Texas State Baseball League, relaxed pace, interested?

RaysDontSuckThatBad · 06-24-2007, 07:20 PM

UPDATE:

I've decided to run season one (the season where the leagues are established before splitting off into the first and second divisions) entirely as a solo league.

If you are interested, I ask that you send me an email (commish@texasbaseball.net), and follow along. I will be posting league progress updates here, and will send you an email so you can check out the webpage after each upload I provide (if you would like me to). Once I have completed the first season and split the teams into the appropriate leagues, I will do one more upload, then email those who have shown interest once again, just to check and make sure they still want in. You won't need to/be able to stake a claim to a team you verify you want a team at the end of seaosn one, and then I'll probably hold a draft, perhaps weighted toward those who show early interest.

Even with the relaxed sim schedule (once every 5-7 days) I expect a complete season still to take 1-2 months due to the 72 game schedule. I am running it on a relaxed schedule to allow you more flexibility, and because I know my own time constraints, and will not over committ to providing my owners something I am unable to follow through on.

I have invested a lot of time, energy (and yes, money), into this league, so I am taking these precautions to make sure the league stays afloat once I turn it over to the community in seaosn 2. Thanks!

Hey all . . . so, I've been slaving away creating and testing a league and web page for my solo league, the Texas State Baseball League, on which I planned to do a dynasty report. But I had a thought, why not offer it up to the community as an online league, and see if there is enough interest to take it live? So that's what I'm doing.

Basic set up is a 20 team league, with one minor league level (AA) and a High School feeder system (24 H.S. teams total). It's run in a "semi-pro" type style, with very low salaries (the studs make no more than 10-12k), and low stadium capacities and attendances. No salary cap. Spend what you can.

For the first draft, all players were Texans. Thereafter, each team will be allowed only two non-Texans on their roster, no more than one pitcher, no more than one hitter. Pitcher endurances are very high to largely negate the need for lots of relievers, and to faciliate the use of 20 man rosters. 23 man rosters at expansion, 25 man active roster.

First season will be run as a "break out" season. There will be no playoffs. The top 10 teams in first season of the TSBL will form the A League, with teams 11-20 forming the B League. Each subsequent season will be run on a promotion/relegation system.

The H.S. Leagues will split into 3 eight team leagues, with the same promotion relegation system after each season.

Not set in stone, but I'm thinking 2 promotions/relegations betwene the A and B leagues; 1 relegation from the top H.S. division, with one promotion to the top H.S. division, and 2 relegations/promotions from the second and third H.S. leagues.

In the TSBL A and B leagues, one full season will be 72 games (after the teams split into their leagues, each team plays the other in it's own league 8 times - no interleague play).

If interested, each owner would get a fully functional 10MB "@baseballtexas.net" email account for league related business.

To avoid burnout and keep things relaxed, the sim schedule would be VERY light. Either once a week, or once every 5 days, with 7-10 days being simmed at a time. Plenty of warning would be given in advance of a sim, and I'd want to keep it fun, but active.

I have already run the league inaugural draft, of which I took no part.

My idea is to run the first season without owners, or with minimal owners as interest dictates. This way, you can watch as things develop in year one, and develop a strategy for your team. I WILL be controlling the Allen Eagles (and, seriously, it was a coincidence they got the #1 pick in the inaugural draft. Honestly, if I had my choice, because it was a serpent draft, I would have rather they pick in the middle of the pack). I will avoid making any trades in the first season. It's fine by me if only 2 people want to grab a team, that's no problem. Trading will be set to difficult so AI controlled teams can't be ripped apart.

Anyway, if you're interested, check out the (very basic) league homepage, www.baseballtexas.net then send an email to commish@baseballtexas.net (I should get back to you within a couple days). Lemme know why you're interested, what team you're interested in, and your experience with/knowledge of OOTP (online or solo leagues, what versions you've played, just the basics). If you want to run a H.S. team, say so.

Note - only a couple of the home page nav links are active (reports and TSBL Teams). Others (including links to email, forum and the league file for example) will be added or become active if needed, and with time.

This league is my baby, so go easy on the webpage, I think it's none to shabby for first time attempt!!

J.R.Richard · 06-24-2007, 09:20 PM

Sent you an email about joining and my fingers are crossed

RaysDontSuckThatBad · 06-26-2007, 11:21 PM

Season 1, Update 1:

The first set of 4 game series' are officially in the books! We have 3 unbeaten teams so far, and three winless teams after 4 games (out of 20 teams).

High School files are not uploaded - the H.S. season doesn't start till May 1st, so no point! Obviously, when the league goes live, I will be running sims longer than just a 4 game series.

I won't get time to update the league home page tonight, but it will be on my to do list for tomorrow evening. I will be archiving the current front page, and providing a similar style (a "snap shot" box for each of the twenty teams, where I will follow interesting info from each team, hot or cold streaks, big news, or perhaps the progress of each team's first round pick to date. A lot will depend on how much has gone on with each team!).

Forum and team emails are set up and ready to go, but will not be activated at this point.

Check it out at www.baseballtexas.net (remember, home page won't be updated till tomorrow evening at the earliest, so it has post draft info still), and email me at commish@baseballtexas.net if you're interested in a team - you do not need to pick a team yet (can't even), and I won't hold it against you if you decide you can't, or don't want to, play when I turn the league over to the public! I'm doing it this way so you can get a feel for the league and the teams, then make an educated decision on whether or not you want in (hopefully you do)! No harm no foul.

EDIT: Well, I just noticed when reviewing the reports online that the Grand Prairie Franchise "pulled a fast one" - I had edited every team's ball park to a 5500 capacity. It seems Grand Prairie's stadium "escaped the axe" and was left at 45,000 . . . so they had quite the profitable first home series. This oversight will be taken care off through creative editing of their merchandizing revenues at season's end. Also this is a good time to point out that every team will have it's merchandizing revenue "capped" on an annual basis, cause this isn't an easy thing to control in game. As yet, I'm not sure what level I will cap it at, but I would like to (and plan on) use a sliding scale depending on market size and fan loyalty. That said a number around $100,000 is going to be my "starting point" for capping merchandize revenue. STAY POSTED for activation of league rules link, still a work in progress.

Old Reliable · 06-26-2007, 11:46 PM

As you know, I'd like to be kept up-to-date; and, I will check in at the website. I think this could be a good way for people interested to become acquainted with the league. Hope so, anyhow.

RaysDontSuckThatBad · 06-26-2007, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Reliable

As you know, I'd like to be kept up-to-date; and, I will check in at the website. I think this could be a good way for people interested to become acquainted with the league. Hope so, anyhow.

Definetly. I sent you an email alerting you to the update before I noticed your post!

Thanks.

RaysDontSuckThatBad · 06-27-2007, 11:09 PM

Home page updated to reflect first 4 games.

www.baseballtexas.net

Interested in a team? Email me.

commish@baseballtexas.net

Time to share a league concept that will probably make it's way into the league rules when the league goes live:

Rivalries. Each team will be given one or two rivals, primarily based on geography. There is an actual rivalry between Houston and Dallas (that obviously isn't geographic), so that will be one.

Details to be ironed out, espcially given Year 2 will be two leagues, with no interleague play, but I want to provide a Fan Interest Boost of a point for every series (not game, series) win over a rival. Only two series per team per seaosn, so the max boost is 2 points over season this way, but it's something, and it makes sense. This plays a lot on geographic rivalries . . . beat your neighbor, get bragging rights, draw more fans. Possible that I may do "temporary" rivalries to make sure each team will get a chance for a fan interest boost through a rivalry series each season. We'll see. It may not make it's way into the league, but it's something I really want to see make it into the league!

What to watch for next:

The appearance of an "archives" link, another round of 4 games, and possibly (but doubtful) the publishing (online) of at least a frame work of the league rules. Much depends on how much wife capital I have drained, and whether or not I need to make another deposit as to whether or not the rules will be worked on this weekend!

Old Reliable · 06-27-2007, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RaysDontSuckThatBad

Home page updated to reflect first 4 games.

www.baseballtexas.net

Interested in a team? Email me.

commish@baseballtexas.net

Time to share a league concept that will probably make it's way into the league rules when the league goes live:

Rivalries. Each team will be given one or two rivals, primarily based on geography. There is an actual rivalry between Houston and Dallas (that obviously isn't geographic), so that will be one.

Details to be ironed out, espcially given Year 2 will be two leagues, with no interleague play, but I want to provide a Fan Interest Boost of a point for every series (not game, series) win over a rival. Only two series per team per seaosn, so the max boost is 2 points over season this way, but it's something, and it makes sense. This plays a lot on geographic rivalries . . . beat your neighbor, get bragging rights, draw more fans. Possible that I may do "temporary" rivalries to make sure each team will get a chance for a fan interest boost through a rivalry series each season. We'll see. It may not make it's way into the league, but it's something I really want to see make it into the league!

What to watch for next:

The appearance of an "archives" link, another round of 4 games, and possibly (but doubtful) the publishing (online) of at least a frame work of the league rules. Much depends on how much wife capital I have drained, and whether or not I need to make another deposit as to whether or not the rules will be worked on this weekend!

I like the metaphor . . . and I think I need to look at my account.

RaysDontSuckThatBad · 06-30-2007, 04:15 PM

8 games now in the books, site not updated as yet. Hoping to get 9-12 done this weekend, we'll see what happens.

RaysDontSuckThatBad · 07-01-2007, 01:28 PM

Just finished playing out game 11 as the Allen Eagles. I tell ya, the reduced bullpen can lead to some heart-breaking losses.

Back to back games I've been on the wrong end of walk off victories.

First time I was up 3-2 in the 9th, and sent my exhausted SP out to pitch the 9th instead of going to my crap closer. Mr. Stud SP gave up back to back solo homers to send me to a 4-3 loss.

Next night I'm up 6-2 and I send my not so tired SP out for the bottom of the 9th, but have my crap closer warming up just in case. When my starter gave up a single and a 2 run homer to the first two batters, I called for the crappy reliever. He hit the first batter he faced on an 0-2 count, then gave up a tying two run homer. Retires the next two hitters on strike outs, so I'm thinking, okay, extra innings.

Their pitcher gets a single. Lead off man gets on board. #2 hitter hits an infield single to load the bases. #3 hitter (the one who hit the first two run homer) runs the count to 3-1 and belts a double. I give up 5 in the bottom of the 9th for a 7-6 loss.

06-26-2007, 11:46 PM	#4
Old Reliable Minors (Double A) Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 128	Got the website bookmarked . . . As you know, I'd like to be kept up-to-date; and, I will check in at the website. I think this could be a good way for people interested to become acquainted with the league. Hope so, anyhow.

06-27-2007, 11:09 PM	#6
RaysDontSuckThatBad Bat Boy Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 17	Home page updated to reflect first 4 games. www.baseballtexas.net Interested in a team? Email me. commish@baseballtexas.net Time to share a league concept that will probably make it's way into the league rules when the league goes live: Rivalries. Each team will be given one or two rivals, primarily based on geography. There is an actual rivalry between Houston and Dallas (that obviously isn't geographic), so that will be one. Details to be ironed out, espcially given Year 2 will be two leagues, with no interleague play, but I want to provide a Fan Interest Boost of a point for every series (not game, series) win over a rival. Only two series per team per seaosn, so the max boost is 2 points over season this way, but it's something, and it makes sense. This plays a lot on geographic rivalries . . . beat your neighbor, get bragging rights, draw more fans. Possible that I may do "temporary" rivalries to make sure each team will get a chance for a fan interest boost through a rivalry series each season. We'll see. It may not make it's way into the league, but it's something I really want to see make it into the league! What to watch for next: The appearance of an "archives" link, another round of 4 games, and possibly (but doubtful) the publishing (online) of at least a frame work of the league rules. Much depends on how much wife capital I have drained, and whether or not I need to make another deposit as to whether or not the rules will be worked on this weekend! Last edited by RaysDontSuckThatBad; 06-27-2007 at 11:13 PM.

07-01-2007, 01:28 PM	#9
RaysDontSuckThatBad Bat Boy Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 17	Ouch Just finished playing out game 11 as the Allen Eagles. I tell ya, the reduced bullpen can lead to some heart-breaking losses. Back to back games I've been on the wrong end of walk off victories. First time I was up 3-2 in the 9th, and sent my exhausted SP out to pitch the 9th instead of going to my crap closer. Mr. Stud SP gave up back to back solo homers to send me to a 4-3 loss. Next night I'm up 6-2 and I send my not so tired SP out for the bottom of the 9th, but have my crap closer warming up just in case. When my starter gave up a single and a 2 run homer to the first two batters, I called for the crappy reliever. He hit the first batter he faced on an 0-2 count, then gave up a tying two run homer. Retires the next two hitters on strike outs, so I'm thinking, okay, extra innings. Their pitcher gets a single. Lead off man gets on board. #2 hitter hits an infield single to load the bases. #3 hitter (the one who hit the first two run homer) runs the count to 3-1 and belts a double. I give up 5 in the bottom of the 9th for a 7-6 loss. Last edited by RaysDontSuckThatBad; 07-01-2007 at 01:29 PM.

06-24-2007, 07:20 PM	#1
RaysDontSuckThatBad Bat Boy Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 17	Texas State Baseball League, relaxed pace, interested? UPDATE: I've decided to run season one (the season where the leagues are established before splitting off into the first and second divisions) entirely as a solo league. If you are interested, I ask that you send me an email (commish@texasbaseball.net), and follow along. I will be posting league progress updates here, and will send you an email so you can check out the webpage after each upload I provide (if you would like me to). Once I have completed the first season and split the teams into the appropriate leagues, I will do one more upload, then email those who have shown interest once again, just to check and make sure they still want in. You won't need to/be able to stake a claim to a team you verify you want a team at the end of seaosn one, and then I'll probably hold a draft, perhaps weighted toward those who show early interest. Even with the relaxed sim schedule (once every 5-7 days) I expect a complete season still to take 1-2 months due to the 72 game schedule. I am running it on a relaxed schedule to allow you more flexibility, and because I know my own time constraints, and will not over committ to providing my owners something I am unable to follow through on. I have invested a lot of time, energy (and yes, money), into this league, so I am taking these precautions to make sure the league stays afloat once I turn it over to the community in seaosn 2. Thanks! Hey all . . . so, I've been slaving away creating and testing a league and web page for my solo league, the Texas State Baseball League, on which I planned to do a dynasty report. But I had a thought, why not offer it up to the community as an online league, and see if there is enough interest to take it live? So that's what I'm doing. Basic set up is a 20 team league, with one minor league level (AA) and a High School feeder system (24 H.S. teams total). It's run in a "semi-pro" type style, with very low salaries (the studs make no more than 10-12k), and low stadium capacities and attendances. No salary cap. Spend what you can. For the first draft, all players were Texans. Thereafter, each team will be allowed only two non-Texans on their roster, no more than one pitcher, no more than one hitter. Pitcher endurances are very high to largely negate the need for lots of relievers, and to faciliate the use of 20 man rosters. 23 man rosters at expansion, 25 man active roster. First season will be run as a "break out" season. There will be no playoffs. The top 10 teams in first season of the TSBL will form the A League, with teams 11-20 forming the B League. Each subsequent season will be run on a promotion/relegation system. The H.S. Leagues will split into 3 eight team leagues, with the same promotion relegation system after each season. Not set in stone, but I'm thinking 2 promotions/relegations betwene the A and B leagues; 1 relegation from the top H.S. division, with one promotion to the top H.S. division, and 2 relegations/promotions from the second and third H.S. leagues. In the TSBL A and B leagues, one full season will be 72 games (after the teams split into their leagues, each team plays the other in it's own league 8 times - no interleague play). If interested, each owner would get a fully functional 10MB "@baseballtexas.net" email account for league related business. To avoid burnout and keep things relaxed, the sim schedule would be VERY light. Either once a week, or once every 5 days, with 7-10 days being simmed at a time. Plenty of warning would be given in advance of a sim, and I'd want to keep it fun, but active. I have already run the league inaugural draft, of which I took no part. My idea is to run the first season without owners, or with minimal owners as interest dictates. This way, you can watch as things develop in year one, and develop a strategy for your team. I WILL be controlling the Allen Eagles (and, seriously, it was a coincidence they got the #1 pick in the inaugural draft. Honestly, if I had my choice, because it was a serpent draft, I would have rather they pick in the middle of the pack). I will avoid making any trades in the first season. It's fine by me if only 2 people want to grab a team, that's no problem. Trading will be set to difficult so AI controlled teams can't be ripped apart. Anyway, if you're interested, check out the (very basic) league homepage, www.baseballtexas.net then send an email to commish@baseballtexas.net (I should get back to you within a couple days). Lemme know why you're interested, what team you're interested in, and your experience with/knowledge of OOTP (online or solo leagues, what versions you've played, just the basics). If you want to run a H.S. team, say so. Note - only a couple of the home page nav links are active (reports and TSBL Teams). Others (including links to email, forum and the league file for example) will be added or become active if needed, and with time. This league is my baby, so go easy on the webpage, I think it's none to shabby for first time attempt!! Last edited by RaysDontSuckThatBad; 06-26-2007 at 11:04 PM.

06-24-2007, 09:20 PM	#2
J.R.Richard Bat Boy Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 4	Sent you an email about joining and my fingers are crossed

06-26-2007, 11:21 PM	#3
RaysDontSuckThatBad Bat Boy Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 17	Season 1, Update 1: The first set of 4 game series' are officially in the books! We have 3 unbeaten teams so far, and three winless teams after 4 games (out of 20 teams). High School files are not uploaded - the H.S. season doesn't start till May 1st, so no point! Obviously, when the league goes live, I will be running sims longer than just a 4 game series. I won't get time to update the league home page tonight, but it will be on my to do list for tomorrow evening. I will be archiving the current front page, and providing a similar style (a "snap shot" box for each of the twenty teams, where I will follow interesting info from each team, hot or cold streaks, big news, or perhaps the progress of each team's first round pick to date. A lot will depend on how much has gone on with each team!). Forum and team emails are set up and ready to go, but will not be activated at this point. Check it out at www.baseballtexas.net (remember, home page won't be updated till tomorrow evening at the earliest, so it has post draft info still), and email me at commish@baseballtexas.net if you're interested in a team - you do not need to pick a team yet (can't even), and I won't hold it against you if you decide you can't, or don't want to, play when I turn the league over to the public! I'm doing it this way so you can get a feel for the league and the teams, then make an educated decision on whether or not you want in (hopefully you do)! No harm no foul. EDIT: Well, I just noticed when reviewing the reports online that the Grand Prairie Franchise "pulled a fast one" - I had edited every team's ball park to a 5500 capacity. It seems Grand Prairie's stadium "escaped the axe" and was left at 45,000 . . . so they had quite the profitable first home series. This oversight will be taken care off through creative editing of their merchandizing revenues at season's end. Also this is a good time to point out that every team will have it's merchandizing revenue "capped" on an annual basis, cause this isn't an easy thing to control in game. As yet, I'm not sure what level I will cap it at, but I would like to (and plan on) use a sliding scale depending on market size and fan loyalty. That said a number around $100,000 is going to be my "starting point" for capping merchandize revenue. STAY POSTED for activation of league rules link, still a work in progress. Last edited by RaysDontSuckThatBad; 06-26-2007 at 11:58 PM. Reason: Grand Prairie caught breaking stadium fire code!

06-30-2007, 04:15 PM	#8
RaysDontSuckThatBad Bat Boy Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 17	8 games now in the books, site not updated as yet. Hoping to get 9-12 done this weekend, we'll see what happens.