Rules Discussion

[Ace]

My initial thoughts:

1. Waiver claims for cut prospects (300k cost, lowest in standings gets first priority, use previous season for first month).

I'm personally ambivalent on this; would be interested in what the rebuilding teams think.

2. Weekly prospect bidding on fantrax in-season (therefore only MLB on the boards after opening day).

Could run it as a 4 week trial to see what people think.

3. Allow teams to stash two players over the 400 AB/150 IP limit in their minors if they are on deals under $1m.

It would have to be the same two players for the entire season and I'm not even sure if it's possible with how we have things set up on fantrax. If enough people were in favor I could test it out and then it would be implemented after the all-star break if practicable.

4. Increase MLB roster size by 2 spots for the playoffs (teams would require the necessary cap room).

This was my idea; the reasoning being that real life rosters expand in September and some prospects are promoted. Plus teams don't always put injured players on the IL which can be frustrating.

5. Raise the min IP threshold in the playoffs (currently 30 IP); possibly have a buffer zone of 30-40 IP where you would only lose half of your ratio points.

I can see the argument for this; am interested in what others think. The tweak below could help prevent injuries from placing teams in jeopardy of missing a slightly higher threshold.

6. Allow playoff teams to make signings after the deadline but with no re-sign rights (possibly only for pitchers if we raise the IP threshold).

In a dynasty league I'm probably against being able to add position players. Contending teams can add at the trade deadline and then there is a window to secure emergency depth in free agency before the playoffs start. If limited to SP and long relievers only then this would work to boost IP totals of teams that suffer pitching injuries so that they didn't automatically lose the ratio categories.

7. Change the playoff tiebreaker to IP and batter GP (currently the higher seed advances).

I prefer the current system which boosts the importance of the long regular season but this was the most viable alternative put forward.