Wanted to start a specific thread for noobs who need questions answered without the 'your stupid' comments that some threads devolve into. 

As a request, if you are answering a question or making a comment please refrain from the personal nonsense, and be as detailed as you can with answers, and realize that just about everyone in HBD has a different plan on how to build a winning team, or handle a certain aspect of the league.  Use the shopping cart method and pick and choose what fits your style.

Thanks.

Or just use the Mentor program.

That's pretty much it. 

Look for the short threads.   They are usually 3-5 replies deep before they disappear.    You have a question, a response or two, and a "thanks".   The ones that devolve are the ones that start with a question, a response and a complaint because the response, while correct, wasn't what the OP wanted to hear.

An example will be your question about San Juan.    That thread is on page two by tomorrow.

As has been said, the threads that go long are the ones that are really just trolling or RSF-baiting.

someone starts a thread with premise/question that they know the answer to, but refuse to acknowledge. When they get the correct answer (usually post #2), they dismiss it or call the correct-answer-haver stupid, and we're off to the races.

And because plenty of people love to waste time at work posting (knowing full well they aren't changing opinions), these types of threads can last a while

I agree.  I have used the mentor forum as a tool as well, and also have been fortunate enough to get decent answers to questions when I have asked.  What I don't understand is how a 'game' is supposed to grow if people read posts that end up being just 'your and @$$ hole" kind of thing.  Wanted to give other noobs a place to get general answers from a variety of sources to help them along.

I think "correct-answer-haver" is great and should be put in the American lexicon immediately!

I'd be more than happy to help newbies on my radio show. There is a phone/skype line or you can be in chat and ask questions from there. www.blogtalkradio.com/knucklebones - Also we have our www.hbdnews.blogspot.com blog. You have to sign up for blogtalkradio to chat - it'll cost you an email and a minute. My shows run 5 days a week most of the time. Usually at 6pm Pacific M-F. All my old podcast are available anytime on my show page.

I want to assign my new Rule 5 picks to see them in action for spring training and I get a message saying that my roster is full.  
I put them on the 40 man roster.  Why cant I see them in the spring training lineups? 

thanks 5%

They need to be assinged to a roster, unless they are FA who "only" got an invitation to ST.

So they need a spot on your 25 man major league roster before you can play them.

Thanks guys, for noobs that is one of the easiest traps to fall into.  The first team I had, I happily signed 5 rule 5 players (one 1 through the rule 5 draft though) and realized a little late that I would be forced to either give them back, which just wastes money, or I had to waive or demote guys I didn't want to in order to put them on the roster.  Its far to easy to get into acquiring players left and right.  The biggest thing to do is have a plan first.  Chose what type of team your building (always take into account your stadium), and then really review and research your own roster first.  Whos coming, whos going, whos improving, who will be resigned, etc.  Once you know those things then look at your roster for this season and the next couple and see where your depth chart is.  Then when you have those things in order, then start looking for players to fill your needs.  Always know if you see a guy that just jumps out at you have a plan of were he will go before you click that button.  My mistake left me at 55 wins.

Thanks iain, that is true.  Knowing who you have is more important than where you are.  Bear in mind though that stadium effects can take a mediocre pitcher and turn him into a viable 5th starter if you have a pitchers park.  (some who normally might be used in the mop up role for example)  This ability to have a couple guys who can benefit from your park can be key to a few extra wins in the season.