Mike,

I took a look at the statistical data for the past ten seasons (was too lazy to go back for all 25) for my HBD team in World Major Leagues.  You'll notice there are no winning seasons listed.  Based on what I can see here, my league rank (out of 16) in batting is trending lower, ERA is improving, while fielding percentage has been relatively stable.  The big jump in net positive plays the past 4 seasons is noticeable, likely affecting ERA in a good way. I play in Montreal (ballpark effects of 2, 2, 2, 1, 1) so the poor pitching is not completely unexpected but I would have thought my OPS rank would have been higher (it is actually declining).

SEA	W	L	OPS	RK	ERA	RK	FLD%	RK	+	-	Net
20	70	92	.745	4	4.70	12	.984	11	62	44	+18
21	78	84	.717	6	4.51	14	.984	9	56	80	-24
22	64	98	.696	9	5.03	16	.985	9	77	56	+21
23	59	103	.726	9	5.13	16	.983	12	41	58	-17
24	75	87	.726	7	4.78	15	.986	7	62	50	+12
25	60	102	.707	11	5.16	15	.981	11	42	51	-9
26	77	85	.693	10	4.54	15	.984	11	66	24	+42
27	73	89	.695	11	4.74	15	.985	9	62	27	+35
28	81	81	.724	7	4.34	14	.988	3	67	23	+44
29	74	88	.667	11	3.71	8	.985	9	77	19	+58

I guess my question is whether this is sufficient data to get an idea of why I am struggling or will I need to drill down deeper and look at individual positions, past drafts, trades, FA signings and departures, as well as sabremetrics?

Do you have any further suggestions?

It's a good start.   If you figure out why you're below league average is a specific category, you can then assess your individual players who are below your team average in the same category.   Then you have to evaluate their value.   Using RC27 as a guideline, my Coop team average is 4.56.   Below that average, with significant AB(150), is a slugging 1B, a traded 3B, a back-up catcher, a demoted 2B and both my SS.   The 1B is no longer getting AB and my SS/back-up C were expected to be non-factors at the plate.  Essentially, I eliminated the "wasteful" AB going to these guys.   That's what you have to do.  Identify a weakness and eliminate it.   Or lessen it's impact.

Nice pick on UCLA, Mike. 14 looks like a good number in the tourney as well.

The Timberwolves and Knicks are both 14-53 and have both been tanking the entire season. Wouldn't the NBA do well to put in place a MWR rule? What kind of rule would you institute if you were NBA Commish?

Isn't it about time for Pete Rose to be allowed back into MLB? At least into the HOF?

I'd reverse the order of non-playoff teams.   IOW, a 38 win, non-playoff team would pick before that 14 win team.   The NBA has problem and they need to do something about it.   Philly has been disgusting for years.

Betting on the game while an active participant is about the worst thing you can do, IMO.   Because of that, I don't think I'd allow him to be an active participant again.  If Cincy wanted to hire him as an "Ambassador to the game" or something like that, which means he shakes hands and drinks with VIPs, that's fine.   And, yeah, I'd put him in the HOF but his plaque/bust would note his suspension. 

How is your bracket looking overall? Who was your best pick thus far and your worst?

Like ****.   UCLA was my best pick, Villanova(Final Four) was my worst.    They're my only Elite 8 that's gone.

What is the criteria for a diamond in the rough? I know that not every player "qualifies" to be eligible for a ditr boost. What are the limitations?

Active and below a certain projected OVR rating.   Most think it's around 60.

What would you call a world in which owners are dealing away ML players for TC level players?

What would you say about a commish who is the one participating is said deal (by trading the TC level player)?

what's TC?

'tard world but some worlds don't worry about salary dumps.
I'd rather not say because I'm in "nice mode" this morning.

Tryout Camp

Y U so nice today, bro?

I'm over it now.   Took about an hour at work to sour my mood.   

I feel like this was asked already but I can't find it. Will 18 mill medical give you a second injury recovery bump?

Yes.  It's just not as effective as 20m.