when trying to trade a player with a no trade clause, will they accept a move to a team with a better current ml record? or is there other criteria that influences it?

After  28 games.  I think there might be a leeway of a game or 2.   

Did you enjoy a quiet weekend?

I was busy both afternoons.  Good to see I missed nothing.

When you have times when you know you will be without internet, how do you pre-prepare your teams?

Is Eeyore going to Laos?

I think the longest has been three days so it wasn't a big deal.    Make sure your rest/d-replacements are set at every level.   Adjust your pre-assigned rest setting to the highest possible.   Then let SIMMY handle it.   I had an issue at one minor league level from the three days because I didn't have enough inactive pitchers.   But, other than that, everything went well.

Maybe but there can be times when you're just not going to check in.  Mid-October I'll still be in the US but I won't be checking in for a couple of days.

Im looking to buy a new big screen tv.  Any suggestions?

Pick out the best one that you can afford, wait 6 months and buy it at half the price next January.    Bought the wife a 32" screen for almost a grand.   Didn't buy a warranty as it came with a 90 day warranty and I felt like "****, it's a thousand dollar TV.  It will last more than 90 days and, if it lasts a year, no big deal."  SOB blew up around day 80.  Took it back, got a replacement AND $200 because that's how much cheaper it was 80 days later.

The Nationals are planning to shut down Strasburg at some point for the remainder of the season.  What are your thoughts?

A lot will depend on how he handles it and how his teammates feel about him as a competitor.   The Nats run the risk of creating a 24+1 situation.   As for the immediate effect, I think it's borderline retarded.   Once they clinch the division, I could see shutting him down until the playoffs.   If I'm not mistaken, he is shut down for the rest of the season and the playoffs.   Nats fans should burn the stadium or, if they're afraid of jail time, refuse to attend playoff games.

We're talking about the "Verducci Effect."  Do you think it's BS?  I do, considering everyone gets hurt anyway.  It looks like manipulating the data to prove the theory you want to.

I think there is some validity to it but it's definitely data manipulation.   30 inning increase seems very "odd".   Only pitchers under 25 who are in the big leagues.   Seems to me pitches thrown is the real culprit.   30 innings could be 450 pitches or 550 pitches.   But, if you try to count pitches thrown, you've got to take into account side sessions, spring training and even heating it up in the backyard with your college buddies.   And, if you do that, it's all bullshit because no one can track exertion.   Tossing at 80% is a lot different than firing it at 100%.

It pains me when I have to look stuff up.   Why, yes, klever kermit, they could use a good "closer"!!!