Inaugural Draft Day

On Any Given Sunday... anything can happen.

To some, this Sunday is like any other... but to this group, it signals much more. Today, the day of our draft, this Sunday marks not only the start of baseball season, but a chance for so much more. To some it marks a time of change, a signal that we've officially got winter on the ropes, and we're going for the TKO. To others it ignites a passion for a sport they love, the boys of summer back to party after yet another dreadfully long winter.

Yet on this particular Sunday, it's a renewed sense of optimism, of hope, and for some, redemption. See the beauty of a fresh season, is the equal footing it provides and the mutual opportunity for all to prove their worth. The past year's champion now blends amongst a group of contenders, playoff busts and perennial cellar dwellars. It is a time when any one team can emerge from the depth of the shadows, and build what we all so intently desire; a new dynasty. Once again there is hope of fantasy glory for all.

Yes... even you Yosef.

Play Ball!! Jordie, you're on the clock...

2009 Playoff Format

In the old ThaGreenMonster league we used the 7/7/14 format, with 8 of 12 teams making the playoffs. Our new league's format will look a bit different. 6 of 10 teams will make the playoffs, with the top 2 seeds receiving byes. Each round will be a total of 10 days and are broken down as follows:

Teams finishing 1st and 2nd will receive 1st round byes.

Round 1 - September 5th - September 14th

#3 vs. #6
#4 vs. #5

Round 2 - September 15th - September 24th

#1 vs. lowest advancing seed
#2 vs. other advancing seed

Finals - September 25th - October 4th

Remaining 2 teams

League Prizes will be awarded on October 5th.

There will be no AAA trades or adds/drops allowed during any round so make sure that if you have players coming off the DL during that week that you have an open spot to allow them to return. Each team is allowed to proceed with their "best" 25 players in any combination they want. There is no IP limit, no maximum for closers, hitters or anything else. Simply your 25 best against the other guy's 25 best.

**Only exception: If any starting HITTERS (any of the starting 9 + 3 Utils) are injured AND placed on the disabled list during the week, AND the team cannot fill that player's starting position with another player on the roster, a AAA trade may be made immediately but ONLY to fill the void starting spot left by the injured hitter. Players can be shuffled around (ie if you move a RF to CF to cover that hole and now have a whole in RF, a RF can be called up) to fill the roster as best as possible, but only if there is a hole in the starting lineup can a player be called up and they must fill that hole.

If the player is simply day-to-day or there is no organizational depth at the position.. tough luck. It's up to each manager to provide themselves with the proper backups should anything go wrong. Injured SP or RP cannot be replaced under any circumstances.

Example - if a team has SS Hanley Ramirez as their starting SS and he is injured and placed on the DL during the week and he is the ONLY SS on the active team a SS can be summoned from AAA to replace him.

Should the need arise contact the commissioner immediately and a AAA will be allowed and processed immediately. Any and all discrepancies will be solved by the discretion of the commissioner.

Stat Cats, Points and League Rules: Have Your Say!!

Here are our statistical categories with their values from last year:

Hitters:

Run = 1 point
Single = 1 point
Double = 2 points
Triple = 3 points
HR = 4 points
RBI = 1 point
SB = 2 points
BB = 1 point
HBP = 1 point
K = -0.5 points

HBP is likely to be removed, any other modifications necessary?

Pitchers:

IP = 3 points (essentially 1 point per out)
W = 12 points
L = -6 points
CG = 10 points
SHO = 15 points
SV = 7 points
BSV = -5 points
ER = -3 points
Hits = -0.5 points
BB = -0.5 points
K = 1 point

Pitching values seemed a little high last year, I am thinking of switching CG to 5 points, and SHO to 10 points. Any other stats need to be addressed? The IP/ER/H/BB formula works pretty well, although it may seem complicated.

Max IP = 1500, should remain the same this year

The month of September, which are the playoffs in our league, does not have an IP limit simply because it cannot be enforced, so the IP limit of 1500 is for the regular season. There are 5 months, so it works out to 300 IP per month. I'm willing to listen for calculated arguments to modify this amount, but remember this rule was created to avoid the daily pitcher rotations, adding every plug who gets a start.

Maximum 3 active closers, you can have more, but they better call 'AAA' home.

It's your turn guys, let's hear your thoughts or concerns. I want this issue finalized within the next few days, and 100% before the draft. The commissioner will make all final decisions but I am very open to your input.

Let's Mock!

As impatience for the draft builds, let's take a look at the way things may shake down in the first round of our Inaugural Draft, exactly one week from today.

1st Overall Pick - Jordie

SS Hanley Ramirez ($42)

At just 25 years of age, Hanley is the all-around real deal and the perfect #1 pick. He plays at fantasy's most coveted position and hits for average (career .308) and power (33 HR in '08), while scoring a ton of runs (250 combined over the last 2 years) and stealing at least 35 bases in each of his first 3 full seasons. Hanley showed even more signs of improvement in '08, drawing a career high 92 walks to raise his OBP to .400 for the first time in his career.

With the emergence of top prospect Cameron Maybin, the Fish may slide baseball's best all around hitter down to the #3 hole for the '09 season. In 55 career games in the 3rd spot, Ramirez is batting .290 while posting a mediocre .777 OPS. Since it's such a small sample size, fantasy owners should expect Hanley to put up even bigger numbers this year. Expect a hefty increase in RBI, and maybe a slight drop in runs. A possible .315/115/35/95/35 line from a shortshop is just too hard to pass up at the top of the draft board.

2nd Overall Pick – Shay

3B Alex Rodriguez ($39)

Shay, I'm sure you can trade in your Hanley jersey for a fresh set of A-Roid pinstripes.
Not to worry, your first overall pick may just lead all hitters in fantasy points this year. In A-Fraud's outstanding '07 season, he posted a league high 758 points. His recent stats show increased output in odd numbered years, and if that continues this year the most hated player this side of Barry Bonds may just repeat as the league's points leader. Amidst all the controversy about his PED use, and with Mark Teixeira's impact on an already potent Yankees lineup, expect Rodriguez to put up an "enhanced" line of about .310/120/45/125/20 in his age 34 season. Even for those who hate the guy, it's hard to say no to that kind of production. He will easily be the oldest player taken in the first round, but expect a solid 5 years of production from Rodriguez as he continues his chase of Bonds' all time home run record.

3rd Overall Pick – Kedro

1B Albert Pujols ($41)

Prince Albert posted perhaps his best fantasy season in 2008, and accordingly led hitters with 649 points last year. In a year which he played only 148 games (156.3 career average), Pujols slugged his way to a career high 1.114 OPS while hitting .357 with 37 HR's and 116 RBI. Coming off offseason surgery and with a questionable lineup around him, Pujols may not lead all hitters again, but you can expect another monstrous year from one of fantasy's most consitent point producers. At the prime age of 29, Pujols is one of the safest keeper picks you can find.

4th Overall Pick - Danny

3B David Wright ($39)

With all the stars the Mets have assembled in Queens, Wright may just be the brightest. The face of the franchise for years to come, he has been an impact player since his first full season. At just 26 years of age, Wright is the prime age for a player to anchor a new keeper team. He contributes in all five major hitting categories and has topped 40 doubles and a .300 average in each of the last 4 seasons. Fantasy owners would love to have these two guys manning the left side of their infield, but unfortunately neither will be available come the second round.

5th Overall Pick - Jason M.

CF Grady Sizemore ($32)

Sizemore ranked second among fantasy outfielders and fifth overall with 618 fantasy points last year, he had a career high 33 HR, 90 RBI and 38 SB. Sizemore has only missed 9 games over the past 4 years and hits atop a potentially potent Cleveland lineup. Expect him to push 650 AB's this year and while he doesn't hit for a great average (.279 career), Sizemore is good for 115 runs, 40 doubles, 30 HR's, 85 RBI, and nearly 100 walks. Although he may seem like a bit of a stretch at this point, you take those stats from your centerfielder over the next five years, and you laugh your ass straint to the bank. Sizemore was a 20/20 player for the first 3 years, and 2008 was the first in what could be a long run of 30/30 years for yet another former Expo turned Star.

There have been rumblings about J-Mill taking the big C.C. at this pick, but I can't see a pitcher going this high. If he does, it has the potential to cause a SP run. Don't be surprised to see Lincecum and Santana snapped up shortly thereafter.

6th Overall Pick - Yosef

1B Miguel Cabrera ($34)

A year ago Cabrera would be a sure fire top 10 pick, and he loses a bit of value with his switch to first base. Entering his age 25 season, Miggy has been rock solid averaging 187.6 hits, 32.6 HR and 117.6 RBI over a five year span. Seeing as he is just entering his prime, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Detroit sluggar average close to 200 hits, and at least 35 HR and 120 RBI over the next 3-5 years. With the execption of Sizemore, Cabrera is at least $5 cheaper than any player taken so far, making him a slight bargain as well. Expect a bounce back year from Cabrera as he should carry his strong second half showing into the season. Representing Venezuela at this year's WBC could have Cabrera running on all cylinders as the season starts. I expect Miggy to top his career .921 OPS and be a solid first round anchor of any fantasy team.

Knowing the YBomb, he could always stretch and take a pitcher at this spot. Either Sabathia or Lincecum could fall here.

7th Overall Pick - Ilya

SS Jose Reyes ($39)

If Reyes does manage to slip this far, I would be shocked if he isnt SNATCHED up here at #7. His all around game at the SS position would just be too hard to pass up. Even if he only gives you 13-15 HR, Reyes will still be amongst the league leaders in runs, hits, triples and stolen bases. He bats atop one of the league's best lineups and at 25 years old the best is by far yet to come. If Ilya manages to snag Reyes here, don't be shocked if he lands Mets' teammate David Wright via trade. If for some reason Reyes doesn't make it this far, look for the big Belarusian to go after Milwaukee slugger Ryan Braun.

8th Overall Pick - Jason G.

CF Josh Hamilton ($31)

With perhaps just one more full season under his belt, Hamilton likely wouldn't last past the top 5 picks. With the type of first half he had last season in his debut playing in the bandbox we call the BallPark in Arlington, Hamilton definitely has elite fantasy potential. The one thing that is worrying potential owners is his durability. His much publicized drug problem and fall from grace as a former 1st overall pick combined with his reputation as a potentially injury prone player push this future fasntasy mega star down towards the bottom of round 1. At this position and at a relative bargain at $31, Hamilton has the potential to be quite a steal for any lucky manager. If Texas' young lineup continues to develop at a quick pace Hamilton should be amongst the league leaders in runs, HR and RBI making him a solid first round pick.

9th Overall Pick - Grosh

LF Ryan Braun ($35)

The possibility of Milwaukee's young slugger sliding to the 9th spot seem unlikely but if the chips fall just right, Grosh could be laughing as one of 2009's top HR hitters would be a laughable steal this late in the first round. Ryan Braun combines the ability to hit .300 and steal 20 bases along with the power to hit well over 40 HR's and 120 RBI's in the Brew Crew's star sudded lineup. Take Braun here, and sit back and watch Bernie Brewer's ass burn as he takes celebratory slide after slide down his big yellow beer slide at Miller Park.

10th Overall Pick – Buster

SP Johan Santana ($27)

If a pitcher is going to go in the first round, it should be Johan. The Venezuelan superstar will be skipping the WBC this time around to dedicate his skills to the Mets' faithful in Queens this season. After a somewhat subpar season by his standards, in which a shaky Mets' bullpen deflated Santana's win total to a disappointing 16-7 record, expect a bounce back and CY Young numbers in 2009. After two straight September collapses expect the Mets to push hard in '09 and 20 wins and 230 K's are not out of the question for baseball's best pitcher over the past three seasons. With the elite hitters gone at this point and with two picks in hand, don't be shocked if Buster takes a leg up on the competition and takes two stud SP's back to back.



Anyone have any comments or predictions of their own??

Yahoo League Registration has begun! Draft Date and Time set!!!

Hey Guys,

Here's the info for our official league:

id: 29549
pass: 123456

Here's the info for the fake league we will be using to conduct our draft:

id: 34707
pass: 123456


Please enter a team in each league. Our draft date and time are set as February 22nd @ 1pm.

Let's meet the combatants!!

The Vets'

Buster - Took over a Tha Green Monster team before the '07 season; began to rebuild his team with additions like Troy Tulowitzki and Kevin Kouzmanoff via trade and Jered Weaver, Hunter Pence, Jacoby Ellsbury, Manny Parra and Max Scherzer through the draft. He saw his club climb to a 5th place finish in 2008, and an unlucky first round exit in the playoffs (had enough points to knock off all but only 3 teams but happened to be facing the highest scoring first round team in Josh) leaving his team with what would have been big hopes for the 2009 season.

Danny - Original Member, Commissioner and 2008 returning champ, suffered playoff collapses in '06 and '07 with top 2 teams. Some of his better moves: Jose Reyes and Dan Haren, 71st and 178th overall respectively in '05, Hanley Ramirez 105th overall in '06, Edinson Volquez 120th overall in '07.

One of his weaker moves, selecting Ryan Braun 26th overall in '07 and then dealing him to Brian with a 4th for Robinson Cano less than 2 months later, and 1 week before Braun made his major league debut in a season which he hit .324 with 34 HR and 97 RBI. Safe to say he'd like that one back.

Grosh - One of three expansion teams before 2006, he built his team with cheap players through the draft and spent money on key free agents to capture the 2007 playoff championship defeating Ilya by a whopping 723 - 563.5 score. Stocked with draftees like Jonathan Papelbon (38th overall) in '06, Justin Upton (18th), Evan Longoria (19th), Yovani Gallardo (20th), Matt Garza (21st) and Matt Kemp (40th) from the '07 draft, no question his team would've been a force for years to come.

Ilya - Joined the league in '05 and after finishing in the cellar the first year, took his team to the playoffs three straight years, culminating with a loss in the '07 finals to Grosh. Biggest deal likely was shipping juice-monkey ARod ($44) to Josh for Grady Sizemore ($5) and Joe Blanton ($7). Acquired Jason Bay ($20) and Dustin Pedroia ($1) for James Shields ($6) in mid '08 leading to a second half surge.

Can I get a refund? - Sent Erik Bedard ($2) to Brian for Chris Ray ($10) and Felipe Lopez ($5).

Kedro - Original Member, that's about it.

What else can be said? After two straight seasons in the cellar, what hope could there be? Ok, perhaps that's not true. Upon entering full rebuilding mode in '08, the accumulation of draft picks and young players like David Price (1st overall in '08) had this team poised for an upswing. With a clean slate and hopefully a hunger to win, the self-proclaimed best GM never to win a title should be an interesting story to follow in the new season.

Forgettable First Rounder - Kei Igawa (4th overall in '07) ahead of both Cole Hamels (5th) and Tim Lincecum (9th).

Shay - Took over a Tha Green Monster team for the beginning of the 2006 season and managed to finish 6th in his first season, earning a playoff birth. Unfortunately that would be the highlight as Shay would finish a disappointing 10th in '07 and 11th in '08 amidst frustrations about inheriting an "underprivileged" team. A new beginning has provided a breath of fresh air and enthusiasm for what should be a vastly more competitive 2009 season.

Notable Draftees: Carlos Guillen (91st in '06) and James Loney (36th in '07).

Are You a Chacin Man??: Acquired Hank Blalock ($27), Jose Reyes ($12), Jorge Posada ($17), and Gustavo Chacin ($2) from Danny for Joe Mauer ($8), A.J. Burnett ($5) and Travis Hafner ($3) before the '06 season.

But the guy went 1st overall!!: Sent Alfonso Soriano ($28) packing in early '06, acquiring former 1st overall pick Phil Nevin ($5) and Marcus Giles ($23) from Shawn.

Yosef - Another 2006 expansion team, the Y-Bomb plummeted to the league basment in '06 before nabbing Japanese import Daisuke Matsuzaka (1st overall in '07) and rising to a 6th place finish in '07 and a 7th place finish in '08. Unfortunately he finished outside the playoffs in his division in '08 leaving his only playoff appearance as a '07 first round loss at the hands of Ilya.

Known for taking aging veterans over prospects, Yosef showed glimpses of a change of strategy by selecting Geovany Soto (7th overall '08). Deprived of quality pitching over his three seasons in the league, expect him to draft for today and load up on arms in the early going.


The Rooks'

Jason G. - An alleged fantasy baseball guru with titles on his resume, he brings an interesting reputation to draft day and it will be interesting to see how his strategy develops and whether he can become an instant contender in Tha Green Monster for years to come.

Jason M. - Almost joined the league for the 2008 season, the free wheeling trader comes in with a buzz, known for getting in lengthy Bacardi sponsored negotiations until he gets the players he wants. His draft strategy will be interesting to watch, and we'll see how he gets accustomed to the league and it's rules. One thing's for sure, if you're looking to shake up your roster, this Penguins mega-fan will be the guy to talk to.

Jordie - This fantasy baseball vet is new to the league, but should be yet another immediate contender in his rookie season. Aided by winning the Inaugural Draft Lottery and the rights to select 1st overall, look for Jordie to assemble a roster of established fantasy stars. The X-factor here could be his ability to build for the future. However, the goal could be winning in the short term, and if that's the case starting with one of baseball's top stars (Albert Pujols, Hanley Ramirez or Alex Rodriguez) certainly wont hurt.

2009 Entry Draft Lottery: The Price is Right!!

Here's the second half of the draft lottery video. This time we're pulling names to determine the order for the 2009 Prospects Entry Draft. This draft will also be a snake format, as this is the first season. All subsequent Entry Drafts will be determined by the previous year's final standings and will NOT be snake drafts. Future first round draft picks will not be eligible to be traded. Only second round picks and later can be moved in trades.

Anyway, enough paka paka.. it's time to determine the draft order. Let's turn it over to the Commissioner to see who lands David Price.

Inaugural Draft Order: Hanley Ramirez goes too..

Welcome to the new league and the '09 season. Here's the video evidence of the Inaugural Draft Lottery. Video for the 2009 Entry Draft to follow.

2009 Player Rankings: They're Up!!

Check out the official league values provided by mlb.com.

Tha Green Monster Keeper League Rules

Maximum Keeper Payroll = $300
Maximum Active (Yahoo) Players = 50 (does not include players placed on Yahoo's DL)

First Round Draft Picks may not be traded.

The payroll is in effect at all times, however "expiring" contracts do count, because there is no obligation at the end of the season.

When resigning a player, add their expiring contract value with the most recent MLB.com value (from the beginning of the season) and divide the total by two. Fractions are always rounded up.

Ie. $25 + $32 = $57
$57 / 2 = $28.5 ==> $29