Who wants to be in an auction league?

[Eric_the_Red]

I am going to wait until both Yahoo & ESPN are open to compare the two offerings for an auction league, but wanted to get interested owners lined up.

It will be a mixed (AL & NL), 5x5 roto league. If you've never done an auction league, it is a lot of fun. It adds another level of team strategy to your fantasy game, and gives you more control of your final roster.

If you are interested, please post here. I will send the owners PMs when the league is ready to go. I'll add the names of those that expressed interest already, and will edit the list as more owners come forward.

1. Eric_the_Red
2. Vada Pinson Fan
3. Joseph
4. FutureRedsGM
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.

[Vada Pinson Fan]

To all reading this,

Hey if you're not sure about joining an auction league that's ok but if you want to have the ultimate control as your payroll allows - don't worry its free and an imaginary payroll :) then join us for a fun time this season!

As Eric said it will be in the standard 5x5 roto with the difference being the draft. Instead of choosing a player when it's your turn, you can bid on each player and try to get the players you have always wanted if you are willing to pay the top price and have enough money (left) to field an entire roster. If you have any questions feel free to ask Eric or me. Right now we are waiting on Yahoo to bring its fantasy baseball games "live" / online.

Thanks!

Jerry

[Stephenk29]

Ill throw in my two cents......auctions are fun.

But I'm tapped out on my limit!

Good luck guys!

[mbgrayson]

I have room for one more league...count me in!

Mike

[NorrisHopper30]

I'm game!

[Eric_the_Red]

1. Eric_the_Red
2. Vada Pinson Fan
3. Joseph
4. FutureRedsGM
5. mbgrayson
6. NorrisHopper30
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.

I'm going to check out both Yahoo & ESPN today and see which works better for our needs.

[Joseph]

Keep on signing up folks. It'll be new to most of us so don't worry.

[reds1869]

I'll take a shot at it...count me in!

[Eric_the_Red]

1. Eric_the_Red
2. Vada Pinson Fan
3. Joseph
4. FutureRedsGM
5. mbgrayson
6. NorrisHopper30
7. reds1869
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.

[Vada Pinson Fan]

Glad to have you guys join!!! Having your own, definite shot at the player(s) you want instead of the "luck of the draw" that affects the first few rounds in rotissierie (although I love to play roto & fantasy point as well) the auction aspect lends itself to a bit more skill and more levels of fun, I think IMHO. :eek::beerme:

Can't wait to get this thing started!!!! :) :thumbup: Only 5 spots remain!!! Join in while there's still openings!!!

[NorrisHopper30]

Bump!

[Eric_the_Red]

I'm surprised we haven't filled up yet. Maybe we should consider cutting it down to 10 so we can have the draft before the All-Star break?

[FutureRedsGM]

I'm surprised we haven't filled up yet. Maybe we should consider cutting it down to 10 so we can have the draft before the All-Star break?

I'm still in.

[Vada Pinson Fan]

I'm fine either way Eric. 10 or 12 managers works for me!

If you're reading this right now and haven't signed up yet, here's a great link for you to get more info about Fantasy Baseball Auction Leagues!!! http://sports.yahoo.com/fantasy/blog/roto_arcade/post/Tip-Drill-Fantasy-auction-strategy?urn=fantasy,218753
Don't be left out guys. Our league may reduce to 10 players/managers at anytime. Get in now and be a part of some OUTSTANDING FUN this spring and summer!!!

Thank You!
Jerry aka Vada Pinson Fan

[Redsfan320]

You guys know when you're gonna draft yet?

320

[Eric_the_Red]

Not for sure. I'd like to vote for Sunday March 28, in the afternoon.

[redsfandan]

I might be interested although I'm hoping that it's a 12 team league instead of 10 team. 10 team leagues with a player pool that includes every player are kinda shallow. So, I hope you guys wait on switching from 12 teams to 10 teams. There's still plenty of time to fill spots.

[Redsfan320]

Hmm. Checked out Yahoo!'s auction mock drafts. I'll definitely consider it, but it does seem rather difficult without doing it before. Looks fun though.

320

[RedsManRick]

I'm in.

[Eric_the_Red]

Welcome!

1. Eric_the_Red
2. Vada Pinson Fan
3. Joseph
4. FutureRedsGM
5. mbgrayson
6. NorrisHopper30
7. reds1869
8. RedsManRick
9.
10.
11.
12.

[Eric_the_Red]

I might be interested although I'm hoping that it's a 12 team league instead of 10 team. 10 team leagues with a player pool that includes every player are kinda shallow. So, I hope you guys wait on switching from 12 teams to 10 teams. There's still plenty of time to fill spots.

I prefer 12 teams as well. You should join! If we get enough active owners we could maybe turn it into a keeper league.

[reds1869]

I prefer 12 teams as well. You should join! If we get enough active owners we could maybe turn it into a keeper league.

That would be sweet! I play in a keeper league for football and it is so much more fun than a one and done.

[Redsfan320]

Okay, I'm in. Hope I don't regret having my first year of Fantasy Baseball in an auction league. HOWEVER, I'M ONLY IN IF IT'S A YAHOO LEAGUE.

320

[Eric_the_Red]

Welcome, Redsfan320! Don't worry- we'll take it easy on you!
I would recommend reading the MLB Fantasy 411 blog, and listening to their podcast and the ESPN Fantasy Focus Baseball podcast. Plus, you can never do enough mock drafts!

1. Eric_the_Red
2. Vada Pinson Fan
3. Joseph
4. FutureRedsGM
5. mbgrayson
6. NorrisHopper30
7. reds1869
8. RedsManRick
9. Redsfan320
10.
11.
12.

[Redsfan320]

A question-- What is the absolute limit you should consider putting toward a player, even if his name is Pujols or Hanley, if you're on a $260 budget.

Also, do you have the league set up yet? If you do could you go ahead and PM me with password and league name. Thanks. Gonna go do another mock draft now....

320

[redsfandan]

I'm in.

[Eric_the_Red]

A question-- What is the absolute limit you should consider putting toward a player, even if his name is Pujols or Hanley, if you're on a $260 budget.

Also, do you have the league set up yet? If you do could you go ahead and PM me with password and league name. Thanks. Gonna go do another mock draft now....

320

I would check out some of the fantasy previews, such as the ones on MLB.com, CBS and ESPN. Many of them give estimated dollar values for auction leagues for each player. These are just suggestions, and some values may fluctuate depending on the owner's strategy, but it is a good start.

I hope to have the league set up in the next day or two. I will PM all owners the info.

[redsfandan]

A question-- What is the absolute limit you should consider putting toward a player, even if his name is Pujols or Hanley, if you're on a $260 budget.

Also, do you have the league set up yet? If you do could you go ahead and PM me with password and league name. Thanks. Gonna go do another mock draft now....

320
I'm just curious, what kind of mock drafts have you done? Since this will have an auction draft I'd make sure to do some mock auction drafts.


I hope to have the league set up in the next day or two. I will PM all owners the info.
Well, you don't have to rush. The more teams the better. Besides, the draft probably won't be for another month anyway.

[Eric_the_Red]

Welcome dan!

1. Eric_the_Red
2. Vada Pinson Fan
3. Joseph
4. FutureRedsGM
5. mbgrayson
6. NorrisHopper30
7. reds1869
8. RedsManRick
9. Redsfan320
10. redsfandan
11.
12.

2 spots left!

[Redsfan320]

I'm just curious, what kind of mock drafts have you done?

Yahoo!'s.

320

[Gamble]

Count me in if it isn't to late to join.

[Eric_the_Red]

Welcome Gamble!
We have one spot left!

1. Eric_the_Red
2. Vada Pinson Fan
3. Joseph
4. FutureRedsGM
5. mbgrayson
6. NorrisHopper30
7. reds1869
8. RedsManRick
9. Redsfan320
10. redsfandan
11. Gamble
12.

[hebroncougar]

I'm game, never done auction, but I'll give it a go.

[Eric_the_Red]

And we are full!

I will set up the league on Yahoo, as previously requested. More details to come!

1. Eric_the_Red
2. Vada Pinson Fan
3. Joseph
4. FutureRedsGM
5. mbgrayson
6. NorrisHopper30
7. reds1869
8. RedsManRick
9. Redsfan320
10. redsfandan
11. Gamble
12. hebroncougar

[NorrisHopper30]

Sounds good!

[Redsfan320]

Another question about FBB-- What's the difference between a utility player and a bench player.

320

[Vada Pinson Fan]

A conflict has came up (nothing between me personally and anyone that has signed up for this auction league) and better for it to happen now than later. So I'll leave it at that and ask Eric to replace my spot in this auction league.

My apologies to each of you.
I was really looking forward to playing in this league.

Jerry
Cc: PM to Eric

[Eric_the_Red]

Another question about FBB-- What's the difference between a utility player and a bench player.

320

A utility player is a batter of any defensive position that can be in your weekly lineup (his batting stats count to your team totals).

A bench player can be a batter or pitcher that is not in your active lineup, and whose stats do not count toward your team totals.

HTH

[Eric_the_Red]

A conflict has came up (nothing between me personally and anyone that has signed up for this auction league) and better for it to happen now than later. So I'll leave it at that and ask Eric to replace my spot in this auction league.

My apologies to each of you.
I was really looking forward to playing in this league.

Jerry
Cc: PM to Eric

Alright, well I guess we are a team short again. Who wants to take the last spot in our league?

[Redsfan320]

Come on, guys. Anyone. If you're saying "I dunno, I've never done an auction before.", well I've never played Fantasy Baseball before and I'm doing an auction. Come on, we'll have fun.

320

[LondonRed]

What the heck. If you can live with a noob from England in the league, I'll take that spot?!

[Redsfan320]

YEAH! We've got enough now! Thank you! Welcome!

I have to ask how did you become a Reds fan in London?

320

[LondonRed]

Started following the Bengals when American Football first became popular in the UK back in the mid-1980s, mainly because I thought the striped helmets were great! Seemed only natural to follow the Reds when baseball finally started being televised in the late 90s.

Little did I realise what heartache I was letting myself in for!

[Redsfan320]

Yeah. Cincy was a bad city to pick for American sports. Places like NY usually fare better. That's okay. The Bengals were much improved this year and the Reds time is coming very soon!

And yeah, the Bengals have some of the best uniforms in the NFL.

320

[reds1869]

Started following the Bengals when American Football first became popular in the UK back in the mid-1980s, mainly because I thought the striped helmets were great! Seemed only natural to follow the Reds when baseball finally started being televised in the late 90s.

Little did I realise what heartache I was letting myself in for!

I know the feeling. I support Bristol City and Bristol Rugby. Man, did I choose a lifetime of heartache or what?

Welcome to the league! I am sure we'll all have a great time.

[NorrisHopper30]

Any update?

[Eric_the_Red]

Here is what I am thinking for the league. Please let me know your thoughts.

Auction/draft date: Sunday March 28, around 3pm ET, noon PT.

Standard 5x5 roto scoring

$100 FAAB (free agent auction bucks) to bid on free agent pick-ups during the year (eliminates 'first come first served', and keeps the auction format all year)

Weekly lineups, start each Monday

C, C, 1B, 2B, 3B, SS, CI, MI, OF, OF, OF, OF, OF, Util, P, P, P, P, P, P, P, P, P, BN, BN, BN, BN, BN, BN, DL, DL, DL

Max games: 162
Max IP: 1250

Thoughts? Concerns?

[Joseph]

Whats our starting budget?

I'd cut one of the catcher slots personally and go for another Util slot.

[Redsfan320]

Sounds great. The draft date should work for me, although I would prefer 1:30 or 2 on that day. Why weekly lineups as compared to daily?

320

[mbgrayson]

Can you even do weekly lineups in a Yahoo roto league? I prefer daily too.

[reds1869]

That works for me.

[RedsManRick]

Are we using standard FAAB rules (highest bid wins at the value of their bid) or vickery (highest bid wins, but only has to pay $1 more than the 2nd highest bid)?

[Gamble]

I would like to see it more like a 25 man roster.. maybe something like this?

C, 1B, 2B, 3B, SS, OF, OF, OF, OF, CI, MI, UTL, UTL

SP, SP, SP, RP, RP, P, P, P, BN, BN, BN, BN, DL, DL, DL

[redsfandan]

I work Sunday nights so a 3:00 pm start time for the draft could mean I'd be cutting things a little close. So, like Redsfan320, I'd prefer a 1:30 or 2:00 pm start time.

I'd also prefer lineups set daily.

[Eric_the_Red]

Whats our starting budget?

I'd cut one of the catcher slots personally and go for another Util slot.

Starting budget is $260.

The roster (and most of the rules) are standard NFBC format. The roster construction is designed to be challenging. With only 1 catcher slot, it really doesn't matter which catcher you get, aside from the top 2 or 3 catachers. By having 2 catchers, it forces owners to pay more attention to the position. We can certainly discuss rosters further if other owners want to change it though.

[Eric_the_Red]

Are we using standard FAAB rules (highest bid wins at the value of their bid) or vickery (highest bid wins, but only has to pay $1 more than the 2nd highest bid)?

Standard FAAB.

[Eric_the_Red]

The reason I prefer weekly lineups is twofold: you don't have to log in every day to take the time to adjust your lineup (this is huge if you go on vacation during the year), and it adds some strategy to setting your lineup. You have to look at pitching matchups and how many games there are, and make decisions on that info, rather than just putting in all the guys that are playing.

Again, most of the rules are standard NFBC format, which is the format used by most "expert" leagues. If anyone would like to vote on a rule change, let me know.

And, I will see if I can't get an earlier draft time, if that isn't a problem for anyone else.

[hebroncougar]

I would like to see it more like a 25 man roster.. maybe something like this?

C, 1B, 2B, 3B, SS, OF, OF, OF, OF, CI, MI, UTL, UTL

SP, SP, SP, RP, RP, P, P, P, BN, BN, BN, BN, DL, DL, DL

+1, and I'd much rather prefer weekly lineups.

[reds1869]

I prefer the more traditional roto roster with two catchers. As far as lineups go, I am fine with either format.

[FutureRedsGM]

Here is what I am thinking for the league. Please let me know your thoughts.

Auction/draft date: Sunday March 28, around 3pm ET, noon PT.

Standard 5x5 roto scoring

$100 FAAB (free agent auction bucks) to bid on free agent pick-ups during the year (eliminates 'first come first served', and keeps the auction format all year)

Weekly lineups, start each Monday

C, C, 1B, 2B, 3B, SS, CI, MI, OF, OF, OF, OF, OF, Util, P, P, P, P, P, P, P, P, P, BN, BN, BN, BN, BN, BN, DL, DL, DL

Max games: 162
Max IP: 1250

Thoughts? Concerns?

Do you have a league name / password so we can go ahead and sign up?

As far as the items being discussed, I prefer weekly line-ups and the 25 man roster.

[Eric_the_Red]

Let's vote, majority rules.

Lineups: weekly vs daily
mbgrayson - daily
redsfandan - daily
hebroncougar - weekly
FutureRedsGM - weekly
EricTheRed - weekly
reds1869 - either

To vote:
Gamble, LondonRedsFan, Joseph, NorrisHopper30, RedsManRick, Redsfan320

[Eric_the_Red]

Another vote, majority rules.

Roster size: current vs. 25 man.
Gamble - 25
hebroncougar - 25
FutureRedsGM - 25
reds1869 - current
EricTheRed - current

To vote:
mbgrayson, redsfandan, LondonRedsFan, Joseph, NorrisHopper30, RedsManRick, Redsfan320

[Eric_the_Red]

Once we get the above votes tallied, I will PM everyone a link to sign up for the league on Yahoo.

Also, it should be no problem to move the draft to 1pm ET on Sunday 3/28. Does that conflict for anyone?

[reds1869]

Once we get the above votes tallied, I will PM everyone a link to sign up for the league on Yahoo.

Also, it should be no problem to move the draft to 1pm ET on Sunday 3/28. Does that conflict for anyone?

That time works for me.

[Redsfan320]

MY VOTE:

Lineups: Daily

Roster size: 25-man

The time should be okay, maybe cutting it a little close for getting home from Church, 1:15 or 1:30 would be better but it should work.

320

[Eric_the_Red]

Update:
Lineups: weekly vs daily
mbgrayson - daily
redsfandan - daily
Redsfan320 - daily
hebroncougar - weekly
FutureRedsGM - weekly
EricTheRed - weekly
reds1869 - either

To vote:
Gamble, LondonRedsFan, Joseph, NorrisHopper30, RedsManRick

Roster size: current vs. 25 man.
Gamble - 25
hebroncougar - 25
FutureRedsGM - 25
Redsfan320 - 25
reds1869 - current
EricTheRed - current

To vote:
mbgrayson, redsfandan, LondonRedsFan, Joseph, NorrisHopper30, RedsManRick

[Gamble]

I vote weekly

[Eric_the_Red]

Update:
Lineups: weekly vs daily
mbgrayson - daily
redsfandan - daily
Redsfan320 - daily
hebroncougar - weekly
FutureRedsGM - weekly
EricTheRed - weekly
Gamble - weekly
reds1869 - either

To vote:
LondonRedsFan, Joseph, NorrisHopper30, RedsManRick

Roster size: current vs. 25 man.
Gamble - 25
hebroncougar - 25
FutureRedsGM - 25
Redsfan320 - 25
reds1869 - current
EricTheRed - current

To vote:
mbgrayson, redsfandan, LondonRedsFan, Joseph, NorrisHopper30, RedsManRick

[LondonRed]

Weekly line-up, 25 man roster would be my preference.

By the way, all draft times touted are fine for me in GMT.

[Eric_the_Red]

Update:
Lineups: weekly vs daily
mbgrayson - daily
redsfandan - daily
Redsfan320 - daily
hebroncougar - weekly
FutureRedsGM - weekly
EricTheRed - weekly
Gamble - weekly
LondonRedsFan - weekly
reds1869 - either

To vote:
Joseph, NorrisHopper30, RedsManRick

Roster size: current vs. 25 man.
Gamble - 25
hebroncougar - 25
FutureRedsGM - 25
Redsfan320 - 25
LondonRedsFan - 25
reds1869 - current
EricTheRed - current

To vote:
mbgrayson, redsfandan, Joseph, NorrisHopper30, RedsManRick

[RedsManRick]

Another vote, majority rules.

Roster size: current vs. 25 man.
Gamble - 25
hebroncougar - 25
FutureRedsGM - 25
reds1869 - current
EricTheRed - current

To vote:
mbgrayson, redsfandan, LondonRedsFan, Joseph, NorrisHopper30, RedsManRick, Redsfan320

I'm fine with NFBC rules -- which I believe is the current option in both polls.

[Eric_the_Red]

I'm fine with NFBC rules -- which I believe is the current option in both polls.

No, NFBC is my original proposal with slightly larger teams, including 2 catchers. The 25 man roster rule would have a few less players.

[RedsManRick]

No, NFBC is my original proposal with slightly larger teams, including 2 catchers. The 25 man roster rule would have a few less players.

Ah, my bad. I favor 2 catchers and 30 man max rosters similar to NFBC.

Position (14) C, C, 1B, 2B, 3B, SS, OF, OF, OF, OF, OF, CI, MI, UTL
Pitcher (9) SP, SP, SP, RP, RP, P, P, P
Bench (4)
DL (3)

I don't like too many bench spots because it depletes the FA pool and makes for a less exciting league. And if we were to drop the 2nd catcher, I would NOT add another UTL as too many utility options detract from the impact/challenge/fun of position scarcity.

As for draft time, I would definitely support an earlier draft time, such as noon eastern. I have a possible obligation at 3...

[Eric_the_Red]

RedsManRick - what about weekly vs daily lineup changes?

Update:
Lineups: weekly vs daily
mbgrayson - daily
redsfandan - daily
Redsfan320 - daily
hebroncougar - weekly
FutureRedsGM - weekly
EricTheRed - weekly
Gamble - weekly
LondonRedsFan - weekly
reds1869 - either

To vote:
Joseph, NorrisHopper30, RedsManRick

Roster size: current vs. 25 man.
Gamble - 25
hebroncougar - 25
FutureRedsGM - 25
Redsfan320 - 25
LondonRedsFan - 25
reds1869 - current
EricTheRed - current
RedsManRick - current

To vote:
mbgrayson, redsfandan, Joseph, NorrisHopper30

[Redsfan320]

RMR wants an earlier draft time like noon, which would definitely not work for me. Perhaps we could do it that Saturday instead of Sunday, when I would be available all day. Surely a time like 10 AM would be open. Definitely wouldn't want anybody to miss the draft.

320

[Eric_the_Red]

RMR wants an earlier draft time like noon, which would definitely not work for me. Perhaps we could do it that Saturday instead of Sunday, when I would be available all day. Surely a time like 10 AM would be open. Definitely wouldn't want anybody to miss the draft.

320


I already have a draft that Saturday. I can move the draft time to 1:00 Sunday.

[Redsfan320]

Sunday at 1 should work for me. I guess any later wouldn't work for RMR and earlier would definitely not work for me, so I guess 1 would be good.

320

[reds1869]

RMR wants an earlier draft time like noon, which would definitely not work for me. Perhaps we could do it that Saturday instead of Sunday, when I would be available all day. Surely a time like 10 AM would be open. Definitely wouldn't want anybody to miss the draft.

320

Noon Sunday would be a problem for me as well. Sunday at 1 would be fine.

[RedsManRick]

My other thing on Sunday isn't a must-do, just a chance to earn some brownie points with the GF. If Sunday at 1 is what works for everybody else, that's fine with me.

[NorrisHopper30]

Weekly lineups. IDC when the draft is i'll be able to make it unless it's saturday during the day.

EDIT: Sunday at 1 works.

[Eric_the_Red]

Update:
Lineups: weekly vs daily
mbgrayson - daily
redsfandan - daily
Redsfan320 - daily
hebroncougar - weekly
FutureRedsGM - weekly
EricTheRed - weekly
Gamble - weekly
LondonRedsFan - weekly
NorrisHopper30 - weekly
reds1869 - either


Roster size: current vs. 25 man.
Gamble - 25
hebroncougar - 25
FutureRedsGM - 25
Redsfan320 - 25
LondonRedsFan - 25
reds1869 - current
EricTheRed - current
RedsManRick - current

To vote:
mbgrayson, redsfandan, Joseph, NorrisHopper30

So, it looks like weekly lineups wins a majority of the votes. Still waiting for votes on the lineup size.

[Joseph]

25 man roster.

[mbgrayson]

25 man roster is fine w/ me.

[Eric_the_Red]

Alright, that settles it. Weekly lineups and 25 man rosters. Look for the league info in your PM boxes.

[Eric_the_Red]

Next order of business if how we should handle keepers.

So, two questions:
1. How much should the cost be to keep players next season? $2, $3...$5..??
2. Should there be a limit to the number of players kept?

My votes:
1. $3 additional each year
2. No limit.

[FutureRedsGM]

Joined as "High Grove Hoodlums".

Anyone know if Yahoo! will have an iPhone app for baseball like they did for FFB last season?

No preference on the keeper stuff. You guys are probably more experienced at that stuff than I am so I'll leave those decisions up to you.

Good luck everyone. I'm really looking forward to it.

[Joseph]

Just want some clarification on what you mean by additional.

Let's say I get Albert Pujols this season for 12$ [random number]. Next year would I have to pay 3$ to keep him or 15$?

[Gamble]

Where does the budget of $3 come from for next season? Next years draft budget?

[Eric_the_Red]

The $3 would be added to the player's 2010 cost.

So, in 2010 you win Pujols at $12 (what a bargain!) and decide to keep him on your team in 2011. His cost goes up to $15. If he is the only player you kept, you would have $245 left for your 2011 team ($260 budget - $15 for Pujols).

Keep him in 2012 and he costs $18, and so on.

[reds1869]

The $3 would be added to the player's 2010 cost.

So, in 2010 you win Pujols at $12 (what a bargain!) and decide to keep him on your team in 2011. His cost goes up to $15. If he is the only player you kept, you would have $245 left for your 2011 team ($260 budget - $15 for Pujols).

Keep him in 2012 and he costs $18, and so on.

I like that idea. The exact dollar amount isn't all that important, but between $3 and $5 is where I think it should be.

[Joseph]

Ok, just wanted to be sure.

[Eric_the_Red]

Anyone have any objections with this set-up?

For players valued $20 and under, it is $3 to keep them.
For players valued $21 or more, it is $5 to keep them.

This will put more of the elite players back into the pool each year.

[Gamble]

Maybe the line could be $25 and under is $3 and $26 or more could be $5?

[Redsfan320]

Perhaps we could all do a mock draft tonight at 7:30. Get on here at ~7:15, and quickly decide what mock to do.

320

[reds1869]

Perhaps we could all do a mock draft tonight at 7:30. Get on here at ~7:15, and quickly decide what mock to do.

320

I can't but that could be helpful.

[Redsfan320]

I can't but that could be helpful.

Maybe we can do another one in a few days.

320

[Redsfan320]

Okay, no mock tonight. How bout Th. at around 7:30 we decide on a mock to do?

Also, if Eric's cool with this, could a mod change the thread title to something like "RZ auction keeper league- yr. 1", as we're no longer looking for teams.

320

[Eric_the_Red]

You guys can do a mock auction, but I'm not about to reveal my strategies. ;)

[reds1869]

You guys can do a mock auction, but I'm not about to reveal my strategies. ;)

That is a great point. I was thinking of throwing everyone off by bidding $52 for Willy Taveras.

[Eric_the_Red]

I show 11 owners have joined the Yahoo league. Who are we missing?

[Redsfan320]

I show 11 owners have joined the Yahoo league. Who are we missing?

London Red, maybe.

320

[LondonRed]

Not guilty. I'm going all patriotic as 'Send Me Victorious,' a slight tweak to one of the lines in our national anthem.

As an aside, I'll struggle to join any 'practice' mock drafts with the time difference. But as Eric_the_Red suggests, I'm happy to keep my strategy / educated guesswork to myself for the time being!

[Redsfan320]

Okay, I've checked on things and the 3 people unaccounted for are:

Joseph
Future Reds GM
Redsfandan

2 of those 3 own 1 each of the following unaccounted for teams:

High Grove Hoodlums
Cin-City Redlegs

If those 2 owners would identify themselves, we would know who the last owner is.

320

[Joseph]

I'm Cin-City Redlegs

[Redsfan320]

Okay, so the missing person is either:

Future Reds GM
OR
Redsfandan

1 of those 2 own the team:

High Grove Hoodlums

320

[Eric_the_Red]

I will PM them and see who hasn't signed up yet.

[redsfandan]

I show 11 owners have joined the Yahoo league. Who are we missing?
I'm the team that hasn't, technically, joined yet. But, like I said in the pm I just sent to Eric_the_Red, I haven't joined yet because I didn't think there was a need to rush to join since the draft isn't for another few weeks. That's all.

[Eric_the_Red]

No problem, rfd. Thanks!

[FutureRedsGM]

I will PM them and see who hasn't signed up yet.

I am HGH - High Grove Hoodlums.

[Eric_the_Red]

I am HGH - High Grove Hoodlums.

Nice acronym. :thumbup:

[redsfandan]

Next order of business if how we should handle keepers.

So, two questions:
1. How much should the cost be to keep players next season? $2, $3...$5..??
2. Should there be a limit to the number of players kept?

My votes:
1. $3 additional each year
2. No limit.


Anyone have any objections with this set-up?

For players valued $20 and under, it is $3 to keep them.
For players valued $21 or more, it is $5 to keep them.

This will put more of the elite players back into the pool each year.
I had a thought that I hope people keep in mind...

I don't know how experienced all of the owners are in this league. But I think we have at least one person that is new to fantasy baseball and it's possible that we could have one or two more people with some experience but not ALOT. So, my concern is that we could end up with rules that makes it harder for owners with weak teams to strengthen their teams enough in a reasonable amount of team to keep the league as competitive as possible. If there are a couple teams that don't start off with strong teams and struggle to improve year after a year a 12 team leage could really be a 10 team league.

Increasing the salary cap hit of players by $3/yr would be fine with me but I'm not sure about $5 for more expensive players.

That'll make it almost impossible for some players to be kept for more than one year. That could also affect the trade value of the players and result in an owner feeling that they have to trade a player at any price because they won't be able to afford to keep him. Just food for thought.

As far as keepers go, I'd prefer to have 10 keepers.

That would be enough for any team to start off next year with a foundation already in place but it would allow weak teams to have a chance at some decent players in the year 2 draft that aren't just fringe players or prospects who may not even see any time in the majors that year. Otherwise, we could end up with a team that, because they have a bad draft in year 1, finds it hard to legitimately compete until year 3 or later. To be clear, I don't have a problem if a team decides to build for the future instead of competing right away. But having a team or two that are constantly in the bottom of the league rankings every year would detract from the competitiveness of the league and increase the chances of owners leaving the league. Everyone would still have a shot at the same players in the year 2 draft if there were 10 keepers. 10 keepers would just increase the chances of every team having at least a shot at winning within the first few years.

[Eric_the_Red]

Wouldn't the $5 fee for better players let to more churn with top players, thereby increasing the chances that any team could get those players? I'm sorry, but I'm not sure what you are saying there.

[redsfandan]

Wouldn't the $5 fee for better players let to more churn with top players, thereby increasing the chances that any team could get those players? I'm sorry, but I'm not sure what you are saying there.
Yes it would. I just wanted to point out that it would probably be extremely difficult to keep those players for more than only one year. Keeping in mind that, since we'll have 25 man rosters, every team could be at least $75 over the cap before the 2nd year draft. So, how much turnover would we want of top players. Also, if a team decides that it would be hard to keep a player and they trade him to another team would the new team have that player at the same price as the original team bid for him? For example, one team bids $40 for a player and later trades him to another team. Would that player count as $40 against the new teams salary cap? I want to make sure that things like that are clear from the get go.

Like I said in my previous post, I'm not at all opposed to upping player values every year. And right now I'm not sure which way I would lean on upping players value by $5. But, while I'd consider myself fairly experienced in standard fantasy baseball, I'm not experienced in auction leagues let alone leagues where player values increase and I may not be the only one in that boat. So, I think just taking a little time for the league to discuss that proposal instead of jumping to a vote right away would be a good idea. That's all.

[Eric_the_Red]

Yes, if players are traded their contracts/values would go with them.

Maybe we just split the difference and say all keepers are $4 more per year?

[RedsManRick]

Here's a thought, tiered bumps:
Under $10: Up $5
$10-$24: Up $4
$25-$39: Up $3
$40 and over: Up $2

This would make it so you aren't keeping some $3 prospect for 10 years when he turns about to be good, but it also makes it so the studs aren't immediately priced out of reasonable range. Absent that system put me down for $4 bumps. As for the number of keepers, I'd say no limit.

One interesting idea I've heard is allowing prior year's owner to have matching rights. So a guy would go to FA, but you'd have the right to match whatever the winning bid is and get your player back at that price. Maybe we could have like 3 "tags" to give out to guys who we weren't keeping so we had a better shot at bringing the guy back but didn't have to pay him more than he's worth.

[Gamble]

Is there anyway we could have a franchise tag? Each team can keep one player at no cost? The rest at $4. The catch for the future is to change their value each season to their projected value. Just a thought.

[Redsfan320]

3 weeks 'til draft day!

320

[Eric_the_Red]

Hmm, franchise tag, huh? Sounds interesting. Maybe we add a caveat that franchised players can be keep at their previous year's value, but they cannot be dropped that year?

[Joseph]

Hmm, franchise tag, huh? Sounds interesting. Maybe we add a caveat that franchised players can be keep at their previous year's value, but they cannot be dropped that year?

Now that I like.

[reds1869]

Now that I like.

I could go for that. As Lou Brown would say, "that's a heck if an idea."

[Joseph]

So where we at here fellas [and ladies if there are any in the league]?

[FutureRedsGM]

Draft next Sunday, right?

[Redsfan320]

Draft next Sunday, right?

That would be correct. Not this coming Sunday, but the one a week and a half away. The 28th.

320

[Eric_the_Red]

Here is what I'd like to do with keepers:
- Each player you keep the following season will count an additional $4 (ex: Player A is won at auction for $13 in 2010, so he would count as $17 if kep for 2011)
- There is no limit to the amount of players a team can keep, as long as the team can fill their team rosters spots with the allotted $260 cap
- Each owner can designate 1 player as a franchise player. That player can be kept the next season at the same value of the previous year. Franchise players cannot be cut at any point during their franchise year. If traded, they still cannot be cut. You cannot franchise the same player in consecutive years.

It seems from the discussion here that most owners would support the above. I think it sounds like a fun wrinkle to add to the keeper system.

[reds1869]

Here is what I'd like to do with keepers:
- Each player you keep the following season will count an additional $4 (ex: Player A is won at auction for $13 in 2010, so he would count as $17 if kep for 2011)
- There is no limit to the amount of players a team can keep, as long as the team can fill their team rosters spots with the allotted $260 cap
- Each owner can designate 1 player as a franchise player. That player can be kept the next season at the same value of the previous year. Franchise players cannot be cut at any point during their franchise year. If traded, they still cannot be cut. You cannot franchise the same player in consecutive years.

It seems from the discussion here that most owners would support the above. I think it sounds like a fun wrinkle to add to the keeper system.

That sounds great to me.

[Redsfan320]

1 week 'till Draft Day!

320

[Gamble]

Any chance redsfandan could join now? It only takes a couple minutes at most.

[Eric_the_Red]

Dan has assured me he will be in the league. I don't think we have anything to worry about.

[redsfandan]

Any chance redsfandan could join now? ...
Done.

[Eric_the_Red]

I can't wait! "See" you guys on Sunday!

[Redsfan320]

D- Day tomorrow. :) The great :duel: begins!

:rockband:

320

[Eric_the_Red]

Can't wait!

[Redsfan320]

T- 5 H and counting. :)

320

[redsfandan]

Man, I hope I'm awake in time for this draft.

[Eric_the_Red]

Man, I hope I'm awake in time for this draft.

PM me if you want me to shoot you a text to wake you up.

4.5 hr!

[reds1869]

Almost time for the fun!

[Redsfan320]

T- 3 2/3 H. :)

320

[Redsfan320]

I'm in.

320

[Redsfan320]

Gamble, how would you feel about Drew for Kershaw? I sent you a trade propsal.

320

[reds1869]

redsfandan, your pm box is full, so I'm posting here. I've made a trade proposal on the site, please check it out.

[Gamble]

Sorry 320 but it would take a lot for me to trade Kershaw. I have zero interest in J.D Drew.

[redsfandan]

redsfandan, your pm box is full, so I'm posting here. I've made a trade proposal on the site, please check it out.
My mistake. I've created some space so, hopefully, that doesn't happen again.

[Redsfan320]

Sorry 320 but it would take a lot for me to trade Kershaw. I have zero interest in J.D Drew.

Okay. Do I have anything you would consider for Kershaw. I could really use his low ERA. If we could work out a bigger deal I could part ways with Reyes, but you already have J-Roll, so I don't see that working out.

320

[FutureRedsGM]

What a terrible day to have internet issues!!!! I completely missed the draft and my team is suffering because of it. Looks like it will be a long season of trades and waiver wire work. I can already tell that I will be lacking in the HR and Save departments. I'm open to any trade discussions!! Good luck to everyone.

[mbgrayson]

Final 2010 Standings:



1. The Montana Machine 96
2. New York Knights 85
3. reds1869 83
4. Send Me Victorious 80
5. Vottomatic 78.5
6. Redsfan320 71
7. Red Stockings 70
8. Cin-City Redlegs 68.5
9. NorrisHopper30 47.5
10. High Grove Hoodlums 43
11. redsfandan 32.5
12. Burlington Cougars 25
Last standings update: Mon Oct 04 02:42am MDT

[Eric_the_Red]

Congrats to the Machine for their strong September. After leading almost all year my Knights could no longer hold them off. Looking forward to next year!

[Redsfan320]

It was fun. I think I'll be back next year.

320

[Joseph]

Hey guys, the auction part and weekly set up just didn't do anything for me. I will be dropping my team if you want to find someone who wants to pick it up or just make everyone free agents.

Thanks!

[reds1869]

I enjoyed the season and love the auction format. I have to agree with Joseph on the weekly setup, though; I'd much prefer daily roster moves.

[Eric_the_Red]

We can vote on weekly vs daily when we get to setting up the league for next year. Whatever the majority of owners want, I'm fine with.

[mbgrayson]

I like daily better too.

The Machine....

[LondonRed]

Happy New Year to all from London.

Bengals football now officially done for the season, eyes certainly turning back to the baseball.

Although I didn't post much, I thoroughly enjoyed the league last year, and am pleased to have given a relatively decent account of myself.

My thoughts going forward:

- when do we need to make a decision on our keepers and franchise players?
- my preference would be to swap to daily line-ups
- my one quibble last year was the signing of free agents, it tended to be that people online at the right time were able to trump bids from others. I know there was an MB discussion on this, with a few months to go maybe we can put our heads together to find a better solution?

Look forward to doing battle again this year, and if the Reds continue their success many late nights and bleary mornings at work.

[Redsfan320]

We doing this again this season? I'm gettin' the itch. Also, I echo LondonRed's desire for a swap to daily line-ups.

320

[Eric_the_Red]

Yeah, I think this week I will start the head count and we'll pick things back up.

[reds1869]

I'm in again!

[Captain Hook]

If there's any teams that become available I'd like to be considered to take over.Never done any kind of auction leagues but I do understand how they work.

[Eric_the_Red]

I started up the league again and changed roster moves to daily. The draft is set for Sunday March 13, 1:00 pm. (Although I will have to figure out how to run the draft when we are bringing back players from last year. Any suggestions?)

Owners from last year that wish to return will have one week to sign up. Any teams whose owners have not signed back up by next weekend will be open to be replaced.

Also, I set free agency to a rolling waiver list. I think we will just assign a value of $3 to any player added once they have clear waivers.

Once you have signed up for the league again, I will email or message you the list of your roster from last year with the player's 2011 values for you to start considering who you want to keep/drop.

[reds1869]

I started up the league again and changed roster moves to daily. The draft is set for Sunday March 13, 1:00 pm. (Although I will have to figure out how to run the draft when we are bringing back players from last year. Any suggestions?)

Owners from last year that wish to return will have one week to sign up. Any teams whose owners have not signed back up by next weekend will be open to be replaced.

Also, I set free agency to a rolling waiver list. I think we will just assign a value of $3 to any player added once they have clear waivers.

Once you have signed up for the league again, I will email or message you the list of your roster from last year with the player's 2011 values for you to start considering who you want to keep/drop.

I just registered. I had so much fun last year and can't wait for the new season. It will be great if everyone returns.

[Redsfan320]

Anyone want to do a group mock draft sometime this week? Playing against 11 CPUs is not fun.

320

[redsfandan]

I started up the league again and changed roster moves to daily. The draft is set for Sunday March 13, 1:00 pm. (Although I will have to figure out how to run the draft when we are bringing back players from last year. Any suggestions?)

Owners from last year that wish to return will have one week to sign up. Any teams whose owners have not signed back up by next weekend will be open to be replaced.

Also, I set free agency to a rolling waiver list. I think we will just assign a value of $3 to any player added once they have clear waivers.

Once you have signed up for the league again, I will email or message you the list of your roster from last year with the player's 2011 values for you to start considering who you want to keep/drop.
Any chance the draft could be an hour or two later in the day?

[Eric_the_Red]

Any chance the draft could be an hour or two later in the day?

Yeah, that shouldn't be an issue. I actually don't know that we will be able to do a live draft since we are keeping players at a set value. I'm just not sure how else to do the draft. Anybody know of any free chat room services? We could just do it that way.

[LondonRed]

Quote below from the Yahoo site, hoping this means keepers can be allocated relatively easily and we can still operate the live draft as intended.

"In order to use the "Edit Draft Order & Assign Keeper Players" tool, the league Commish must first "Finalize Team List". The commish can finalize the Team List via the Commish Tools → Draft Management section. This can be undone, but any draft order and draft pick customizations will be deleted."

I'm sure Yahoo must have these facilities in place given the number of fantasy leagues they look after.

[Eric_the_Red]

Quote below from the Yahoo site, hoping this means keepers can be allocated relatively easily and we can still operate the live draft as intended.

"In order to use the "Edit Draft Order & Assign Keeper Players" tool, the league Commish must first "Finalize Team List". The commish can finalize the Team List via the Commish Tools → Draft Management section. This can be undone, but any draft order and draft pick customizations will be deleted."

I'm sure Yahoo must have these facilities in place given the number of fantasy leagues they look after.

Yes, but will they let me assign a keeper auction value to those players? I suppose that is the big question that I will find out once I get the keeper lists back.

[reds1869]

Yeah, that shouldn't be an issue. I actually don't know that we will be able to do a live draft since we are keeping players at a set value. I'm just not sure how else to do the draft. Anybody know of any free chat room services? We could just do it that way.

I would prefer the draft later too. Even 3:00 might be too early for me that afternoon. I suppose if need be I could let the computer use my list to draft, though.

Also, when do you need the keeper lists in?

[Eric_the_Red]

I would prefer the draft later too. Even 3:00 might be too early for me that afternoon. I suppose if need be I could let the computer use my list to draft, though.

Also, when do you need the keeper lists in?

Once we get the league full we will refill when keepers are due and the best draft time/day.

[reds1869]

Once we get the league full we will refill when keepers are due and the best draft time/day.

Thanks!

[FutureRedsGM]

I would prefer the draft later too. Even 3:00 might be too early for me that afternoon. I suppose if need be I could let the computer use my list to draft, though.

Also, when do you need the keeper lists in?

I also agree that later that day works best for me.

[Eric_the_Red]

Looks like there are 8 returning teams:
me (New York Knights)
redsfandan
High Grove Hoodlums
Red Stockings
The Montana Machine
Send Me Victorious
Redsfan 320
reds1869

And 3 RZ members have told me they want to join:
Razor Shines
Captain Hook
thatcoolguy_22

Assuming all three of them join, that leaves one team open. Anyone else here on RZ interested?

[RedsManRick]

I was part of this last year -- just haven't seen this thread and thought my invite was from a different league. I just signed back up, so with those 3, we should be good.

[Eric_the_Red]

I was part of this last year -- just haven't seen this thread and thought my invite was from a different league. I just signed back up, so with those 3, we should be good.

Great! Just emailed you your roster with their updated values.

[Redsfan320]

Okay, I need some help here. Where can I view last year's roster and select keepers from it? Because right now, it looks like the slate's been wiped clean. Whenever I go to my roster page, I just get the little pop-up countdown until the auction draft, and behind that I can see the blank roster page.

320

[Eric_the_Red]

Okay, I need some help here. Where can I view last year's roster and select keepers from it? Because right now, it looks like the slate's been wiped clean. Whenever I go to my roster page, I just get the little pop-up countdown until the auction draft, and behind that I can see the blank roster page.

320

You should have received an email from me with your roster and the players' updated values. Let me know if you need it emailed again.

[Redsfan320]

You should have received an email from me with your roster and the players' updated values. Let me know if you need it emailed again.

Yeah, I'm gonna need that sent again. Not sure why I didn't receive it the first time. Thanks.

320

[Eric_the_Red]

Still no response from thatcoolguy_22 so we have one team up for grabs. Any other RZers want to take over a team?

[Eric_the_Red]

Looks like our league is now full! I have set the draft day/time to Sunday March 13th at 7:15 pm eastern. Please let me know if this does not work for you asap so we can find a time that works for everyone. With keepers, the draft shouldn't take too long.

Speaking of keepers, please get me your list of keepers by next Wednesday, March 9th. Then I will update them on our league page so everyone can see which players will be available.

Thanks all!

[LondonRed]

Fine for me on GMT, will get my list of keepers sorted asap.

[reds1869]

Sounds great. I've sent my keeper list via email.

[Eric_the_Red]

It appears the time Sunday night won't work for some. So, what I would propose to makes things easy is for each owner to send me when they are available between March 12-26. Just give me a general idea of what days/times are best and any dates that are definite no's.

I still would like keeper lists by Wednesday March 9th.

[reds1869]

It appears the time Sunday night won't work for some. So, what I would propose to makes things easy is for each owner to send me when they are available between March 12-26. Just give me a general idea of what days/times are best and any dates that are definite no's.

I still would like keeper lists by Wednesday March 9th.

Monday nights are always out for me. Other than that I can be pretty flexible. Just watch out for NCAA Tournament times. :D

[Redsfan320]

Yeah Sat. and Sun. afternoons are best for me. Sun. better than Sat. However, I will not be available Sat. the 19th.

320

[Captain Hook]

I can deal with whatever time is decided for the Draft.

I would like to be sure about a few thing before I send in my keepers.

1.I can keep as many as I want?

2.With my keepers I'm paying last yrs value plus $3?

[Eric_the_Red]

I can deal with whatever time is decided for the Draft.

I would like to be sure about a few thing before I send in my keepers.

1.I can keep as many as I want?

2.With my keepers I'm paying last yrs value plus $3?

1. Yes, as long as your total team salary is $260 or less after the draft.

2. The salaries included with your team already includes the $3 bump. So, those would be their 2011 costs.

[Eric_the_Red]

Just a reminder that all keeper lists are due on or before tomorrow (Wednesday).

For now, based on the feedback I've received from other owners, I've moved the draft time to this Friday (3/11) at 6:30 pm EST. From everyone I've back from, this should work.

If this doesn't work for you at all, please let me know asap, and let me know what days/times do work. I considered moving it to next weekend, but as another owner pointed out, that is NCAA tourney time.

I hope this new day/time works for everyone. Don't forget to get me your keepers!

[Eric_the_Red]

Alright, let's give this another shot. I may either be gray or bald by the time this is scheduled.

How about we draft on Wednesday, 3/16 at 5:30pm EST? Please tell me this will work, lol.

And final reminder- keepers are due tomorrow.

[Eric_the_Red]

Wednesday next week isn't good for a couple owners. So how about we try Thursday 3/17 at 7pm EST?

[Captain Hook]

I'm ok with that but it is St. Patrick's Day and the first round of the NCAA tournament.

[Eric_the_Red]

I'm ok with that but it is St. Patrick's Day and the first round of the NCAA tournament.

Yeah, but I'm not sure when else to do it. Next year we start scheduling the draft in January.

All keepers have been turned in and updated on the site. I estimate the auction should take less than 2 hours, since half the teams are filled.

[redsfandan]

If we need to do this the night before the season starts that's fine with me. I'll take the night off work. But we have to get the draft date/time settled.

[Eric_the_Red]

If we need to do this the night before the season starts that's fine with me. I'll take the night off work. But we have to get the draft date/time settled.

I haven't heard any owners say they can't do next Thursday, so let's stick to the 7pm draft time until we hear otherwise.


Also, you should be able to go to the league page and view the player list to see which team they are on if they were kept.

[Eric_the_Red]

Thought this may be helpful before the auction Thursday night.

Budget Overview

Max roster size is 25. $1 is reserved for each empty roster slot.
Team Starting Budget Total Picks Total Keepers Costs Remaining Budget
New York Knights $260 11 11 $121 $139
Redsfan320 $260 6 6 $108 $152
reds1869 $260 20 20 $243 $17
Send Me Victorious $260 12 12 $189 $71
The Montana Machine $260 23 23 $244 $16
redsfandan $260 21 21 $170 $90
High Grove Hoodlums $260 10 10 $132 $128
Red Stockings $260 10 10 $166 $94
Vottomatic $260 17 17 $170 $90
SeasonEndingInjuries $260 6 6 $58 $202
captain hook $260 8 8 $101 $159
Incredible Hulks $260 8 8 $106 $154

[Redsfan320]

Got my 1st baseball practice tonight at 5:15, but I should be back in time.

320

[Eric_the_Red]

Auction starts in 8 minutes!

[mbgrayson]

Final 2011 standings for Redszone Auction League:



1. Red Stockings 89
1. Vottomatic 89
3. New York Knights 88.5
4. High Grove Hoodlums 85.5
5. Killer Rabbits 67.5
6. Send Me Victorious 65
7. captain hook 64.5
8. The Montana Machine 62
9. reds1869 53
10. Incredible Hulks 51
11. Redsfan320 43
12. SeasonEndingInjuries 22


Congrats to Red Stockings and Vottomatic for a 1st place tie! Very close grouping at the top this year....

[Eric_the_Red]

For the second year of the league, my Knights were in first most of the season only to falter down the stretch. Next year!

[RedsManRick]

Definitely a crazy finish. When I had basically used up all my pitching innings by mid-september, I figured I was toast. Had you not passed me in strikeouts Eric, I would've won... oh well.

Somehow I managed to stay up there with having spend a huge chunk of my money on 2 of the biggest disappointments in baseball this year: Hanley Ramirez and Carl Crawford.
Looking back, my strat of going cheap with the SP really paid off as I landed guys like Ian Kennedy, Michael Pineda, Corey Leubke and Anibal Sanchez off the wire.

Looking forward to next year.