Planning a new realistic career league (2002 forward) - kinda long

[jgross68]

I've been playing the game solo for over a year now, am an owner/GM in one online league (GABL Seattle Mariners) and have been planning for a couple months now to start my own online league. I want to take my time and do this right, so I'm interested in the thoughts of some of you seasoned commissioners on how to handle things like off-season free agency, the amateur draft, and what you think is the "ideal" sim schedule.

If anyone's interested in how I'm planning to structure the league, here's what I've been throwing around for the <a href="http://www.gross-net.com/ootp/gapbl/index.htm">Great American Pastime Baseball League</a>:
- Real players and teams, based on the Rolen/G-Force 2002 rosters (right now I'm using the winter meetings edition; will of course update if the opening day rosters come out before the league starts).
- Contraction. I have nothing against the state of Florida personally, and this has nothing to do with the butterfly ballot scandal, but I plan on contracting both the D-Rays and the Marlins. The players will be dispersed in a draft based on reverse order of 2001 finish. Drafting team must absorb existing player contract. Draft will probably be limited to 3 rounds; all undrafted players to go into FA pool. This will have the added benefit of spreading some much-needed talent around.
- Re-location. I really think Montreal is a great organization in a horrible location. As a result, the Montreal owner/GM will be given the option to relocate the team to the Washington, DC area. Would be interested in feedback on appropriate levels of fan interest, market size, stadium dimensions, etc. if any of you have made a similar move.
- Re-alignment. With the loss of one NL team and one AL team, the Milwaukee Brewers have been moved back to the AL, in the central division. Detroit moves to the AL East to make two 5-team divisions (AL East & Central, NL Central & West) and one 4-team division (AL West, NL East) in each league. I hate 4-team divisions, but the wild card has grown on me and I figured this was the best way to do it.
- Designated hitter rule remains in effect after much soul-searching. (American League only)
- Interleague play. Again, after much soul-searching I decided to keep this too.
- Playoffs. As mentioned earlier, the wild card system has grown on me by keeping things interesting well into September. We'll adopt the MLB format.

I appreciate any feedback/opinions on any/all of the above, plus any other good practices you've seen on the online leagues you're involved with.

Also, if you're interested in joining a league like this and you're willing to wait a little while to get up and running, drop me a line at jgross68@attbi.com. There's absolutely nothing at the site I've put together for this beside what I think is a pretty cool logo: <a href="http://www.gross-net.com/ootp/gapbl/index.htm">GAPBL</a>, but have a look anyway, I may have updated it since this post (6/19).

[brooklynbums]

League sounds sweet so far. Also, nice job on the logo, it is very classy looking.

[jgross68]

Point of clarification: I had someone ask via email if retaining the DH rule was for the AL only or if it would extend to the NL as well. It is intended for the American League only.
Personally, I think the DH is an unholy abomination, but I understand that some people like it. Plus, with interleague play now an accepted fact, something's got to keep the two leagues unique...

[TippsTheFoo]

Looks great thus far. Keep me informed of the league's status.

tipps_foo@yahoo.com

[lilmcjr14]

I am interested in the league also. One question though, do you have to own the game to be in the league? If so, then I am out. But if you don't then i would like to be considered for this league.
Let me know......
brad.mcneely.hfcw@statefarm.com

[jgross68]

The site has been updated: http://www.gross-net.com/ootp/gapbl

Thanks to everyone that's expressed interest in the league. We're hoping to get under way by mid-July. I'll be posting a separate thread when we're ready to start taking prospective owners.

I'm also still interested in any suggestions you have for rules or advice for a new commissioner.


Thanks,
Jim
GAPBL Commissioner

[rferry]

boycott!
don't contract the marlins, contract the rockies, brewers, or dodgers (that city cares less about their team than any other city and team)

[jblaze03fuel]

contract the yankees. i hate the damn yankees!

[DCHepler25]

Everything you have planned sound great, and I look forward to being a part of GAPBL.

My suggestions for the amateur draft and sim schedule are this:
The amateur draft seems to work best between 5 and 10 rounds. More than that slows development and less is not enough. Most leagues seem to go with 5. I think 7 might be a good number. We only make selections for the first 3 rounds then let the computer do it. It take too long otherwise. My other suggestion would be to do it through the message board or with AIM or some messenger service.
The sim schedule should be 2 or 3 per real week with each one simming 1 weak in the game. I enjoy that pace.
As for free agency, teams should not be limited to a set number of offers total and per player. I think again the message board might be best used here.

Jim, I have some more suggestions but this post is getting long so just email me with more info about the league.

dchepler@usachoice.net

[Chitown3304]

if there is any room left i would like to be in Jlover3304@aol.com

[Lancer010]

I want to join.

Dan
Lancer010@hotmail.com