Bowling Night In The NFBC

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Thu Oct 28, 2010 11:00 am

Okay, I have kind of a wild idea and it might be so wild it's laughable. If it is, then try to laugh along with me without hurting my feelings.

I have thin skin, in case you haven't noticed.

Anyway, in Wisconsin people join bowling leagues for two reasons: 1) It's another reason to drink; and 2) Camaraderie of friends. It's not so much about the sport as it is the gathering.

What I certainly see right now in fantasy baseball and fantasy football is the extension of the seasons where folks just don't want to leave the bar/bowling alley. They want to roll another game, they want to have another drink, and they want to stick around past bar time with friends. In our case, that means they want to do another draft.

What I thought would be fun this off-season along with our Slow Drafts would be quick, cheap satellite leagues that bring folks together at the same time every night of the week. For the sake of argument, let's say every Sunday night or every Tuesday night at 6 and/or 9 pm. $50 or $75 entry fees. 30 rounds. 60 seconds per pick to keep things moving. Yes, these would be leagues with FAAB because doing 45 rounds would be like bowling 5 games instead of 3 during league night. But at those prices, you wouldn't have to be ALL IN for your in-season moves. And we'd take new signups every week, so you wouldn't have to get a sub.

We'd fill up one or two leagues or whatever demand merits on bowling night and roll with them.

Again, it's kind of a crazy idea, but I think if people knew what night of the week we were playing and they wanted a quick fix to see where players are landing it could be fun. And the camaraderie of an off-season draft would be fun. Let me know if you think there's any merit to the idea and we'll see what happens. I think people are eager to draft and a cheap alternative might work.

Thoughts?

RichV · Post by **RichV** » Thu Oct 28, 2010 4:42 pm

I'm looking to cut down on in season "work" next year, so I'm looking at the DC leagues, but I'm not big on the "slow draft" and I'm not big on drafting in November. I've mentioned I'd love to do a live draft champions league, but that might not be realistic as it would take a big chunck time. Maybe you hit on a happy medium. How about a draft champions league that would "meet" and draft over the course of a few Tuesday or Sunday nights? Maybe a 50 rounder, with the draft spread over 3 nights? Preferably starting late Feb/ early March?

DOUGHBOYS · Post by **DOUGHBOYS** » Fri Oct 29, 2010 3:13 am

It sounds like a good idea on the surface, Greg. And getting together with our friends would be the biggest benefit. The problem would be that most are looking to limit the teams that they care least about when the season begins. This would come under that category.

For me, I care most about the Main Event team, and then others down the line in terms of monetary value. The bowling leagues would be at the bottom of the food chain.

I do think that satelites should be offered during the "slo draft season", but at the normal fees. These would offer a chance at getting into the fast draft mode. Just my thoughts.

Gekko · Post by **Gekko** » Fri Oct 29, 2010 5:06 am

Originally posted by DOUGHBOYS:

It sounds like a good idea on the surface, Greg. And getting together with our friends would be the biggest benefit. The problem would be that most are looking to limit the teams that they care least about when the season begins. This would come under that category. ditto.

Quahogs · Post by **Quahogs** » Fri Oct 29, 2010 5:43 am

Originally posted by Greg Ambrosius:

What I certainly see right now in fantasy baseball and fantasy football is the extension of the seasons where folks just don't want to leave the bar/bowling alley. They want to roll another game, they want to have another drink, and they want to stick around past bar time with friends. In our case, that means they want to do another draft.

Thoughts? Very true Greg. This is exactly what the slow drafts offer and I believe they're better options than what you just proposed -

Slow draft DC's = no faab. People want to limit their Sunday work especially with smaller prizes at stake

Slow draft DC's allow flexible availability. A solid 3 hour stint at the pc is not needed and 15 player's schedules don't have to coincide to make it happen.

Slow draft DC's allow for 2-3 weeks of 24/7 chats. I've seen that to be a draw. Lots of bs going down, on the fly analysis, all because of its slow pace. A one night draft with 60second or 90second window does not allow for chats. Too much picking to be done.

Flexible auto drafting and a nice chat box will draw many in - hopefully the new draft room can incorporate this.

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Fri Oct 29, 2010 11:01 am

Got it. Point taken. We'll nix the idea.

And ironically, I'm taking my son bowling right now!!

He wanted to go as soon as I got back from St. Louis. Gotta run!!

Spyhunter · Post by **Spyhunter** » Fri Oct 29, 2010 2:00 pm

I agree with everyone about the in-ability to manage too many teams. That is why if I was Ryan or Greg, I would be investing in a way to see multiple leagues Free Agent pools at once and/or the ability to copy FAAB bid threads between leagues. Then if a player is taken you would see the empty slot and get the chance to change or just leave open

but i digress, what I was going to say was that how about a variation of your idea Greg?

$50 Entry, and you draft the normal size squad. NO FAAB during the season. If you get a whole you get one. Or, draft the minimum starting lineup (no bench) and set and forget at April 1...