The Mid-Season Drafts Are Up and Running

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 5:13 am

Originally posted by Walla Walla:

I sent my e-mail. I'm out of the 1000 and 500 leagues. Got it John. So far there are more than enough owners who want to play this out as it seems not everyone had the type of problems you had. We'll move forward with these leagues and keep the prize pool intact. If we have to play with some "dead" teams, so be it.

We will replace your spot in the $500 league, make some time changes between picks (90 seconds per pick) and a few breaks between rounds, and work with each owner in this league to understand the Java applet and be on call through the night if need be. I'll personally be more involved tonight.

Again, I think the concept of mid-season leagues and satellite leagues has merit. If we need different software or a different provider, then we'll make that decision in the future. But my goal is to make these next drafts work and create competitive mid-season leagues.

JohnZ · Post by **JohnZ** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 5:16 am

Originally posted by Tom Kessenich:

quote:Originally posted by UFS:

There were five, maybe six that reported problems in my league. Wonder how many others didn't speak up in the chat room.

And that's why I wasn't going to shut down the draft as a couple of people were requesting. Without knowing how widespread the problem was I was not going to shut down an ongoing draft. That was my call and I stand behind it. I was monitoring all three drafts and it appeared to me (and after talking to some people in the other drafts last night) that the first $1,000 league was having the most difficulties. At least that's what I could determine based on the comments I saw being posted.

One person I spoke with last night said the problems appeared to be confined to a short period of time. The first several rounds of their draft went fine, but there was a problem in a short period in the middle and then the last several rounds went without a glitch. I don't know if that was what the majority of people were experiencing or not.

In any event, as I said last night we are going to be talking with STATS this morning to see what went wrong and what can be done to fix the situation going forward. Greg and I will keep everyone updated. [/QUOTE]Tom, this is bs. The fact that TWO people wanted it shut down is the exact number to shut it down.

The results of this league are so tainted and flawed, that to play it out to any degree will leave a very bad taste in my mouth about the integrity. At least 12 of my picks are flawed due to the problems. I am stunned at Greg's suggestion to play it out with less teams.

You posted a note to call you if there were problems. I did that twice and did not get a response. I have a hard time believing that you were monitoring my draft. Anyone monitoring the draft would have shut it down. I had to ask repeatedly to have it stopped and two more rounds went by. The guy before me was having major problems from the start.

You want a solution?

Cancel the league.

Redraft via conference call. All of these drafts should be done via conference call anyways.

Tom Kessenich · Post by **Tom Kessenich** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 5:25 am

We'll have to agree to disagree, John. As I said I stand by my call to not shut down the draft given the limited information I had at the time regarding how widespread the problem was. As Greg said and as I've told the people I've talked to we are very disappointed at what transpired last night and we apologize for the problems you and others encountered. Greg has stated our position and if you would like a refund we certainly understand. Just let us know.

Walla Walla · Post by **Walla Walla** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 5:32 am

Greg, Thank you for refunding my money. If others were happy with the draft more power to them. But after last night I didn't want a repeat. Whoever gets my team good luck to ya!

King of Queens · Post by **King of Queens** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 6:02 am

Forgive my ignorance, but why wasn't the Mock Draft Central software used? The NFFC Champions draft that was done online last month went very smoothly -- MDC's website and draft room has seen a significant improvement over last year.

Just curious...

Top Dawg · Post by **Top Dawg** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 6:03 am

There were problems for sure, but not enough to significantly alter the team we ended up with (only got 2 players we didn't request). I think going to 90 seconds will really help since most of the time about 30 seconds went by before my screen refreshed letting me know I was on the clock.

I have another draft tomorrow night and will be better prepared. The 90 seconds should do the trick.

Pete

Gordon Gekko · Post by **Gordon Gekko** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 6:17 am

Originally posted by Greg Ambrosius:

but I still had concerns and it appears my worst fears came true. greg - do you have any concerns about the software that will be used for the auction on thursday night?

has it been used for baseball auctions?

i did try their 2 minute demo and learned i needed a new (cup of) java machine

Kevin D · Post by **Kevin D** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 6:27 am

Kudos Greg. Behind you 100% about playing on. The next thing ??? is What is a "Dead Team"? followed by what happens to their players? FAAB FREE for ALL Sunday---- Very Interesting-- Decsion soon please- We'll need prep time if FAAB is used!! Just another great bit of FANTASY FUN. Forty or so frontline players FAAB eligible. YOW!!! What to do!!?!! Great FAAB Action coming up I hope.

WALLA's $$$ as usual were a donation-- his team hadn't a chance. He's pitiful!!

BARBERIAN · Post by **BARBERIAN** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 6:38 am

Kevin D..... What a great idea....100% support..

KJ Duke · Post by **KJ Duke** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 6:42 am

I assume dead would mean those teams are out of the standings, and the players drafted by them are out of the league pool - which would be preferable. Throwing them into the FA pool would greatly diminish the draft.

[ July 12, 2005, 12:44 PM: Message edited by: KJ Duke ]

Kevin D · Post by **Kevin D** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 6:57 am

The Duke has a valid point. FAAB action on the Throwbacks gives the teams with weaker drafts another shot. There are other options as well. I trust Greg will make a speedy call on this and am sure it will be in the best interest of the NFBC and it's players. Even if it might not be what I'd like to see.

How about a "Banned" list?? If you can't abide by the Commissioners rulings then here's your $$$ Back but you're not welcome to play in Krause sponsored events again.

BARBERIAN · Post by **BARBERIAN** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 6:57 am

Disagree....Throwing them into FAB would only sesrve to further showcase and test your managerial and bidding skills.......

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 7:41 am

Originally posted by King of Queens:

Forgive my ignorance, but why wasn't the Mock Draft Central software used? The NFFC Champions draft that was done online last month went very smoothly -- MDC's website and draft room has seen a significant improvement over last year.

Just curious... Glenn, by using this software the teams are automatically entered into the system and your NFBC Mid-Season teams are ready to go. I trusted this setup enough to host these drafts here. We could have easily hosted them on Mock Draft Central and then transferred the rosters over here later. In hindsight, maybe we should have done that, but again I trust this software. And after talking with most of the owners who participated last night, not everyone is as negatively vocal about the software as others.

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 7:45 am

Originally posted by Gordon Gekko:

quote:Originally posted by Greg Ambrosius:

but I still had concerns and it appears my worst fears came true. greg - do you have any concerns about the software that will be used for the auction on thursday night?

has it been used for baseball auctions?

i did try their 2 minute demo and learned i needed a new (cup of) java machine [/QUOTE]No, I have no concerns about FantasyAuctioneer.com and George del Prado will be monitoring this auction closely. That software is VERY smooth, although it's best to familiarize yourself with everything beforehand. The Bid +1 feature can be tricky as it's $1 more than the last bid and sometimes that turns out to be a little more than you expected. But it's a solid setup.

I need to contact the owners in the auction league as I think we'll do away with the reserve round and just add $7 for the last seven players. That would give everyone $267 for 30 players, which is no different than $260 for 23 players and seven draft picks for reserves. Gotta get to that after I'm done sifting through last night's cleanup.

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 7:49 am

Originally posted by Kevin D:

Kudos Greg. Behind you 100% about playing on. The next thing ??? is What is a "Dead Team"? followed by what happens to their players? FAAB FREE for ALL Sunday---- Very Interesting-- Decsion soon please- We'll need prep time if FAAB is used!! Just another great bit of FANTASY FUN. Forty or so frontline players FAAB eligible. YOW!!! What to do!!?!! Great FAAB Action coming up I hope.

WALLA's $$$ as usual were a donation-- his team hadn't a chance. He's pitiful!! It's interesting that you mention this. I've had two strong phone calls on this: One to put those players back into the free agent pool and one totally against that idea.

My plan is to just leave those 30-man rosters dormant and play the rest of the season with the starting roster they have right now. At this point I don't have more than two teams that want out from each league, so I'll just eat that expense and keep the prize pools intact. Unless someone convinces me that a loaded free agent pool is a better idea, that is my plan for now.

The $500 draft is set to go as we have filled John Crane's spot and one other owner has said he will do it again. Everyone in that draft PLEASE load the Applet beforehand and familiarize yourself with the setup now. Also, que up some favored players now if you can. That helps.

KJ Duke · Post by **KJ Duke** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 8:01 am

Originally posted by Greg Ambrosius:

My plan is to just leave those 30-man rosters dormant and play the rest of the season with the starting roster they have right now. At this point I don't have more than two teams that want out from each league, so I'll just eat that expense and keep the prize pools intact. Unless someone convinces me that a loaded free agent pool is a better idea, that is my plan for now.

The $500 draft is set to go as we have filled John Crane's spot and one other owner has said he will do it again. Everyone in that draft PLEASE load the Applet beforehand and familiarize yourself with the setup now. Also, que up some favored players now if you can. That helps. [/QB]Good job Greg, we can always count on you to do what is fair and logical.

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 8:50 am

Originally posted by KJ Duke:

quote:Originally posted by Greg Ambrosius:

My plan is to just leave those 30-man rosters dormant and play the rest of the season with the starting roster they have right now. At this point I don't have more than two teams that want out from each league, so I'll just eat that expense and keep the prize pools intact. Unless someone convinces me that a loaded free agent pool is a better idea, that is my plan for now.

The $500 draft is set to go as we have filled John Crane's spot and one other owner has said he will do it again. Everyone in that draft PLEASE load the Applet beforehand and familiarize yourself with the setup now. Also, que up some favored players now if you can. That helps. Good job Greg, we can always count on you to do what is fair and logical. [/QB][/QUOTE]Now if I could only write draft software I'd be a genius!

JohnZ · Post by **JohnZ** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 9:01 am

I just talked to Greg on the phone.

Wish I could have done that last night!

I thank him for listening. My main reason for posting all the problems is that I just don't want anyone to go through that again. As always, Greg will do the right thing.

I'm staying in. I'm asking for no refund.

My hope now is that all teams are managed and not one is dead. Maybe auction off any dead team? Or better yet, let Greg run it and donate any prize won to charity.

Wish I could have Zito and Benson (or the like), instead of Shields and Timlin in Round 10-11, but I will do my best to make this my finest hour on the last day of the season.

Bobby J · Post by **Bobby J** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 10:26 am

No problems here last night, downloaded the latest version of java an hour before the draft and everything went fine. Just to be on the safe side maybe people should go to www.java.com and download that version in case it is different than the one you have installed. This could have been part of the problem, dunno!!. I think we only had 2 people with major problems from the $100 draft last night and one team showed up at 9est wondering why the draft had already started

Walla Walla · Post by **Walla Walla** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 11:42 am

Kevin Deckel, Should I cancel my teams for football? You seem to be the all knowing Yodi.

I'm pitful as you state. Maybe I should be banned? Ah I forgot you stated that too. So be it. Greg go ahead and cancel my football teams too. Kevin has declared I'm not good enough!

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 12:14 pm

Originally posted by Walla Walla:

Kevin Deckel, Should I cancel my teams for football? You seem to be the all knowing Yodi.

I'm pitful as you state. Maybe I should be banned? Ah I forgot you stated that too. So be it. Greg go ahead and cancel my football teams too. Kevin has declared I'm not good enough! Sorry John, you'll have to come out to Las Vegas and drink beer with me in September. You're buck is still good with me. Besides, Eddie Gillis took your $500 spot tonight and is drafting with his son again and having a blast. No harm, no foul here. I'll take the hit from last night because I'm such a good guy. Just prove 'em all wrong in football, that's all.

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 12:16 pm

I know I'm jinxing myself right now, but we have two online drafts going on right now and both are running very smoothly. The extra 30 seconds per pick is making it easier, but it seems like everyone has figured out the Java Applet. We're in Round 8 after just 70 minutes. More info to come soon, but so far so good.

As for the $1,000 leagues, we have only two people who are interested in not continuing out of 30 teams. We're playing those out and I have a feeling it will be competitive as hell. Thanks everyone. You guys are the best.

KJ Duke · Post by **KJ Duke** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 12:40 pm

Originally posted by UFS:

I just talked to Greg on the phone.

Wish I could have done that last night!

I thank him for listening. My main reason for posting all the problems is that I just don't want anyone to go through that again. As always, Greg will do the right thing.

I'm staying in. I'm asking for no refund.

My hope now is that all teams are managed and not one is dead. Maybe auction off any dead team? Or better yet, let Greg run it and donate any prize won to charity.

Wish I could have Zito and Benson (or the like), instead of Shields and Timlin in Round 10-11, but I will do my best to make this my finest hour on the last day of the season. John, glad you're sticking it out. You get respect from people here for fighting it out even though you're starting a bit in the hole with a few guys you didn't want. Just don't try to put the hex on Wily Mo because he escaped from the Smelly's.

Walla Walla · Post by **Walla Walla** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 12:49 pm

Greg, I'll go ahead and stay with my 1000 team. Only out of respect for you!! As far as the 500 league. I'm glad you found someone who wanted it.

I just couldn't take the chance after last night.

KJ Duke · Post by **KJ Duke** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 12:54 pm

Originally posted by Walla Walla:

Greg, I'll go ahead and stay with my 1000 team. Only out of respect for you!! As far as the 500 league. I'm glad you found someone who wanted it.

I just couldn't take the chance after last night. See above Walla, glad you decided to stay on too. Good luck.