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If you're not an armchair GM and manager, just ignore this thread. If you're in the BBFL, if you're an owner looking for a new league, or a Commissioner looking for new owners, read on.


I want to thank Mike Moffatt and welcome him as the new Commish of the BBFL. I'm adjusting priorities, and will be resigning from a couple of other leagues, but I'll continue to play in ours. Mike will also take my place on the Rules committee, another responsibility I've been neglecting, so offseason trading should begin shortly.

Thanks to Scott Lucas, whose Nation Builders won the league's first championship, we will also have a Web site. The rosters will be posted there, along with some other goodies. There will be a BBFL link in the sidebar soon.

I'm in two other Yahoo keeper leagues, and would be glad to provide an introduction to the Commissioners if anyone wants to take over my teams. One is suitable for beginners, the other is very challenging and would appeal to hardcore statheads. Let me know if you're interested. I'd also like a co-owner for 2004 in an AL roto league with an entry fee and prize money. We have a farm system there, and trading of draft picks -- I won this year, in part because I traded off my future for second-half "rentals" of impending free agents. As it may be a rebuilding year, I will pay all fees out of my winnings, if someone wants to be my partner for a season and take over the franchise thereafter.

Another thing I'm giving up is my ESPN column, where I've been offering fantasy advice about the Blue Jays for two years. Batter's Box is simply a more enjoyable outlet for me. If you would like to apply for the position, e-mail me and I'll try to help.

OK, let the trade talk begin. Unless something changes over the winter, my BBFL keepers are Delgado, Schilling, Schmidt, Wagner and who knows? It will be a last-minute decision. If Mike Lowell, Milton Bradley, Mark Loretta, Orlando Cabrera, Torii Hunter, Frankie Rodriguez or anyone else on my roster has appeal to you, I would make an offseason trade -- two, or even three of them, for one player I like better.

Again, everyone is invited to post a "league wanted" or "owner wanted" message below; this thread isn't exclusive to the Batter's Box league. There is already a long waiting list for available BBFL franchises, but there has been talk before of a second ZLC league, perhaps an expanded version of the Yahoo roto league Spicol set up last year.

Winter Meetings, Fantasy Style | 49 comments | Create New Account
The following comments are owned by whomever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say.
_Commissioner Bo - Monday, November 03 2003 @ 10:56 AM EST (#75964) #
http://economics.about.com
Thanks Coach!

I'm really looking forward to next season, as my white flag trade should pay dividends, and it will be fun to have Vernon "Country" Wells for an entire season.

I look forward to discussing the reserve clause and any other rules we need to go over.

CBM
_Andrew Edwards - Monday, November 03 2003 @ 10:56 AM EST (#75965) #
I'd be interested in joining a good league, provided the scoring system didn't include, you know, RBIs and Wins.

If anyone has a statheady keeper league with a good group of owners, I'm interested.
_R Billie - Monday, November 03 2003 @ 11:44 AM EST (#75966) #
My keepers will be Sheffield, Ordonez, Giambi, and Morris with Piazza, Andruw Jones, Carlos Lee, and Joel Pineiro battling for the fifth slot.

My roster also contains potentially good players like Spivey and Pineiro. I'm willing to do a multiple for one deal with a team looking for offensive depth. What I'd like in return is either a frontline starter (similar calibre to Matt Morris) or a standout middle infielder or third baseman.

Feel free to email me once trading begins.
_Mick - Monday, November 03 2003 @ 11:53 AM EST (#75967) #
The 2003 season was my first since 1989 that I was fantasy-teamless (OK, I had a "free team" on ESPN.com that I sort of kept an eye on but not really) ... and I gotta admit, I enjoyed the season more than I have in a long time.

Coach, with you leaving ESPN.com, that leaves Gitz and Scott as the only Boxers over there. Is this a Batter's Box talent raid? Are we going to start seeing Thor Kolnes posting here?
_Spicol - Monday, November 03 2003 @ 12:27 PM EST (#75968) #
I was disappointed with the "Variety Meats League" this year, mostly due to a couple from the official site who weren't as committed as they originally made out to be.

I will run the VML again but prefer to stick with names I know from the Box. Know that this is not the BBFL relgation league discussed earlier. This is a separate league to satisfy those who like roto scoring.

Email me now if you are interested. 7 spots are open. A heavy preference will be given to regular Box posters. I have reserved teams for 2003 participants Coach, Pistol, RBillie and Scott Lucas unless you inform me you don't want it. Coach may have other priorities?

Roto scoring, 6X6 (categories are flexible but be assured it will be sabr-licious). I'll cap the league at 12 teams. Any more in roto and the second half becomes tiresome. I intend to make it a keeper league starting this year.
Pistol - Monday, November 03 2003 @ 12:37 PM EST (#75969) #
Hijack - Wagner was traded to the Phillies for (a discussed possible Blue Jay acquisition) Brandon Duckworth and PTBNL(s).
_Spicol - Monday, November 03 2003 @ 12:51 PM EST (#75970) #
As for my keepers, I am SO terribly undecided. I don't have any top-50 talent so my picks will be dependent upon what happens transactions-wise in the offseason of the real MLB. I'm keeping Josh Beckett and Wade Miller for sure (although I would trade either) but the remaining 3 could be any of:

Derrek Lee, Edgar Martinez (don't retire!), Erubiel Durazo, Jason Varitek, Livan Hernandez, Eddie Guardado or even Luis Castillo, Ray Durham or Damaso Marte, if they end up in the right places/roles.
_Jordan - Monday, November 03 2003 @ 12:57 PM EST (#75971) #
Thanks, Pistol -- I've started a Wagner thread.
_Justin B. - Monday, November 03 2003 @ 02:20 PM EST (#75972) #
Thanks for all the work in setting up the league over the last year, Coach. It was a great experience for my first foray into fantasy baseball. I'm sure we're still in capable hands with Mike.

For my keepers: Brian Giles, Roy Halladay, Javier Vazquez, and Johan Santana are definite. This leaves Eric Chavez, Jim Edmonds, Rich Harden, and Mike Cameron on the bubble. I could package a couple of these guys for one top-tier bat if anyone is interested.
_AGF - Monday, November 03 2003 @ 02:44 PM EST (#75973) #
Sure keepers: The Big Unit (I am willing to trade him but I doubt any of you would be willing to give up much for a 40 year old with an injury marred season), Ichiro, and Carlos Zambrano.

Options for the last keepers: Griffey, Corey Patterson, Mariano Rivera, Marcus Giles, Juan Gonzales, and Jamie Moyer

Let me know whom you might be interested in. It seems everyone wants to do 'upgrade' trades...Well count me as one who could give up a 'star' for lesser talent. I need RBI men!

Thganks for a great season and let the trading begin to shorten the time before next year's draft.
_Scott Lucas - Monday, November 03 2003 @ 04:43 PM EST (#75974) #
http://www.scottlucas.com
BATTER'S BOX ARCHIVES

The site still needs work, but it should suffice for the time being. More goodies on the way.
Pepper Moffatt - Monday, November 03 2003 @ 04:49 PM EST (#75975) #
http://economics.about.com
Sweet.. thanks Scott!

My five keepers are Abreu, Jeter, BH Kim, Larry Walker, and Vernon Wells.

I don't think I'll be doing any trading since my sixth best player is Kirk Rueter. It's almost if I planned to have only five good players! :)

Mike
_AGF - Monday, November 03 2003 @ 04:54 PM EST (#75976) #
Very cool Scott!

And by the way I forgot Phil Nevin as a keeper (That might tell you how highly I value him, or how cheaply you can get him....)
_R Billie - Monday, November 03 2003 @ 05:50 PM EST (#75977) #
AGF, we can talk. As it happens I have a volume of RBI type outfielders.
Gitz - Monday, November 03 2003 @ 06:34 PM EST (#75978) #
I would like to reiterate my desire to jump in the league if someone bows out.

That is all.
_Spicol - Monday, November 03 2003 @ 06:41 PM EST (#75979) #
Apologies to anyone who tried to send me a message but my email is rancebaby@yahoo.ca and not .com. Where as I thought the two were interchangeable in Yahoo, apparently they are not.

If you tried to send me a message, you'll have to resend.
_Jurgen - Monday, November 03 2003 @ 11:58 PM EST (#75980) #
Looking forward to working with you, Commissioner Moffatt. The fact that you were opposed to any mid-season rule chances when the league somehow changed the number of keepers (bastards! all of you!) gives me faith that you won't lead us into a Selig-like quagmire.

Baird Brain keepers? Berkman, Helton, and Boone, and then pick two from Huff, Matsui, Lofton, Urbina, Penny, Buerhle, and R. Soriano.

In other words, I'm clearly willing to deal.

On behalf of everyone, I'd like to again thank Coach for his excellent work on establishing the best fantasy league out there.
_Johnny Mack - Tuesday, November 04 2003 @ 01:06 AM EST (#75981) #
I'm interested in joining a league -- the larger the better is my preference these days. Know up front that I love to trade, and have been known to turn over an entire roster during the course of a season. I think I'd be interested in playing in any of the leagues mentioned so far. email on the way, Spicol.
Pepper Moffatt - Tuesday, November 04 2003 @ 08:57 AM EST (#75982) #
http://economics.about.com
Anyone who is interested in having a team, please post a message here. If there's enough interest, I'd really like to set up a second league. I'll have to discuss it with the current owners, though.

Cheers,

Mike
Craig B - Tuesday, November 04 2003 @ 10:23 AM EST (#75983) #
Yeah, I'd like to be part of a league.
Craig B - Tuesday, November 04 2003 @ 10:23 AM EST (#75984) #
Yeah, I'd like to be part of a league.
_Jicks Rays - Tuesday, November 04 2003 @ 10:28 AM EST (#75985) #
Spicol, if you want me you got me! I don't post(do to illiteracy/confidence problems), but I would be active in your keeper league. Keep me in mind, please. As for trading and keepers, everyone on my team is available try your luck, you never know what I'll trade away!! And Nations, I really like what you've done for the league with the website. Bravo Coach, thank you very much for starting the league and being the commish for the inaugrile(see can't spell) season. Looking forward to hereing from someone and if I don't I'll be in touch with ya'll, CIAO.
Craig B - Tuesday, November 04 2003 @ 10:59 AM EST (#75986) #
Jick's Rays, I don't see what illiteracy and confidence have to do with *anything*! Post, damn you! We all make gross, horrible mistakes with grammar and spelling at Batter's Box. Nobody minds and we all try look at the message and not the container it's wrapped in.

In short, I'm betting that what you have to add here is valuable (all points of view are valuable in these discussions) and we'd like to hear it sometimes if you're willing.

If you're *really* uncomfortable posting comments, you can always ask me to edit them for grammar and spelling before posting them, e-mail it to me at tybalt4@yahoo.com and I will clean it up for you.

Take care.
Pepper Moffatt - Tuesday, November 04 2003 @ 11:04 AM EST (#75987) #
http://economics.about.com
I somehow got a job as a professional (freelance) writer and I don't even know how to use a comma. We can perfectly understand what you're saying, so I wouldn't worry too much about it.

Quick tip: If you don't know how to spell a word, type it into google. If you get it wrong, it will usually tell you the correct spelling. If you download the Google Toolbar you can do this really quickly. Plus it has a built-in pop-up blocker, which is vital if you plan on visiting About.com. Not that I'm bitter.

Cheers,

Mike
_Jay - Tuesday, November 04 2003 @ 11:59 AM EST (#75988) #
I'm always interested in joining another Roto keeper league. I realize I am not the star poster here but I've been lurking since just before the All-Star break and just love reading everyone's insights, which generally coincide with mine.

Roto wise, I hope you will find I am no slouch having just won a 20-team draft keeper league based out of the States. A couple of the guys in the league are accredited experts in the industry. Jeff Howard, for example, won the CBS Sportsline Experts league this season (but only finished 4th in our league). Great thing about this particular league, and I believe the BBFL is the avoidance of simply traditional categories. While we still have R and RBI, we have replaced HR with TB and AVG with OBP. On the pitching side W is replaced by 3*W+ 2*Quality Starts, S is replaced by 3*S+Holds, and K is replaced by K-BB.

If you do decide to move forward with another league, whatever the format, I'd be interested. E-mail address is linked. Thanks.
_Spicol - Tuesday, November 04 2003 @ 01:08 PM EST (#75989) #
Edgar Martinez (don't retire!)

PJ! My prayers have been answered
_peteski - Tuesday, November 04 2003 @ 03:23 PM EST (#75990) #
I'd really like to join any fantasy keeper league. I'm a very avid fantasy baseball player and I am certain I would be very committed to my team and the league.
Pepper Moffatt - Tuesday, November 04 2003 @ 03:38 PM EST (#75991) #
http://economics.about.com
I'll make sure to add everyone to the waiting list.

Unless we add another division, we won't have enough room for everyone, so I'm going to do my best to convince the other owners that it's a good idea.

Cheers,

Mike
_Shrike - Tuesday, November 04 2003 @ 04:15 PM EST (#75992) #
I echo Gitz's comment.
_Jicks Rays - Tuesday, November 04 2003 @ 08:59 PM EST (#75993) #
Craig and Mike thank you for the words of encouragement and advice. I will certainly think about posting, although many of the comments already tie into my thinking or is it make me think what they are saying(think/speak). I end up agreeing with everybody!! LOL
Lucas - Tuesday, November 04 2003 @ 10:35 PM EST (#75994) #
I end up agreeing with everybody!!

That's why Craig and Mike want you to post. They're very needy.

:)
_Chatsworth Brad - Tuesday, November 04 2003 @ 11:31 PM EST (#75995) #
Thanks mucho from SoCal to Coach for his great work. Looking forward to Commish Moffat's leadership and the Hot Stove League. The Left Coast is abuzz with an-ti-ci-pa-shhhhhhhunnnnn!
The Halos will probably be keeping Garrett Anderson (of course), Zito and Colon, and leaning towards Percival and Mantei and/or Todd Walker. Some consideration will be given to Glaus, Washburn and Ramon Hernandez, but as you can see, the pickings are slim and all trade offers will be considered. (Wouldn't mind if Clemens decides to leave the wife and kids at home one more season, though she looked pretty attractive at the Series!).
_Simon - Wednesday, November 05 2003 @ 12:18 AM EST (#75996) #
I'd be interested in being in a league too. I'd need some info on how the thing would be run (never been in one before) but I'd certainly be up for the challenge. Add me to the mailing list please Moffatt.
_George Tsuji - Wednesday, November 05 2003 @ 01:49 PM EST (#75997) #
If anyone's looking to join a continuing roto league, with an in-person auction held in the Toronto area, it looks like the league I'm in is going to have an opening or two. (While the auction is in Toronto, the rest of the league business is conducted online, so it certainly isn't limited to Toronto residents -- I live in Ottawa, myself, and come down annually for the auction).

This league's been running for five years now, with the Comissioner being the poster known here as "Jacko". It's a "traditional" 8-category league with fees/prizes at ~10% of standard leagues. (i.e. the $260 "salary cap" becomes $26 in real money).

Anyways, if anyone's interested, send me an email. While I'm not a huge fan of the way roto distorts perceptions of players' values, the auction is something I always look forward to... the highlight of the year!

Oh, and an unsolicited recommendation -- if anyone is looking for a fantasy league that really does try to value players "properly", Scoresheet Baseball (http://www.scoresheet.com) is the way to go. I've been a very happy customer for 15 years now, and would definitely recommend it to any "serious" baseball fan looking for a "realistic" fantasy league, where you get to act as both GM and Manager.
Gerry - Wednesday, November 05 2003 @ 02:37 PM EST (#75998) #
http://www.irbl.net
I am in a Diamond Mind Baseball league, which is not roto. You play your schedule using the DMB game that uses the players stats from last year.

The league has some openings if anyone is interested. Cost is US$15 plus the cost of the game if you don't own it now.

See homepage for details
_baseballnut - Wednesday, November 05 2003 @ 10:48 PM EST (#75999) #
how do i join?
Pepper Moffatt - Thursday, November 06 2003 @ 03:39 PM EST (#76000) #
http://economics.about.com
Baseballnut (and others):

I'm compiling a waiting list of people who want to get into the league. I'm also going to create an e-mail list of the people on the waiting list (seperate from the e-mail list for people already in the league).

If you're interested in joining the BBFL and/or want to be on the e-mail list please e-mail me at economics.guide@about.com

Cheers,

Mike
_Spicol - Thursday, November 06 2003 @ 03:49 PM EST (#76001) #
If you're a Box author, and by author I mean the 9 gentlemen with their names under Kent's on the left side of the page, I think it should be a requirement of your position to be a part of the BBFL or the BBFL Part Deux, otherwise known as BBFL Lite and BBFL Europe. ;)
_Spicol - Thursday, November 06 2003 @ 04:03 PM EST (#76002) #
Oh, and if you're feeling up to it Moffatt, invite Wilner too. He likes fantasy ball.
Pepper Moffatt - Thursday, November 06 2003 @ 06:57 PM EST (#76003) #
http://economics.about.com
Here's the list I have of everyone who expressed interest, in alphabetical order:

Baseballnut
Craig B
Gitz
Johnny Mack
Jay
Peteski
Pistol
Shrike
Simon

Am I missing anybody? Is anyone else interested in owning a team?

We gotta get Brent involved. He's a sharp guy, but I think my Fish Candy could take 'em.

Cheers,

Mike
_Ben - Thursday, November 06 2003 @ 08:11 PM EST (#76004) #
I'd also be interested in joining the league. I dont post often so I'm not sure if you'll take me but I do reasonably well in other fantasy baseball leagues and up for a challenge!
Pepper Moffatt - Friday, November 07 2003 @ 12:09 PM EST (#76005) #
http://economics.about.com
Quick update.

I e-mailed all 20 owners to see whether or not they'll be in the league next year. I've heard from the following 10 teams, all of which say they'll be back:

Reykjavik Fish Candy
Mebion Glyndwr
Thunderbirds
K-Town Mashers
Toronto Walrus
Chatsworth Halos
Red Mosquitoes
Jick's Rays
Baird Brain
Billies Bashers

If you haven't responded to my e-mail yet, could you please do so when you get the chance.

Waiting listers: I'm going to send out an e-mail once I know how many openings there are in the league for next year. I imagine there won't be any, but we're considering starting a second division of 20 teams to the league. If that happens we'll need atleast 20 people to express interest and I've only heard from 10 so far. So if you know someone who would be a good owner and is interested in joining, please have the e-mail me at economics.guide@about.com

Pistol, Shrike, Gitz: I need your e-mail addys to add to the waiting list. Please e-mail me when you get the chance.

Cheers,

Mike
_snellville jone - Friday, November 07 2003 @ 03:02 PM EST (#76006) #
I've got limited internet access right now, but you can put me down as a returning cast member. Thanks to Coach for the work he did last year and I have confidence in Mike taking over. Oh, and Scott Lucas is now the official God of the BBFL. That site is spectacular.
Pepper Moffatt - Thursday, November 13 2003 @ 08:38 AM EST (#76007) #
http://economics.about.com
Update:

I'm still waiting to hear back from two teams. If you run "Mass Suckage" or "Geoffs Grumpy Group" *please* e-mail me.

Of the 18 teams that have contacted me, all 18 will be returning. This means that there will be at most 2 spots opening up. So unless we get enough teams to start a second division, there's going to be a lot of unhappy campers.

I'd really like to have the numbers to open up a second division, but right now I've only got 11 people on the waiting list. So if you'd like to join or know somebody who would be great for the league, please e-mail me at: economics.guide@about.com.

Cheers,

Mike
Craig B - Thursday, November 13 2003 @ 09:59 AM EST (#76008) #
Mike,

We can wait a couple of months for the second division.

It occurs to me that, say, 12 is certainly enough for a league... especially if we make it an AL-only or NL-only league.
_Geoff North - Tuesday, November 18 2003 @ 02:39 PM EST (#76009) #
Mike, I sent you an email last week about my team (Grumpy Group)... I plan on keeping it. Wasn't sure if you got the email (no reply).
Pepper Moffatt - Tuesday, November 18 2003 @ 02:53 PM EST (#76010) #
http://economics.about.com
Weird, I thought I replied. Must have slipped my mind.

I've heard from 19 of 20 teams, and they're all planning on keeping their teams. The only team I can't get a hold of is "masssuckage". Does anyone know who owns this team? I can't seem to reach him/her.

Mike
_Spicol - Tuesday, November 18 2003 @ 03:14 PM EST (#76011) #
masssuckage is owned by semi-regular poster 'dp'. His email is the NYU one.
_Justin Andrew A - Thursday, March 18 2004 @ 10:59 PM EST (#76012) #
Hello! My name is Justin Anderson and I am one of six other owners in a great fantasy baseball league based out of Topeka, KS looking for a eighth owner.

This league is AL-only and has been in existence for 12 years. I have been in the league for three. Entry fee is $70 and transactions are $2.50 a piece.

Please e-mail me at Zubudubu@hotmail.com with any questions you have. Thanks.

Justin Anderson
Winter Meetings, Fantasy Style | 49 comments | Create New Account
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