Draft order selection method?

JAR · Post by **JAR** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 8:39 am

Can I ask how the draft order is determined. Yes I know it is random, but exactly how is it randomized? i.e. do you use a computer program? names out of a hat?

I would be in favor of the NFBC implementing some sort of system where we (as players) would have some sort of input into our place in the draft order.

For instance, as commish in my own leagues for many years, I just have the owners in my league submit 6 powerball lotto #'s..

For each #, I take the difference

then add the totals. The person

with the LOWEST overall total

will receive the 1st draft pick.

2nd lowest.. 2nd draft pick..ect..ect.

For example:

Team A's #'s: 10-20-30-40-50 - 1 (powerball)

Team B's #'s: 05-10-15-20-25 - 42 (powerball)

Actual #'s : 15-20-25-30-35 - 21 (powerball)

Team A's totals would be:

10-20-30-40-50 - 1

15-20-25-30-35 - 21

_____________________

05-00-05-10-15 - 20 - Total: 55

Team B's totals would be:

05-10-15-20-25 - 42

15-20-25-30-35 - 21

_____________________

10-10-10-10-10 - 21 - Total: 71

Team A would have 1st pick

Team B would have 2nd pick

It just seems like a fairer method because we (as owners) would be assured that our place in the draft order was truely random.

I'm not saying the random method used by the NFBC isn't a good one (I'm sure it is.. whatever method they use), I'm just stating that it would be "cool" if we could somehow verify the randomness.

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 10:09 am

It's totally random, with names being selected for each city out of a hat. We just may need bigger hats this year.

How about bidding for your draft slots using your FAAB money? That was a proposal by Gekko in the NFFC and the discussion lasted months. We have time to kill here, right?

As for "is it really random?" Yes, and it's called TRUST. Maybe one day we'll broadcast the process live over the Internet. That would be cool. It really is a visual experience with two old guys like Tom and I picking slips of papers out of a hat.

JAR · Post by **JAR** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 11:05 am

I don't think it's really a matter of "trust" so much as it is being part of the process. Heck I'd be open for picking numbers out of a hat IN person the 1/2hr before the start of the draft.

Just a thought.

devilznj · Post by **devilznj** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 11:22 am

Greg - don't let something so obvious slip by. Pay ver View is the way to go. A couple of girls from Hooters replace you guys and ....... well, just take it from there.

If we start questioning random drawings by the people who run the whole shebang, we're all in trouble.

But I have a question - this is my first live (non computer) baseball draft. I noticed around the message boards about naming a position when a player is drafted. What is the actual protocol - you say the player's name and position when you call out your pick? Also, do you have to say "middle infield" and actually fill that slot or do you just go 2B or SS?

Basic question, but nice to know.

Thanks!

seefer · Post by **seefer** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 11:23 am

I've always been a big fan of rock/paper/scissors. Maybe we can have all 300 or so owners (plus the auctions, can't forget those) drive up to Brett Favre country and have a live rock/paper/scissors tournament.

We could do it round robin so every owner would get a fair shake against the other 299. If there were any ties, well than we could do the old "I'm holding a number behind my back trick". If we still had ties after that, well then it would have to be swords.

All in good fun...

bjoak · Post by **bjoak** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 11:39 am

For each #, I take the difference

then add the totals. The person

with the LOWEST overall total

will receive the 1st draft pick.

2nd lowest.. 2nd draft pick..ect..ect.

JAR, I hate to be the one to tell you this, but none of the people in your leagues understand your powerball system. Oh, they may humor you, like, "Oh, here comes JAR with his stupid powerball system. Hey, JAR. What? No, we weren't talking about you. Oh, yeah, we love that powerball system. It's totally fair. What's that? Oh, yeah, it definitely makes it more fun. I haven't even tiered my players yet; I've been so busy picking my powerball #'s. There he goes again. I can't believe he thinks we understand that ridiculous system. I don't even think he understands. He probably just makes up the draft positions and then tells us all about the powerball system."

[ February 03, 2005, 05:41 PM: Message edited by: bjoak ]

Evil Empire · Post by **Evil Empire** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 12:35 pm

Now Now boyz... Play nice. If you know what you are doing picking 15th or picking first shouldn't matter. A little advice to you JAR (If you pick 15th) ZIG when they ZAG!!!! It has won me many fantasy championships in my time. Besides wouldn't you like to know when you are drafting atleast a few days in advance so you can prepare? Its not where you draft, it is all about preparation!!! Good Luck Pal!!!

Gordon Gekko · Post by **Gordon Gekko** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 12:48 pm

Originally posted by GCA73:

If you know what you are doing picking 15th or picking first shouldn't matter. it's easier picking first

Evil Empire · Post by **Evil Empire** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 1:11 pm

Picking first is nice, but you still have to pick 29 more players.

Gordon Gekko · Post by **Gordon Gekko** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 1:22 pm

Originally posted by GCA73:

Picking first is nice, but you still have to pick 29 more players. give me first pick and you #15, and i finish higher than you at least 8 out of 10 times.

Evil Empire · Post by **Evil Empire** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 1:27 pm

Sounds like a challenge! I wish there was a way I could take you up on that. I would be willing to wager big money that you can't beat me 8 out of 10 times. I am too damn good pal as you will soon find out at the NFBC. There is a new sheriff in town.......

bjoak · Post by **bjoak** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 3:33 pm

If you know what you are doing picking 15th or picking first shouldn't matter. A little advice to you JAR (If you pick 15th) ZIG when they ZAG!!!! It has won me many fantasy championships in my time. Besides wouldn't you like to know when you are drafting atleast a few days in advance so you can prepare? I agree with GC completely. Being prepared is the most important thing. You can't discount getting the first pick of the second round either (if you're 15th). That's almost like getting two first rounders, albeit not the primo ones. Nevertheless, no matter who you get in the first round, you know he's a very good player. I think it's more about who you get in the 15th round that really makes a difference and at that point the order doesn't matter too much. Look at last year's champion. It probably didn't hurt that he got Beltran in the first round, but it was really more about picking up Beltre and Sheets in the 13th and 14th rounds. You replace Beltran with Abreu and he's still the champ, but replace Beltre and Sheets with Frank Thomas and Adam Eaton and you have a problem.

Also, I love the idea of knowing when I will pick a few days in advance. Picking in the middle probably won't change my planning too much, but if I'm first or last, it will definitely affect the kinds of things I will need to do later.

[ February 03, 2005, 09:34 PM: Message edited by: bjoak ]

JohnZ · Post by **JohnZ** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 5:23 pm

Originally posted by JAR:

I don't think it's really a matter of "trust" so much as it is being part of the process. Heck I'd be open for picking numbers out of a hat IN person the 1/2hr before the start of the draft.

Just a thought. This is a great idea.

What better than the best test of all, having to prepare for every slot.

JohnZ · Post by **JohnZ** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 5:26 pm

Originally posted by Gordon Gekko:

quote:Originally posted by GCA73:

Picking first is nice, but you still have to pick 29 more players. give me first pick and you #15, and i finish higher than you at least 8 out of 10 times. [/QUOTE]I would put a $100K that says you can't beat me 8 out of 10.

Ok, maybe 1k. lol. 100k if I had it.

Dyv · Post by **Dyv** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 6:31 pm

Originally posted by bjoak:

quote: For each #, I take the difference

then add the totals. The person

with the LOWEST overall total

will receive the 1st draft pick.

2nd lowest.. 2nd draft pick..ect..ect.

JAR, I hate to be the one to tell you this, but none of the people in your leagues understand your powerball system. Oh, they may humor you, like, "Oh, here comes JAR with his stupid powerball system. Hey, JAR. What? No, we weren't talking about you. Oh, yeah, we love that powerball system. It's totally fair. What's that? Oh, yeah, it definitely makes it more fun. I haven't even tiered my players yet; I've been so busy picking my powerball #'s. There he goes again. I can't believe he thinks we understand that ridiculous system. I don't even think he understands. He probably just makes up the draft positions and then tells us all about the powerball system." [/QUOTE]This is actually one of the funniest things I've ever read on this board.

I wonder who will be the first to write a paper on powerball numbers value above replacement value ...

LOL - thanks for the laugh

Dyv

Nevadaman · Post by **Nevadaman** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 10:46 pm

Picking draft slots 30 minutes before we draft is asinine and unnecessary. The farther in advance, the better. It's all about preparation. The real drafts in the major sports have months to prepare. We should at least have a few days.

Nevadaman · Post by **Nevadaman** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 10:48 pm

I would also add that I am intrigued by Greg's comment concerning using FAAB money to bid for draft slots. That adds an interesting element of skill and I would definitely be all for it!

Tom Kessenich · Post by **Tom Kessenich** » Fri Feb 04, 2005 2:21 am

Originally posted by devilznj:

Greg - don't let something so obvious slip by. Pay ver View is the way to go. A couple of girls from Hooters replace you guys and ....... well, just take it from there.

I would love to replace some folks at Krause with some girls from Hooters, but that's just me.

JAR · Post by **JAR** » Fri Feb 04, 2005 5:08 am

Originally posted by bjoak:

JAR, I hate to be the one to tell you this, but none of the people in your leagues understand your powerball system. Oh, they may humor you, like, "Oh, here comes JAR with his stupid powerball system. Hey, JAR. What? No, we weren't talking about you. Oh, yeah, we love that powerball system. It's totally fair. What's that? Oh, yeah, it definitely makes it more fun. I haven't even tiered my players yet; I've been so busy picking my powerball #'s. There he goes again. I can't believe he thinks we understand that ridiculous system. I don't even think he understands. He probably just makes up the draft positions and then tells us all about the powerball system." [/QB]Ohh they understand it just fine. Since you're such a genius, tell me what method would you use to determine a draft order when running an online draft? I'd love to hear a better one...

Walla Walla · Post by **Walla Walla** » Fri Feb 04, 2005 6:10 am

I'll go with Tom's idea.

bjoak · Post by **bjoak** » Fri Feb 04, 2005 12:38 pm

Since you're such a genius, tell me what method would you use to determine a draft order when running an online draft? I'd love to hear a better one...

Well, there's no question that Seefer's idea of all 300 members taking a weekend trip to Brett Favre country (though, admittedly, I have no idea where that is) for a paper/rock/scissors tourney was pure genius. I actually think that was far better than my post.

Also, Dyv is correct: if we want to make it really complex, I could probably develop a Value Over Replacement Powerball system in my spare time.

Otherwise, though, I don't see what is wrong with a hat or better yet, a completely random computer program. I honestly don't think the guys should even bother going through the trouble they already do.

[ February 04, 2005, 06:40 PM: Message edited by: bjoak ]

Potter · Post by **Potter** » Sat Feb 05, 2005 6:08 pm

The ect part of the original post makes it for me. Sounds like he was describing coughing up a loogie.

King of Queens · Post by **King of Queens** » Sun Feb 06, 2005 3:05 am

Originally posted by Potter:

The ect part of the original post makes it for me. Sounds like he was describing coughing up a loogie. My sister-in-law spells it "excreta"

newkidintown · Post by **newkidintown** » Sun Feb 06, 2005 3:47 am

From last years experience, can anyone give me a heads up as to the problems they faced with the blind free agent drafting policy? Were there any bids over a hundred for any particular player? After that, can you all give me your list of the first 50 players that I should draft. I figure, why bother asking about whether pitchers are better than hitters or how many closers I should draft. I will just cut to the chase. Oh, and could you do all the research as far as stats from the last 3 years and head to head comparisons? Thank you for your assistance.

viper · Post by **viper** » Sun Feb 06, 2005 5:13 am

well, in the auction league, Milton Bradley went for over 900 .. right Buster