Cold Hard Look Goodbye

Schwks · Post by **Schwks** » Sat Jan 08, 2011 9:22 am

With a great degree of sadness, I am taking a leave from fantasy baseball. I started participating in a baseball league in 2005 for the first time. After winning that league several times, I looked for something different and saw NFBC's ad in a magazine.

In 2008 and 2009, I participated in some of NFBC's side offerings, with good success. In 2010, I entered the Main for the first time. Those who followed my posts, know that my foray into that competition, was not successful.

Over the last 3 years, my time involvement in fantasy baseball has grown and grown. As of last week, I came to realize that I was spending a huge chunk of my work day researching, posting, searching and communicating with other like-minded individuals.

I entered a slow 150 draft (#6) and the time I spent soared to almost an all-day thing. I monitored the draft and chat room almost like a crack addict looking for his next score.

On Wednsday, I realized that my work as an attorney had basically gone in the crapper. My home life was suffering as well, as I was spending time arduously analyzing the peripheral stats of each player, in an attempt to improve my performance from 2010.

I came to feel like a real addict must feel...almost like I needed help. I turned over my slow draft team with Votto, McCutch and Morneau in the fold, to a friend. I asked Greg to remove me from the Main. I will not participate in 2011, as painful as that feels to write.

I now see that the NFBC is in trouble. The NFBC is the measure in my mind of the way fantasy sports should be run. With Greg and Tom as well as the ardent lovers of the game and characters, who frequent these boards, there is no finer fantasy community. The NFBC format to me defines the game...and in my mind, in other formats I always say to myself, "what would an NFBCer have done there."

I hope that by taking a year away, I will be able to re-gain perspective. After that year, maybe I can learn to compartmentalize better and return to the game at some level. I also hope that there will be an NFBC to return to.

To all of the smart, accomplished, funny people that I have met, either in person or online, I look forward to speaking again.

All the best of luck to the NFBC and all of the players.

Doug

CC's Desperados · Post by **CC's Desperados** » Sat Jan 08, 2011 9:26 am

Best of luck Doug..we are only one distraction away when the time is right.

Gekko · Post by **Gekko** » Sat Jan 08, 2011 9:41 am

Doug - I'd recommend playing in some slow drafts this year. That way you don't have to put in FAAB time during the year.

In fact, that is exactly what I'm doing this year. In past years I could pour in as much time as I needed to be successful. I just can't commit that amount of time this year. Playing in slow drafts will keep me involved and keep me up to speed come next year.

[ January 08, 2011, 03:42 PM: Message edited by: Gekko ]

anpyanks · Post by **anpyanks** » Sat Jan 08, 2011 10:45 am

Originally posted by Gekko:

Doug - I'd recommend playing in some slow drafts this year. That way you don't have to put in FAAB time during the year.

In fact, that is exactly what I'm doing this year. In past years I could pour in as much time as I needed to be successful. I just can't commit that amount of time this year. Playing in slow drafts will keep me involved and keep me up to speed come next year. What??? No main event for u this year? (if there is one)

[ January 08, 2011, 04:46 PM: Message edited by: Chico Lind's Hermanos ]

DOUGHBOYS · Post by **DOUGHBOYS** » Sat Jan 08, 2011 11:14 am

Doug,

We're like a big family, when anyone leaves they are missed. You'll be missed. Your enthusiasm for fantasy baseball exuded in every post.

We're all addicted to this game to one degree or another. I'm glad you saw it before reaching a stage that was uncomfortable.

Good luck in your hiatus. Sort things out and we'll always be here...er, somewhere when you come back.

Ando · Post by **Ando** » Sat Jan 08, 2011 11:28 am

Have always enjoyed your posts, Doug. Know that Greg always has an opening for you.

Gekko · Post by **Gekko** » Sat Jan 08, 2011 11:31 am

Originally posted by Chico Lind's Hermanos:

quote:Originally posted by Gekko:

Doug - I'd recommend playing in some slow drafts this year. That way you don't have to put in FAAB time during the year.

In fact, that is exactly what I'm doing this year. In past years I could pour in as much time as I needed to be successful. I just can't commit that amount of time this year. Playing in slow drafts will keep me involved and keep me up to speed come next year. What??? No main event for u this year? (if there is one) [/QUOTE]1-2 slow drafts. no faab leagues. might help a friend draft

CC's Desperados · Post by **CC's Desperados** » Sat Jan 08, 2011 11:58 am

Originally posted by Gekko:

quote:Originally posted by Chico Lind's Hermanos:

quote:Originally posted by Gekko:

Doug - I'd recommend playing in some slow drafts this year. That way you don't have to put in FAAB time during the year.

In fact, that is exactly what I'm doing this year. In past years I could pour in as much time as I needed to be successful. I just can't commit that amount of time this year. Playing in slow drafts will keep me involved and keep me up to speed come next year. What??? No main event for u this year? (if there is one) [/QUOTE]1-2 slow drafts. no faab leagues. might help a friend draft [/QUOTE]For some reason, I don't believe you. If your so busy, why are trolling the HQ boards so much? If your there, you are preparing for something. For a $150 Slow draft, it doesn't make a lot of sense.

Gekko · Post by **Gekko** » Sat Jan 08, 2011 12:15 pm

Originally posted by CC's Desperados:

For some reason, I don't believe you. If your so busy, why are trolling the HQ boards so much? If your there, you are preparing for something. For a $150 Slow draft, it doesn't make a lot of sense. again, i'm trying to stay involved with fantasy baseball in some capacity. i can't access these MB from work, so i go on HQ. yes, i'm preparing...for 1-2 slow drafts. sorry, you won't see me running any faab teams this year. unfortunately, i can't make that time commitment for 6 months this year.

Top Dawg · Post by **Top Dawg** » Sat Jan 08, 2011 5:05 pm

As I started reading this thread I kind of chuckled to myself. I too feel like I need to take off at least one baseball season. Last year I spent at least 20 hours a week at work looking at stats, free agents, potential call ups and alike. Then, at home another 20 hours a week looking at live scoring, reading more info on the net and spending most of the night checking for updates. Not to mention the amount of time doing waivers and setting lineups... Now I feel almost like a "free man" knowing that I resigned myself to take off one season. I have no idea what I will do all summer and spring outdoors instead of inside all night in front of the computer. I wish you all the best of luck this season and honestly hope Greg and Tom can keep this running.

Pete

Sebadiah23 · Post by **Sebadiah23** » Sat Jan 08, 2011 9:01 pm

Its because twice a week changes were added, without a vote on it, a poll on it, or any consideration of the time commitment. I love fantasy baseball more than anybody but having 50 deadlines in one fantasy season is nuts. I'm reducing league too, when I really don't want to, because I can't take having two deadlines a week X upteen teams, with money on the line. It becomes a job- a fun job, but a job.

I have no clue when the rule was added, but it sucked after about two weeks. No degree of fairness is worth rushing and turning into a drone.

That being said, very anxious for the season this year and looking forward to my fix of weekly change leagues. I hope everyone else is too. Many are anxious for the weekly change Challenge Leagues to open, and due to the extra commitment, they will also want to enjoy their paired down plate of NFBC leagues.

Sebadiah23 · Post by **Sebadiah23** » Sat Jan 08, 2011 9:01 pm

If the draft champion leagues were like football and took your best lineup, I'd do about 10 of them, but they have twice a week lineup changes too, so I'm only doing 1 or 2 as well. I want my kids to remember me.

[ January 09, 2011, 03:06 AM: Message edited by: Sebadiah23 ]

JohnP · Post by **JohnP** » Sun Jan 09, 2011 12:34 am

Originally posted by Gekko:

quote:Originally posted by CC's Desperados:

For some reason, I don't believe you. If your so busy, why are trolling the HQ boards so much? If your there, you are preparing for something. For a $150 Slow draft, it doesn't make a lot of sense. again, i'm trying to stay involved with fantasy baseball in some capacity. i can't access these MB from work, so i go on HQ. yes, i'm preparing...for 1-2 slow drafts. sorry, you won't see me running any faab teams this year. unfortunately, i can't make that time commitment for 6 months this year. [/QUOTE]Can you please continue to provide your subtle advice on who to draft and who to bid on via your MB posts?

Gekko · Post by **Gekko** » Sun Jan 09, 2011 1:04 am

Originally posted by JohnP:

Can you please continue to provide your subtle advice on who to draft and who to bid on via your MB posts? with no faab leagues, there won't be any need for this. sorry

Cornhusker · Post by **Cornhusker** » Sun Jan 09, 2011 1:59 am

Originally posted by Sebadiah23:

Its because twice a week changes were added, without a vote on it, a poll on it, or any consideration of the time commitment. I love fantasy baseball more than anybody but having 50 deadlines in one fantasy season is nuts. I'm reducing league too, when I really don't want to, because I can't take having two deadlines a week X upteen teams, with money on the line. It becomes a job- a fun job, but a job.

I have no clue when the rule was added, but it sucked after about two weeks. No degree of fairness is worth rushing and turning into a drone.

That being said, very anxious for the season this year and looking forward to my fix of weekly change leagues. I hope everyone else is too. Many are anxious for the weekly change Challenge Leagues to open, and due to the extra commitment, they will also want to enjoy their paired down plate of NFBC leagues. Couldn't agree more. The twice weekly changes were a HUGE change without getting much input. I definitely will not enter into any NFBC leagues with FAAB this year unless they go back to only weekly changes. The extra Friday studying needed for lineup changes basically doubled roster managment time and totally burned me out. I feel the only people who have legitimate shot of winning the overall with the new rules are those without family and those able to study baseball at work.

I may take the year off from Fantasy Baseball as well due to these factors. I did look at the WCOFB and they have twice weekly changes for pitchers and hitters so there is no way I am joining that contest.

Good Luck.

Cornhusker · Post by **Cornhusker** » Sun Jan 09, 2011 1:59 am

.

[ January 09, 2011, 08:01 AM: Message edited by: Cornhusker ]

Cornhusker · Post by **Cornhusker** » Sun Jan 09, 2011 1:59 am

.

[ January 09, 2011, 08:01 AM: Message edited by: Cornhusker ]

ScottieBaseball · Post by **ScottieBaseball** » Sun Jan 09, 2011 2:11 am

Even though I don't think we ever met Doug, god bless and come back when you think you can. All the best...

SS

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Sun Jan 09, 2011 2:23 am

As I told Doug via email, I wish him all the best and we will definitely miss his thorough baseball posts and his competitive fire. But it's because of his competitiveness that he needs to take some time off and get his priorities right. If that means spending more time with the family and on the job, then he's making the right choice. But hopefully he will continue to read the boards, interact with our members and follow the competition with minimal time investment. This community sticks together and if someone has to leave for some time, hopefully we'll still be around when the time is right.

And I said the same thing to Mark, too. He's been a valuable member of the NFBC -- in good times and in bad times -- but if he needs to take time off to spend with the family and get priorities in order then that's a great decision. He went ALL IN last year and the results were amazing. But if he decides to do something else this season to keep the family happy and the job moving forward, so be it. Then it's the right call.

In this economy, I wouldn't be surprised if more people make these type of decisions and rightfully so. Even businesses are making tough decisions within this industry. But again, hopefully this very, very unique community of baseball die-hards can stay together and when the time is right to fight for an NFBC title we'll be there. Until then, others will have to win the big prizes while you're gone.

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Sun Jan 09, 2011 2:29 am

Originally posted by Sebadiah23:

Its because twice a week changes were added, without a vote on it, a poll on it, or any consideration of the time commitment. I love fantasy baseball more than anybody but having 50 deadlines in one fantasy season is nuts. I'm reducing league too, when I really don't want to, because I can't take having two deadlines a week X upteen teams, with money on the line. It becomes a job- a fun job, but a job.

I have no clue when the rule was added, but it sucked after about two weeks. No degree of fairness is worth rushing and turning into a drone.

That being said, very anxious for the season this year and looking forward to my fix of weekly change leagues. I hope everyone else is too. Many are anxious for the weekly change Challenge Leagues to open, and due to the extra commitment, they will also want to enjoy their paired down plate of NFBC leagues. I can't speak for all of the players, but when you are paying $1,400 or more you want a fair game where skill outweighs luck. Adding a rule that allowed folks to look at their 7-man reserve roster during the week and start a different hitter during the weekend if the position matched and if one of your pitchers was officially on the DL takes out some of the luck in winning a league title. At the prices people are paying and with more than a million dollars in prizes on the line, I believe it's a good move without overdoing it. I may be wrong, but I think the move enhances the contest not detracts from it.

If Mark or Doug or you or anyone else feels this rule is too time consuming but they still love the NFBC, then there are other options available. The Draft Champions format with no in-season moves seems like a good option. But if you are right and there is a mass exodus from the Main Event because of the Friday moves, well, then, I will obviously understand the trend and admit that I was wrong. Again, the players will tell us if this rule is causing the problem or not.

751542 · Post by **751542** » Sun Jan 09, 2011 2:52 am

Originally posted by Greg Ambrosius:

quote:Originally posted by Sebadiah23:

Its because twice a week changes were added, without a vote on it, a poll on it, or any consideration of the time commitment. I love fantasy baseball more than anybody but having 50 deadlines in one fantasy season is nuts. I'm reducing league too, when I really don't want to, because I can't take having two deadlines a week X upteen teams, with money on the line. It becomes a job- a fun job, but a job.

I have no clue when the rule was added, but it sucked after about two weeks. No degree of fairness is worth rushing and turning into a drone.

That being said, very anxious for the season this year and looking forward to my fix of weekly change leagues. I hope everyone else is too. Many are anxious for the weekly change Challenge Leagues to open, and due to the extra commitment, they will also want to enjoy their paired down plate of NFBC leagues. I can't speak for all of the players, but when you are paying $1,400 or more you want a fair game where skill outweighs luck. Adding a rule that allowed folks to look at their 7-man reserve roster during the week and start a different hitter during the weekend if the position matched and if one of your pitchers was officially on the DL takes out some of the luck in winning a league title. At the prices people are paying and with more than a million dollars in prizes on the line, I believe it's a good move without overdoing it. I may be wrong, but I think the move enhances the contest not detracts from it.

If Mark or Doug or you or anyone else feels this rule is too time consuming but they still love the NFBC, then there are other options available. The Draft Champions format with no in-season moves seems like a good option. But if you are right and there is a mass exodus from the Main Event because of the Friday moves, well, then, I will obviously understand the trend and admit that I was wrong. Again, the players will tell us if this rule is causing the problem or not. [/QUOTE]2x hitter moves a week was the right call. its not going anywhere. like you said, if your looking for less in season involvement then concentrate on draft champions leagues. 1 thing i believe people need to incorporate more in life is balance. if you cant do the thing you love to do well......whats the sense in living. you are just going around like a robot....balance and modereration would do alot of people well. i am fortunate i have found the balance and can compete. dont be out of the game too long or it will pass you by. good luck and look forward to competeing in 2011!!

JamesH · Post by **JamesH** » Sun Jan 09, 2011 2:53 am

I, for one, prefer weekly moves. But whatever.

[ January 09, 2011, 09:46 AM: Message edited by: JamesH ]

bustouts · Post by **bustouts** » Sun Jan 09, 2011 2:57 am

Greg,I dont think its too demanding time wise to make the bi weekly moves, but like I said many years ago there is another solution. I think every fantasy team follows their team daily and knows when their team has a player placed on the DL or gets activated from the DL. I think instead of the bi weekly moves, you should be able to make the corresponding moves accordingly, AT ANY TIME during the week. This way you have a full roster at most times and do not miss out on important at bats or stats from your pitchers. Its a very simple and Im sure pretty welcome change for us players. I do not know how much work this would be on your end or if it is even possible. Its just my opinion, but worth some consideration.

Dak · Post by **Dak** » Sun Jan 09, 2011 2:58 am

Originally posted by Cornhusker:

quote:Originally posted by Sebadiah23:

Its because twice a week changes were added, without a vote on it, a poll on it, or any consideration of the time commitment. I love fantasy baseball more than anybody but having 50 deadlines in one fantasy season is nuts. I'm reducing league too, when I really don't want to, because I can't take having two deadlines a week X upteen teams, with money on the line. It becomes a job- a fun job, but a job.

I have no clue when the rule was added, but it sucked after about two weeks. No degree of fairness is worth rushing and turning into a drone.

That being said, very anxious for the season this year and looking forward to my fix of weekly change leagues. I hope everyone else is too. Many are anxious for the weekly change Challenge Leagues to open, and due to the extra commitment, they will also want to enjoy their paired down plate of NFBC leagues. Couldn't agree more. The twice weekly changes were a HUGE change without getting much input. I definitely will not enter into any NFBC leagues with FAAB this year unless they go back to only weekly changes. The extra Friday studying needed for lineup changes basically doubled roster managment time and totally burned me out. I feel the only people who have legitimate shot of winning the overall with the new rules are those without family and those able to study baseball at work.

I may take the year off from Fantasy Baseball as well due to these factors. I did look at the WCOFB and they have twice weekly changes for pitchers and hitters so there is no way I am joining that contest.

Good Luck. [/QUOTE]Cornhusker, Craig, Pete..........YOU are right!!! Twice a week moves are for people who can sit in an office while others are making the pizza's!!!! OR retired!!

Schwks · Post by **Schwks** » Sun Jan 09, 2011 3:06 am

This post was never meant to be a referendum on the twice weekly moves. Because it has been brought up, I will say that the Friday moves had nothing to do with my decision to leave, absolutely ZERO; there is no mention of it in my post. To me, the NFBC and its decision makers ALWAYS make the right decisions when it comes to what is best for the game.

As RT correctly points out, I need to find balance. I need some time to see if I can participate without it negatively impacting the rest of my life. For whatever reason, it set off the obsessive in me. I could not shake the need to be constantly researching and communicating. That took away from the time and attentions to a very tough profession, and a family with a small child.

I was almost wondering if anyone else had felt their lives spinning out of control at all.