Tuesday Chat Has Begun

Tom Kessenich · Post by **Tom Kessenich** » Tue Mar 01, 2005 6:59 am

We're getting closer and closer to the 300-team limit. The sign-ups are continuing to fly in and it could be any day now when we are able to announce all of the leagues and draft orders. So all of you lurkers sitting on the fence, c'mon and join us. We're going to have a good time.

So now let's get things started for this Tuesday afternoon with another daily chat. We're here to chat about anything you like, so let's have some fun on the first day of March.

TheKing · Post by **TheKing** » Tue Mar 01, 2005 7:12 am

Tom,

Any thoughts on how Millwood will fare in Cleveland this year? How about the Indians in general?

Tom Kessenich · Post by **Tom Kessenich** » Tue Mar 01, 2005 7:15 am

I'm not all that excited about the Indians. I think their offense has some questions (though I do like Hafner and Broussard) and I think they're gambling on Wickman being able to stay healthy.

As far as Millwood, I think he's a guy who could win 12+ games if healthy, but the ERA and WHIP won't be anything terrific. I'd view him as a middle-of-the-pack AL starter.

Joe Sambito · Post by **Joe Sambito** » Tue Mar 01, 2005 7:24 am

Tom,

What about Smoltz? Where do you see him being drafted? I am finding him a tough guy to get a hold of, because alot of his value in my publications considered him a closer, instead of a starter. And do you think he'll be able to stay healthy putting 200 innings on that old arm?

Tom Kessenich · Post by **Tom Kessenich** » Tue Mar 01, 2005 7:27 am

Health is going to be the major question with Smoltz, no doubt about it. I think he'll be taken in the 95+ range. Can he stay healthy? I don't know if he can, but I do know if he does he has huge potential. The guy could become the ace of that staff.

As far as rankings go, our second issue has him ranked among the starters as does our Web site. Hope that helps.

TheKing · Post by **TheKing** » Tue Mar 01, 2005 7:33 am

Originally posted by Tom Kessenich:

I'm not all that excited about the Indians. I think their offense has some questions (though I do like Hafner and Broussard) and I think they're gambling on Wickman being able to stay healthy.

As far as Millwood, I think he's a guy who could win 12+ games if healthy, but the ERA and WHIP won't be anything terrific. I'd view him as a middle-of-the-pack AL starter. If Victor continues to progress and Juan can stay healthy, those Indians might score some runs this year. The latter is a pretty big IF though. Not sure who I'd bet on to break down first- Gonzalez or Wickman.

Tom Kessenich · Post by **Tom Kessenich** » Tue Mar 01, 2005 7:38 am

My money's on Gonzo.

Joe Sambito · Post by **Joe Sambito** » Tue Mar 01, 2005 7:41 am

If Wickman were to break down who do you think would nab the job? Howry? Riske? Betancourt?

Tom Kessenich · Post by **Tom Kessenich** » Tue Mar 01, 2005 7:42 am

Everything I've read and heard so far indicates Howry would get the first shot.

RichV · Post by **RichV** » Tue Mar 01, 2005 7:42 am

IMO It's pretty much a given Smotlz puts up solid numbers IF he stays healthy. He stays healthy, and he's a top 20 starter easy.

RichV · Post by **RichV** » Tue Mar 01, 2005 7:45 am

Originally posted by Tom Kessenich:

Everything I've read and heard so far indicates Howry would get the first shot. What about this guy Matt Miller? 33 years old, out of nowhere and put up some nice numbers in Clv. nice K/9, and doesn't give up the long ball at all!

Tom Kessenich · Post by **Tom Kessenich** » Tue Mar 01, 2005 7:49 am

Originally posted by RichV:

quote:Originally posted by Tom Kessenich:

Everything I've read and heard so far indicates Howry would get the first shot. What about this guy Matt Miller? 33 years old, out of nowhere and put up some nice numbers in Clv. nice K/9, and doesn't give up the long ball at all! [/QUOTE]At this point in time they seem to view him as a set-up guy. He did show some good things last season, but one of the reasons why the Indians were willing to take the chance with Wickman was because they believe they have a solid fallback option in Howry.

Gordon Gekko · Post by **Gordon Gekko** » Tue Mar 01, 2005 7:53 am

tom,

how bout a question that may impact many owners...

picture it's march 19th, you're an owner in the NFBC. it's about 2 hours before the big draft. you start to get butterflies in your stomach and get a little amped. would you have a beer, shot, or mixed drink to calm your nerves?

Tom Kessenich · Post by **Tom Kessenich** » Tue Mar 01, 2005 7:55 am

Well if I was in Vegas, I'd get a massage from a showgirl.

If I was in New York, I'd see if your "friend" would give me a massage.

If I was in Chicago, I wouldn't worry a bit since that's where I'd be if I was in the event and I would have no reason to sweat in the first place.

Evil Empire · Post by **Evil Empire** » Tue Mar 01, 2005 7:56 am

None of the above.

TheKing · Post by **TheKing** » Tue Mar 01, 2005 8:09 am

Originally posted by Gordon Gekko:

tom,

how bout a question that may impact many owners...

picture it's march 19th, you're an owner in the NFBC. it's about 2 hours before the big draft. you start to get butterflies in your stomach and get a little amped. would you have a beer, shot, or mixed drink to calm your nerves? The answer is clear. Red Bull and Vodka.

Terry H · Post by **Terry H** » Tue Mar 01, 2005 8:19 am

Many of the auction leagues in all three cities are only fractionally full, is the game plan to try to get the participants in each city to combine and agree on a type of auction or to do teleconference auctions?

Tom Kessenich · Post by **Tom Kessenich** » Tue Mar 01, 2005 8:23 am

Terry, we'll see where things are at with the auctions as we get closer to the end of our registration period. If we have partial leagues we'll be in touch with all of the participants to see if there are some possible alternative options to utilize. We'll see how it plays out.

Edwards Kings · Post by **Edwards Kings** » Tue Mar 01, 2005 8:24 am

Did I read that Bonds was to retire and open a sensitivity training retreat and media consulting firm or was I dreaming?

Tom Kessenich · Post by **Tom Kessenich** » Tue Mar 01, 2005 8:26 am

I could easily see Barry doing that after he retires.

Edwards Kings · Post by **Edwards Kings** » Tue Mar 01, 2005 8:29 am

Tom, Just got my 2004 bonus

and am now in SERIOUS negotiations with the Ruler of the (well, my) Universe on adding an auction (probably mixed) league while I am there is Chicago. Depending on how much it costs in tribute, I should know by the end of the week. Maybe I can help close out on one of those partials.

Walter Sobczak · Post by **Walter Sobczak** » Tue Mar 01, 2005 8:29 am

I'd be in Chicago and drinking whatever was closest to the bartenders hand. We set the stage last year in Chi-town, and we wont let you all down again this year.

My partner and I would go to Vegas in a heartbeat, but fear that we would miss the entire draft keeps us in the Windy City.

I would really like to read some good ol' fashioned smack while we all wait for the draft order. My team cant plan any more until we have that. Well I guess we could plan how to spend all of your fool's entry fees after we walk with it in 2005.

Tom Kessenich · Post by **Tom Kessenich** » Tue Mar 01, 2005 8:30 am

Originally posted by Edwards Kings:

Tom, Just got my 2004 bonus

and am now in SERIOUS negotiations with the Ruler of the (well, my) Universe on adding an auction (probably mixed) league while I am there is Chicago. Depending on how much it costs in tribute, I should know by the end of the week. Maybe I can help close out on one of those partials. That would be great.

Let me or Greg know what the wife says you can do.

Edwards Kings · Post by **Edwards Kings** » Tue Mar 01, 2005 8:32 am

Will do. I plan to put my foot down...just before I kneel down to beg, wimper, and cajol.

Tom Kessenich · Post by **Tom Kessenich** » Tue Mar 01, 2005 8:35 am

Sounds like you've been married for awhile.