Anyone in a tougher_league?

viper · Post by **viper** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 2:21 pm

My league has six 2-year players, including me. Nine that did not play last year and I don't know how to see if they played in year one but skipped year two but I will check. I admit being happy with my 9 slot. My numbers were 2-1-8-7-9-etc. I guess I was selected 5th at the earliest

seefer · Post by **seefer** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 2:49 pm

How do you guys find all the info on the guys in your league such as who was in last year and who has been in for 2 years, etc.

Chicago 2

Pick 15

Wild Hare · Post by **Wild Hare** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 3:02 pm

We research, Seefer.

Funny, Hojin and Aram were headed to Chicago to find friendlier waters. Instead they found the shark pool!

Poetic Justice.

Return of the Aces · Post by **Return of the Aces** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 3:04 pm

NY7 will be tough, but I am looking forward to the challenge.

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 3:07 pm

GG, I have not looked at all of the leagues carefully, but I do remember commenting to Tom when we were picking that LV9 had a lot of past champions in it. In fact, I believe it has the most defending champs and overall league titles combined over two years than any other league. I'm not positive of that, but it would definitely have to be up there.

As for some guys getting top spots in multiple leagues or others not getting what they wanted, I sure as he** hope you guys know we don't even have enough time to worry about such things. We just throw all of the names in a hat and pick 'em straight. It's a tedious job, but somebody has to do it. It's the luck of the draw and blame Tom if you don't like your pick.

If someone got the first pick in league three, that means he was picked 31st out of a hat and he could have just as easily been picked 30th. It's the luck of the draw sometimes.

As for competing in leagues with more newbies than others, well that isn't a surprise either. We WANTED to get new players from the Southeast, which is why we expanded to Tampa. If that was part of your draft strategy, then you should have signed up in Tampa and I gladly would have accepted six of you veterans. I'm ecstatic to have more newbies, but there are veteran players in each of those leagues.

If you didn't want to compete against overall champions, then New York isn't for you. Both of our grand champions are there. And obviously we have a lot of defending champions in Las Vegas because that group goes to Las Vegas each year and they'll likely be coming back as long as I'm willing to host this event.

ALL of the leagues look competitive and I'm sure there's a new Dan Kenyon out there this year (new last year, almost won wire to wire before finishing second overall). Trust me, everything was done on the up and up. The KDS worked to perfection and Tom and I believe about 70 percent of the folks landed in their top five picks. If you didn't want the spot you're in, chances are it wasn't your day for Tom to pick your name out of a hat.

Let the competition began and a thread like this is a great one. It's always fun to handicap the competition beforehand and now we have a full week to do so. From our standpoint, we're relieved to have a full 330 teams before our deadline, we're glad for all of you that you have extra time to study and we're looking forward to next weekend. I'm as pumped up as you are (except for a little more tired).

Good night for now and I look forward to the smack talk the rest of this week.

nydownunder · Post by **nydownunder** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 3:21 pm

Originally posted by Gordon Gekko:

quote:Originally posted by viper:

GG . .sorry we missed. I think I would have enjoyed it but alas I am with Quahogs in NY6. And I agree that 3 past league champions is a bunch. maybe next year viper! do you think i have a chance against the blokes in my league? [/QUOTE]NY3 has 4 2005 league champions and last year's overall winner.

viper · Post by **viper** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 3:30 pm

final count for NY6 (unless I made a mistake):

6 - 2-year players

1 - 1 player who played year 1 but skipped year 2

8 - first time participants

Quahogs is a returning champ. Matthew Ross and I had league 3rd's last season. I don't have a way to see how anyone did in year one.

Quahogs and I were in NY4 in year one. We are back together again.

devilznj · Post by **devilznj** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 3:30 pm

I'm in NY 3 - I count 3 2005 League Champs and overall champ Brian Oldenski from the main event.

I believe the 4th is an auction league champ.

This league is gonna be a blast!

devilznj · Post by **devilznj** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 3:32 pm

oops - to clarify Oldenski IS one of the 3 main event league champs - total of 3

JerseyPaul · Post by **JerseyPaul** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 3:39 pm

Ummm, excuse the interruption, didn't I read somewhere on these boards that the 2005 Champion was a "newbie" at the time.

It seems pretty arrogant to think that experience playing in the NFBC is a measure of fantasy competence. I used to play in a 30 member group that played fantasy sports all year long, every year (baseball, football, basketball and assorted games like final four, etc.). They were fanatics, but guys who played for the challenge, not for money.

There are an estimated 15 million fantasy sports players (data 2 years old). Do you really think that the 270 NFBC alumni represent the best of those 15 million? I suspect that they represent the intersection of fantasy sports addiction, gambling spirit and financial capability to spend $1250 on a hobby. As time goes on, many of those 15 million will take the plunge, knowing they are way smarter than those guys that have played already.

So, gentlemen and ladies, I don't think you should get your panties in a bunch over newbies creating a weak league ready to be dominated by one or two returning players. I do believe, however, that NFBC (and NFFC) organizers must not repeat the error of allowing the formation of a league by any other method than random placement.

Plymouth · Post by **Plymouth** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 3:54 pm

I don't understand Jersy, it appears to me that all leagues were random.

Quahogs · Post by **Quahogs** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 3:56 pm

Viper, dont know if it's good or bad that we're in the same satellite too. I'll keep your sleepers a secret if you keep mine

Gordon Gekko · Post by **Gordon Gekko** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 4:36 pm

Originally posted by JerseyPaul:

Ummm, excuse the interruption, didn't I read somewhere on these boards that the 2005 Champion was a "newbie" at the time.

It seems pretty arrogant to think that experience playing in the NFBC is a measure of fantasy competence. your info is wrong and arrogant or not, everyone is entitled to their opinion

viper · Post by **viper** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 4:43 pm

Originally posted by Plymouth:

I don't understand Jersy, it appears to me that all leagues were random. The nine Tampa participants in Tampa#3 were random. The Vegas guys seem to be the last who joined whch seems fair as they likely didn't know of the entry number problems when they joined. Two of the NY guys were the late joiners and two must have been credit card problem add-ons. The extra Chicago guy seems to have vanished but I didn't look overly hard. I think the most important thing is that the 9 Tampa guys were clearly a random assosrtment of ther 39 signups.

My best guess is that the rules will be clarified for the next time this happens. Given all the possible solutions, I think this one was pretty equitable.

To the one who questioned that the first 3 picks were from NY owners, don't forget that we really don't know if the first names out of the hat didn't want pick 8. In my case, the #3 draft slot was down a bit in my peckng order.

[ March 10, 2006, 10:44 PM: Message edited by: viper ]

Gordon Gekko · Post by **Gordon Gekko** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 4:48 pm

Originally posted by Greg Ambrosius:

GG, I have not looked at all of the leagues carefully, but I do remember commenting to Tom when we were picking that LV9 had a lot of past champions in it. In fact, I believe it has the most defending champs and overall league titles combined over two years than any other league. I'm not positive of that, but it would definitely have to be up there.

As for some guys getting top spots in multiple leagues or others not getting what they wanted, I sure as he** hope you guys know we don't even have enough time to worry about such things. We just throw all of the names in a hat and pick 'em straight. It's a tedious job, but somebody has to do it. It's the luck of the draw and blame Tom if you don't like your pick.

If someone got the first pick in league three, that means he was picked 31st out of a hat and he could have just as easily been picked 30th. It's the luck of the draw sometimes.

As for competing in leagues with more newbies than others, well that isn't a surprise either. We WANTED to get new players from the Southeast, which is why we expanded to Tampa. If that was part of your draft strategy, then you should have signed up in Tampa and I gladly would have accepted six of you veterans. I'm ecstatic to have more newbies, but there are veteran players in each of those leagues.

If you didn't want to compete against overall champions, then New York isn't for you. Both of our grand champions are there. And obviously we have a lot of defending champions in Las Vegas because that group goes to Las Vegas each year and they'll likely be coming back as long as I'm willing to host this event.

ALL of the leagues look competitive and I'm sure there's a new Dan Kenyon out there this year (new last year, almost won wire to wire before finishing second overall). Trust me, everything was done on the up and up. The KDS worked to perfection and Tom and I believe about 70 percent of the folks landed in their top five picks. If you didn't want the spot you're in, chances are it wasn't your day for Tom to pick your name out of a hat.

Let the competition began and a thread like this is a great one. It's always fun to handicap the competition beforehand and now we have a full week to do so. From our standpoint, we're relieved to have a full 330 teams before our deadline, we're glad for all of you that you have extra time to study and we're looking forward to next weekend. I'm as pumped up as you are (except for a little more tired).

Good night for now and I look forward to the smack talk the rest of this week. thanks for the post greg. i (and many others) are happy that you guys picked draft slots today. it's very much appreciated. some of us had a tough week at work (lost two water delivery routes). this helps lessen the pain.

this year i will volunteer to be the new Dan Kenyon. but at the end of the season, i'd like to switch to the new Brian Oldenski

abbott&costello · Post by **abbott&costello** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 5:41 pm

i'm in ny3 and very happy it has the main event champ,who better to go up against than the champ and hopefully beat lol......good luck to all!!!

Nutty Scrats · Post by **Nutty Scrats** » Sat Mar 11, 2006 12:20 am

I'm also in NY3 and as a newbie, just to let my fellow league members know, that I have my own whoopping paddle for you all to pound on me with repeatedly! So no need to bring your own! May be a tough league to get my initation into the NFBC but I'm willing to try and go down fighting! Should be fun!

eddiejag · Post by **eddiejag** » Sat Mar 11, 2006 12:27 am

I disagree with JP.i THINK EXPIERENCE in the NFBC is a huge advantage.I know i learn something every year in this event. The biggest thing with newbies is they play in leagues that is usally 10 to 12 teams, playing in their 1st 15 man league with 1 minute to pick is a totally different aniaml. In my home league their is no clock , you have all the time in the world to up your bid in an auction. Can newbies win , of course, but my odds of winning would be better againest newbies , then zola childs , king of queens or rastelli. Just my opinion , and a fact.

MGBMARTY · Post by **MGBMARTY** » Sat Mar 11, 2006 1:16 am

Totally agree with you Eddie 15 team leagues is a League of its own Totally different than norm of 10-12 teams Talent drops quick addressing needs become more intensified as rounds pass Indecision and doubt takes over like Texas Hole Em think you needmental fortitude and EXPERINCE does count

Marty

poopy tooth · Post by **poopy tooth** » Sat Mar 11, 2006 1:29 am

Gordan Gekko, when do you draft? I'm in NY 7 also (pick 8). I see some champions, but hopefully they won't repeat. I think one possible advantage is looking back at previous draft strategies. Of course it won't give away the draft, but will show if certain people like power, pitching, speed, etc. You won't get this chance with newbies. With that said, and all things considered...I'd rather take my chances with the newbies!!! LOL! Nothing personal. I've played for year, last year being first in NFBC and it is different going from 12 to 15 man teams at a table full of strangers!

Anyway, good luck to all.

abbott&costello · Post by **abbott&costello** » Sat Mar 11, 2006 1:54 am

this event has been around for 2 years you make it seem like its around for ever.if you do your studying and get up to date on all by draft doesn't matter 12 or 15 teams or time limit or not.if you come prepared newbie or "2 year veteran"of the nfbc you will be fine.if you don't experienced or newbie you will sink like the titantic.my 2 cents is on the board.

abbott&costello · Post by **abbott&costello** » Sat Mar 11, 2006 1:54 am

this event has been around for 2 years you make it seem like its around for ever.if you do your studying and get up to date on all by draft doesn't matter 12 or 15 teams or time limit or not.if you come prepared newbie or "2 year veteran"of the nfbc you will be fine.if you don't experienced or newbie you will sink like the titantic.my 2 cents is on the board.

JohnZ · Post by **JohnZ** » Sat Mar 11, 2006 7:02 am

Originally posted by eddiejag:

I disagree with JP.i THINK EXPIERENCE in the NFBC is a huge advantage.I know i learn something every year in this event. The biggest thing with newbies is they play in leagues that is usally 10 to 12 teams, playing in their 1st 15 man league with 1 minute to pick is a totally different aniaml. In my home league their is no clock , you have all the time in the world to up your bid in an auction. Can newbies win , of course, but my odds of winning would be better againest newbies , then zola childs , king of queens or rastelli. Just my opinion , and a fact. Well, I know Artie played 3-4 years, in 16-team, one year leagues where he had 30 seconds to draft on the phone in the early '90's.

Anyone playing on ESPN or Yahoo has drafted with time limits also.

There might be some advantage (experience drafting 450 players), but no huge advantage for anyone. Injuries or the lack of them have far more impact on your season than any other variable. What makes the game so great, is that there are so many variables, thus lending to many different winning strategies.

Moneymaker · Post by **Moneymaker** » Sat Mar 11, 2006 9:42 am

Here's some more info on NY3 that you might have missed. It's clearly the toughest league in 2006:

Originally posted by Greg Ambrosius:

We're glad to welcome back the father-son team of Bob and Rob Ashmen of Voorhees, New Jersey... Bob has already won a national fantasy baseball title in another contest... Bob is not one of the three league winners from 2005 who are now in NY3. I wonder what the other contest was.

And for the record, I was not a newbie last year. I'm not sure where everyone is getting that from. I finished like 63rd or something in 2004. It was the year that my man Srebro stressed, "closers will be easily had via FAAB." I listened to him, punting saves -- and I got my ass kicked.

sportsbettingman · Post by **sportsbettingman** » Sat Mar 11, 2006 10:04 am

Greg and Tom...

I'm sorry if this has already been discussed, but I have a possible solution to your "final league...or even final two" for next year...

Write into the rules that any city that cannot fill a full 15 team league...will be matched up with the other cities to finalize a full 15 team league. First to fill leagues will not need to worry about being in the final league...priority is given to those who signed up earliest, but the final league is more like a live "satelite" type league with cash payouts and all...but that "final league" will not count toward the NFBC championship.

Kind of a win-win for the late birds...they get in...expirience the fun...and play for big enough league money...knowing that they shouldn't sit on their hands/wallets next season or risk it happening again. The only thing they don't get is their stats being counted toward the overall NFBC championship. (...and the big bucks)

~Lance

[ March 11, 2006, 04:08 PM: Message edited by: sportsbettingman ]