?

Last week, we began at 8 PM EST. Could 7 PM EST work for people, so it doesn't get pushed up against people's bedtimes so quickly?

Check in with whether you can do a lightning round tomorrow and whether 7 PM EST works for you. Thanks.

Can't be here for 7 definitely, I might be able to make it for 8 but still no guarantees.

[Westlake]

seems like its not a good time. can we do this saturday or sunday?

[538280]

seems like its not a good time. can we do this saturday or sunday?

I won't be able to do it at all Saturday night. Sunday probably but maybe not. This is a busy 2nd half of week/weekend for me.

[Westlake]

I meant during the day saturday. Like 2 ish?

[538280]

I meant during the day saturday. Like 2 ish?

Probably still not. I'm going to be away Saturday. Hockey tournament.

[ChrisLDuncan]

Probably still not. I'm going to be away Saturday. Hockey tournament.


Some peope are just all negativity and impossible to work with ;)

[Minstrel]

Probably still not. I'm going to be away Saturday. Hockey tournament.

Good for you, son. Now that you're actually PLAYING hockey, you'll better understand how to evaluate hockey players. And if you want to win this weekend, be sure to remember what Bobby Orr said about Gordie Howe: "He was the best I ever saw."

You're really improving. I'm glad to see it!

[Westlake]

Good for you, son. Now that you're actually PLAYING hockey, you'll better understand how to evaluate hockey players. And if you want to win this weekend, be sure to remember what Bobby Orr said about Gordie Howe: "He was the best I ever saw."

You're really improving. I'm glad to see it!

:laugh :laugh

[yanks0714]

Bar exam is about 4 years away. Thank god.

Hey, man, I've taken bar exams in too many bars to count. So of them even let back in a 2nd time.

I think I've passed most of the bar exams...I seem to recall I had really good times at most of the exams....I passed scotch, bourbon, rum (my favorite), tequila, gin, and all flavors of schnapps....and, wow, the girls got better and better looking the more I took the exams...of course, I had trouble focusing on them after a while... :rolleyes: :crazy :D

Oh, you mean bar exams for the legal profession??? Hey, you can get ElHalo to tutor you.

[yanks0714]

Okay, everyone. Shall we try another lightning round tomorrow, like we did last Thursday?

Last week, we began at 8 PM EST. Could 7 PM EST work for people, so it doesn't get pushed up against people's bedtimes so quickly?

Check in with whether you can do a lightning round tomorrow and whether 7 PM EST works for you. Thanks.

I'll Be There.

[ChrisLDuncan]

Yeah I think I can do Thursday.

[Wee Willie]

Thursday works for me

[-Kyle-]

Any day 'til sunday is fine.

[-Kyle-]

Question for EB: Will modern pitches affect the old timers? AKA, will Phil Niekro destroy Ty Cobb, Cap Anson, etc. because they never had played with the knuckleball?

[plask_stirlac]

Question for EB: Will modern pitches affect the old timers? AKA, will Phil Niekro destroy Ty Cobb, Cap Anson, etc. because they never had played with the knuckleball?

It's the numbers. No.

[538280]

Good for you, son. Now that you're actually PLAYING hockey, you'll better understand how to evaluate hockey players. And if you want to win this weekend, be sure to remember what Bobby Orr said about Gordie Howe: "He was the best I ever saw."

You're really improving. I'm glad to see it!

:laugh :laugh

Right. I'm sure after this I'll come out accepting what was said by former players about former players as fact. Just kidding of course. I've been playing hockey for a long time actually. Still, though, I think as with many sports I tend to be a better athlete than a hockey player (except for football which is my best sport). I didn't play hockey for high school, did wrestling instead actually. That was fun. Went 5-4, did pretty well for someone who had never done it before. My problem was that if I didn't hit the BIG move, usually I wasn't good at getting points.

[Wade8813]

:laugh :laugh

Right. I'm sure after this I'll come out accepting what was said by former players about former players as fact. Just kidding of course. I've been playing hockey for a long time actually. Still, though, I think as with many sports I tend to be a better athlete than a hockey player (except for football which is my best sport). I didn't play hockey for high school, did wrestling instead actually. That was fun. Went 5-4, did pretty well for someone who had never done it before. My problem was that if I didn't hit the BIG move, usually I wasn't good at getting points. So you admit it! You're not 15 years old! Unless you're saying you were years ahead of the norm, and graduated HS by 15... :waving

[-Kyle-]

It's the numbers. No.
Darn, just trying to think outside the box (Tim Wakefield being my Ty Cobb and Honus Wagner specialest. :laugh ).

[538280]

So you admit it! You're not 15 years old! Unless you're saying you were years ahead of the norm, and graduated HS by 15... :waving

No, I mean this past winter sports season (as a freshman) I didn't. I'm currently in my freshman year of HS.

[Wade8813]

Nobody says "I didn't play hockey for high school" if they're still in high school. They say "I'm not playing hockey for high school". They use the present tense, not past.

[Westlake]

Nobody says "I didn't play hockey for high school" if they're still in high school. They say "I'm not playing hockey for high school". They use the present tense, not past.

Why not? If the season is over, I think its pretty safe to say he didnt play for his high school team..

[Wade8813]

I guess you could, but most people would say "I didn't play hockey this year", or, as I said "I don't play hockey".

Whatever. I tried :crazy :laugh :dance

[Minstrel]

By my count, Huntington Avenue, BoSox Rule, Wade8813 and AlecBoy006 still need to chime in about availability for a lightning round tonight.

[Erik Bedard]

I probably can. Mark me down.

[Wade8813]

I should be available. I didn't chime in because tonight was mentioned, but then Saturday was mentioned, and a few other days, and I wasn't sure what day we'd decided to try for.

What time did we decide on?

[Minstrel]

I should be available. I didn't chime in because tonight was mentioned, but then Saturday was mentioned, and a few other days, and I wasn't sure what day we'd decided to try for.

What time did we decide on?

We're going for tonight, 8 PM. But three people haven't even responded...

[Westlake]

We're going for tonight, 8 PM. But three people haven't even responded...

And i'm actually here! :ughh

We arent going anywhere tonight without AlecBoy. However, I wouldnt be opposed to skipping him. Its not like hes going to want anyone we are going to pick. Also, wasnt this announced a couple days ago? Thats ample time to at least tell us if you can be here or not.

[Minstrel]

And i'm actually here! :ughh

We arent going anywhere tonight without AlecBoy. However, I wouldnt be opposed to skipping him. Its not like hes going to want anyone we are going to pick. Also, wasnt this announced a couple days ago? Thats ample time to at least tell us if you can be here or not.

That's true. I just don't want to end up skipping multiple people several times potentially. It was never officially announced as on, because I was asking whether everyone could make it.

[Westlake]

That's true. I just don't want to end up skipping multiple people several times potentially. It was never officially announced as on, because I was asking whether everyone could make it.

Darn. Cmon Minstrel, wheres the dictatorship? You need to TELL people to be here, not ask them. Where are your cojones?!?! :p

[-Kyle-]

Was anyone even considering Stieb?

[Minstrel]

Darn. Cmon Minstrel, wheres the dicatorship? You need to TELL people to be here, not ask them. Where are your cojones?!?! :p

I...uh....well, you see...hey, shut up!

[ChrisLDuncan]

Next time we do this, there will be a next time I can assure you of that, lets make a lightining round once a week...if you can't committ then don't play. Also League's of tweleve would make more sense.

[ChrisLDuncan]

We started this thing about three weeks ago and were only about half way through...weak.

[plask_stirlac]

We started this thing about three weeks ago and were only about half way through...weak.

Hmm... at least you're in the fast league.

[yanks0714]

We started this thing about three weeks ago and were only about half way through...weak.

Somebody posted a few days ago that this is one of the fastest they've been in.

I'm frustrated as well at the semingly slow pace. But I can also understand that this is across all time zones; people working or going to school; chores and studies; family or friendship matters; etc. That all causes a slow down.

Now, when Minstral calls for a 'lightning round' and you agree to it, well, then BE there. If not, after 15 minutes you lose your turn. Those who can't be here should provide another poster a list of players to choose for them.

To me, it's about commitment.

[ElHalo]

Somebody posted a few days ago that this is one of the fastest they've been in.

It is.

The first time I did a full 25 round draft... and this was a draft with only ten participants, mind you... it took about three months.

[Minstrel]

It is.

The first time I did a full 25 round draft... and this was a draft with only ten participants, mind you... it took about three months.

Yeah, that was my experience as well. Plus, there were several people who were routinely skipped. These things tend to go slowly, but this is a pretty active group.

[Minstrel]

Okay, I guess we need to formalize lightning rounds too. Because it's not fair for people to agree and show up and then be held up by people who don't even respond.

Since weekday evenings seem to be better than weekends, from now on, let's say Thursday night at 8 PM EST will be a lightning round every week. If you can't make it, PM a list to someone. It will last until 10 PM EST. If you have to leave in the middle, PM a list to someone.

During the lightning round, selection windows will narrow to 15 minutes.

Now, everyone knows and there's no excuse for not giving someone a list. Be sure and mention who is authorized to pick for you.

[yanks0714]

Okay, I guess we need to formalize lightning rounds too. Because it's not fair for people to agree and show up and then be held up by people who don't even respond.

Since weekday evenings seem to be better than weekends, from now on, let's say Thursday night at 8 PM EST will be a lightning round every week. If you can't make it, PM a list to someone. It will last until 10 PM EST. If you have to leave in the middle, PM a list to someone.

During the lightning round, selection windows will narrow to 15 minutes.

Now, everyone knows and there's no excuse for not giving someone a list. Be sure and mention who is authorized to pick for you.

Excellent, Minstral!!! Everybody knows, or will know, and has time to plan and prepare.

[Erik Bedard]

Sorry for being late. My stupid math teacher made me redo every homework assignment from the last three weeks.

BTW, Kyle, Stieb was my next pick. You made me resort to Jenkins.

[Westlake]

Okay, I guess we need to formalize lightning rounds too. Because it's not fair for people to agree and show up and then be held up by people who don't even respond.

Since weekday evenings seem to be better than weekends, from now on, let's say Thursday night at 8 PM EST will be a lightning round every week. If you can't make it, PM a list to someone. It will last until 10 PM EST. If you have to leave in the middle, PM a list to someone.

During the lightning round, selection windows will narrow to 15 minutes.

Now, everyone knows and there's no excuse for not giving someone a list. Be sure and mention who is authorized to pick for you.

This is where you trot down the first base line and point at me and grab your huge invisible conjones

[Wade8813]

This is where you trot down the first base line and point at me and grab your huge invisible conjonesOk, that's a little more than we needed to hear...

[Westlake]

Ok, that's a little more than we needed to hear...

I think you need to watch Major League 2 once more...

[-Kyle-]

Immensly satisfied that I managed Stieb and Keller at this time.

[Wade8813]

So, the Lightning Round's over, isn't it?

[Minstrel]

So, the Lightning Round's over, isn't it?

8 to 10 PM. But I guess it doesn't count for this one, since I didn't announce it until after it had started. But, ideally it ends at 10.

[-Kyle-]

My ace was taken in the 14th round...:crazy

[-Kyle-]

Where would you guys put 2002 Bonds? 3rd or 4th?

[Wade8813]

Depends on the rest of your team, but usually 3rd.

[ChrisLDuncan]

For 2002 third.

[Minstrel]

I'd bat him fourth.

The reason why is because in the third spot, he's likely to come up quite a few times in the first inning with two out and none on. I'd say that's the least valuable situation to have Bonds up...they can work around him and it doesn't hurt much.

If you bat him fourth, he's guaranteed to either come up with men on base in the first or lead-off the second. Obviously, you want Bonds up with men on base. But it's also good to have him lead-off, because working around him hurts...putting the lead-off man on is a big head start to scoring a run.

The difference between third and fourth in terms of total PA isn't very significant.

[-Kyle-]

I'd bat him fourth.

The reason why is because in the third spot, he's likely to come up quite a few times in the first inning with two out and none on. I'd say that's the least valuable situation to have Bonds up...they can work around him and it doesn't hurt much.

If you bat him fourth, he's guaranteed to either come up with men on base in the first or lead-off the second. Obviously, you want Bonds up with men on base. But it's also good to have him lead-off, because working around him hurts...putting the lead-off man on is a big head start to scoring a run.

The difference between third and fourth in terms of total PA isn't very significant.
That is what I was thinking...sort of like Manny on the Red Sox.

[plask_stirlac]

Bat him first. Seriously.

[Wade8813]

Batting him first is a bit unorthodox, but I've heard from a fairly reliable source that it might be the best option for you.

[538280]

Nobody says "I didn't play hockey for high school" if they're still in high school. They say "I'm not playing hockey for high school". They use the present tense, not past.

What I meant by "I didn't play" is more that I didn't choose to play, since the season is already underway. Perhaps to make it more clear I should have said "I didn't choose to play hockey". What I ended up doing is wrestling anyway and I did well for someone with zero experience. Looking forward to the future there.