Purpose of a good theme league is to determine what you think is a winning strategy given the specific set of constraints and to act accordingly. There's nothing objectively wrong, or going too far, with any set of reasonable rules. If the new draft rules mean you can't win in this league by drafting an 85-win team (let's see, how many did my Cubs win in 1972 -- D'oh!!) then so be it.

but if the draft rules make it easier to win with a 55-win team than an 85-win team, then the balance is off. in my opinion, natch.

(and of course not all 55- or 85-win teams are created equal etc.)

Of course it's my turn now. Everyone on my wish list is gone and I don't have time to research more right now (at work). I'll pick when I get home tonight...

No 55 or 65 win team is going to come close to 85 wins. The new rules are a move toward parity to make the season and the draft more interesting. Would you be opposed to new rules if they gave each team an almost even chance to win the World Series?

We will know that the rules are skewed too much toward the bottom teams if those teams continously get drafted over .600+ teams.

Personally, I think each year will be different. Some 85-win teams are better than others. sgsmith's Cubs had a pythogorean win total of 92. The Red Sox's pythagorean win total was 79. Both teams won 85. Hell, I'd have taken my SF Giants where I did (69 real life wins, 79 pyth wins) even without the rule changes.

I agree that the rules changes will make things a bit more interesting but I don't think it automatically means you draft a different team. Regardless of the rules, I would have taken the O's. Their pythagorean win total was 90 which was 10 better than real life.

I would have taken the O's with the #1 pick . . .

and I agree with Schwarze, using a season with deeper talent, these rules will even things up a lot. I think it is fairly even this year(?)

Ha! Orioles are winning this thing hands down..

Okay, sorry it took so long guys.

Balor Moore - P

Timed draft schedule coming Wednsday.

Sorry everyone. Didn't plan on being out all day but just got home now. I'll take Larry Dierker