OTOH Matt, Bob the Lemon enjoyed his first exhibition start in Safeco...

Player	%	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	PC	ERA
Bob Lemon, W (1-0)	100	6.2	3	1	1	4	3	1	88	1.35

He'll probably end up with better numbers than some of the albatrosses, but I thought he might be a bigger financial burden.

I can attest to that second point.... 

A couple things...

1. At first I didn't think many owners would choose the toughest-to-hit ballparks. Now, if more continue to, I think maybe overall we'll be overcompensating a bit for the 10% batting boost. Just lettin' you know.

2. (in a post later today)

My man Herm Wehmeier's second exhibition start, this one in Safeco

Player	%	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	PC	ERA
Herm Wehmeier, L (0-2)	100	7.0	7	4	3	5	4	1	117	9.82

Thing 2 of a couple things

I've been asked to consider making this a 16-team theme, rather than 24. That would also mean only four teams make the playoffs, not eight. Credits are similar, but different. Interleague play could still be done. That is Option F on this page, which explains further: http://www.whatifsports.com/knowledgebase/KB_Article_Details.aspx?kbid=705.

Considering that there are not one but two huge tournaments at the recruitment stage now (ARRRRRRRGHHHHHHH!!!!!!!) this may be a very good idea. Input?

Thing 3

At this point I would also like to eliminate any further availability of unchosen ballparks with these sets of characteristics:

• any mark in singles lower than -1, unless its ballpark rating is 0.94 or higher
• any ballpark rating of 0.92 or lower

Our owners thus far have bought more heavily into the tougher ballparks for batters and I don't want the theme to become very lopsided in favor of pitchers.

I'm going to do this now by "executive order" (arrrrrrrghhhhh, sorry). If you have any objections I am interested in hearing them, by sitemail or here.

You have done a lot of great, great work here ArlenWilliams.

I am in and will take Polo Ground V. But I have had a very long day in 90 degree Mediterranean heat and my mind is too fried to completely comprehend the rest of what I have to do here, so if I am supposed to give any more info I will do so tomorrow when brain works again. 

Ex'lant, IP!  Thanks. Lay it on us when you can. You and TrentonJoe are on deck, in the hole, or at least in the dugout. Just three more after that.

ItalyProf selects Polo Grounds IV, New York Yankees 1913-1922.

I'm listing him and Trentonjoe as joiners, but sliding them along until they get their initial picks done.

Okay, IF I understand all this correctly, I am owner 12, and now must pick my Non-Exclusive U-PIK player, and being non-exclusive, I can still pick:

Mike Marshall P 1974 even though he has already been picked by another owner (right?)

 

For owner #11, the fielder will be 

Steve Balboni 1B   1986

For owner #10, the pitcher will be (only a 1960s era Yankees fan will understand the cruelty involved here):

Mike Kekich, 1971. 

Turner Field

Jackie Hayes for me