Chat Today

Tom Kessenich · Post by **Tom Kessenich** » Thu Feb 23, 2006 5:38 am

If you guys feel like chatting I'll be here this afternoon. We can start at 1 p.m. CT. So bring it on.

Gordon Gekko · Post by **Gordon Gekko** » Thu Feb 23, 2006 6:48 am

Tom,

Couple of random shots…

In your experience have folks that drafted with laptops done better or worse than non-laptop drafters?

What has been the biggest obstacle (if any) for KP in introducing KDS this year?

Do you think the NFBC or NFFC will ever have a side-league that awards draft slots by having a WWE-style Royal Rumble?

Can we bring our own beer and food to the auctions or drafts?

Thanks.

Shadow Bandit · Post by **Shadow Bandit** » Thu Feb 23, 2006 6:56 am

Here you are Slimy One!!! Come on over to the "Is there a lizard out there?" thread. I've been paging you. But you know that. You're hoping I'll go away. You never know. But the Shadow Bandit---Does!

Shad

Tom Kessenich · Post by **Tom Kessenich** » Thu Feb 23, 2006 6:57 am

Gordon, to answer:

1. I don't know what the difference is. I'd be surprised if there was much of one, though. Drafts are all about preparation IMO and not how you go about entering or retrieving data. Draft software can definitely be a big value, no question about that. But I don't think a laptop user has any built-in advantages.

2. The biggest obstacle IMO has been going through every single owner's preferences individually. It's been a laborious process but we're hoping STATS can set something up that will make it easier for the main event. In terms of implementing the idea it's gone smoothly in terms of people figuring it out and understanding it.

3. No idea. That's something to run past Greg.

4. Yup. We'll have beer on hand in every city with some free drink tickets but if you'd like to bring your own feel free.

GOD Loves You · Post by **GOD Loves You** » Thu Feb 23, 2006 7:00 am

Can facilitators get "trashed?"

Tom Kessenich · Post by **Tom Kessenich** » Thu Feb 23, 2006 7:01 am

Once their drafts or auctions are done they are free to do whatever they feel is necessary for them to enjoy the rest of the day.

GOD Loves You · Post by **GOD Loves You** » Thu Feb 23, 2006 7:03 am

Oh, I meant on the way to and during the draft!

GOD Loves You · Post by **GOD Loves You** » Thu Feb 23, 2006 7:04 am

Tom, who's you candidate for biggest disappointment for SP this year?

How long til Mori takes over for Orvella?

Tom Kessenich · Post by **Tom Kessenich** » Thu Feb 23, 2006 7:08 am

I don't know if Mori will take over full-time at any point though I think he'll get a chance to close. That smells like a committee to me.

As far as the SPs, I'm leery of Dontrelle Willis. I don't know how many games that team is going to win and I don't view him as a No. 1 fantasy starter which is where he may end up on a lot of rosters this year.

And all facilitators need to be sober during the event.

GOD Loves You · Post by **GOD Loves You** » Thu Feb 23, 2006 7:16 am

Do you think the post-season's extra innings will affect Carpenter or Oswalt at all?

Gordon Gekko · Post by **Gordon Gekko** » Thu Feb 23, 2006 7:16 am

Thanks Tom.

Since you were so quick to answer…a few more perhaps?

Would you be surprised if F.Hernandez put up amazing numbers this year?

Is this the year someone wins the Triple Crown?

If you took Santana in the first and a speed guy in the second, what round would you look to target Ryan Howard, 3rd or 4th?

JohnZ · Post by **JohnZ** » Thu Feb 23, 2006 7:16 am

Tom, who is the "Portis" of baseball?

GOD Loves You · Post by **GOD Loves You** » Thu Feb 23, 2006 7:16 am

And, no need to worry, not to much alcohol being consumed here!

Tom Kessenich · Post by **Tom Kessenich** » Thu Feb 23, 2006 7:17 am

Nope. I think both guys will be primed for strong seasons once again.

Tom Kessenich · Post by **Tom Kessenich** » Thu Feb 23, 2006 7:19 am

Originally posted by UFS:

Tom, who is the "Portis" of baseball? LOL. Don't know if I have one who meets all of the criteria I set for Portis in football.

I do think people automatically writing off Soriano, though, could end up being wrong about him. I wouldn't be surprised if he once again generated first-round value and given how he almost certainly won't go in the first round of most drafts that represents value very early. And that's pretty rare.

I'm not prepared to say Soriano is my Portis for baseball but I do think he's going to surprise some folks this season.

I really am going to rest on that Portis one for awhile. That was pretty sweet.

GOD Loves You · Post by **GOD Loves You** » Thu Feb 23, 2006 7:19 am

I know we are talking baseball, but I think with Saunders joining Skins, Portis is primed for an even bigger season next year. Agree?

Tom Kessenich · Post by **Tom Kessenich** » Thu Feb 23, 2006 7:22 am

Originally posted by Gordon Gekko:

Thanks Tom.

Since you were so quick to answer…a few more perhaps?

Would you be surprised if F.Hernandez put up amazing numbers this year?

Not at all. In one of my Expert leagues -- I can't remember which one to be honest -- I have him as my No. 1 pitcher. A bit risky perhaps but I think he's a legit talent who won't disappoint.

Is this the year someone wins the Triple Crown?

Nope. But I do think Pujols will before his career is over.

If you took Santana in the first and a speed guy in the second, what round would you look to target Ryan Howard, 3rd or 4th? I think Howard will be a guy who's off the board by the end of the fifth round. I think you can grab him in the fourth. Helluva pick if you wait a bit at that position IMO.

Tom Kessenich · Post by **Tom Kessenich** » Thu Feb 23, 2006 7:23 am

Originally posted by GOD Loves You:

I know we are talking baseball, but I think with Saunders joining Skins, Portis is primed for an even bigger season next year. Agree? Yup. The guy to keep an eye on there, though, could be Chris Cooley. He has the "Tony Gonzalez" role and that's a pretty sweet role to have. I'm going to start working on football rankings pretty soon -- probably after the NFBC -- and Cooley is going to be hard to keep out of the Top 5 I'm guessing.

GOD Loves You · Post by **GOD Loves You** » Thu Feb 23, 2006 7:25 am

Originally posted by Tom Kessenich:

quote:Originally posted by GOD Loves You:

I know we are talking baseball, but I think with Saunders joining Skins, Portis is primed for an even bigger season next year. Agree? Yup. The guy to keep an eye on there, though, could be Chris Cooley. He has the "Tony Gonzalez" role and that's a pretty sweet role to have. I'm going to start working on football rankings pretty soon -- probably after the NFBC -- and Cooley is going to be hard to keep out of the Top 5 I'm guessing. [/QUOTE]Way ahead of you on that one...I have him top 5 for sure next year! sshhhh

GOD Loves You · Post by **GOD Loves You** » Thu Feb 23, 2006 7:28 am

Did you get a bunch of thank you's for the 3 city draft order?? As much as they were so antsy, I would hope so!

Tom Kessenich · Post by **Tom Kessenich** » Thu Feb 23, 2006 7:29 am

Originally posted by GOD Loves You:

Did you get a bunch of thank you's for the 3 city draft order?? As much as they were so antsy, I would hope so! I didn't but that's cool. It seems they've found other topics of discussion to keep them busy.

Red Sox Nation · Post by **Red Sox Nation** » Thu Feb 23, 2006 7:30 am

Hi Tom,

I posted this on the "ask NFBC a question" also. When do we find out our draft selections for the Ultimate leagues? I think greg finalized 30 teams already. Thanks

Jason

Tom Kessenich · Post by **Tom Kessenich** » Thu Feb 23, 2006 7:31 am

I'll talk to Greg about the Ultimate. I think we're still waiting to see how everything breaks down with the remaining people on hold and whether we get a third league.

GOD Loves You · Post by **GOD Loves You** » Thu Feb 23, 2006 7:37 am

Well let me give you a BIG thank you from us all. I have #9 in both Was Memorial and the Challenge...At least you gave me #4 in Feb28th satellite!

Tom Kessenich · Post by **Tom Kessenich** » Thu Feb 23, 2006 7:38 am

Good luck in both