This league is all about pure, raw, unadulterated power... and a little strategy. In the past we've seen leagues that reward teams for racking up power statistics. This one will do that. You can amass points to add to your win total by hitting home runs - that's the thunder- and by striking out opposing batters - the lightning. There's always some incentive to keep your own K and HR allowed totals down to try to damp your opponents' stats. This league goes further than that. Rather than rewarding totals, this league is going to award points based on margins. Your win total at the end of the season (for playoff purposes) will be decided by the following formula:
wins = wins + .5*(HR - HR allowed) + .1*(pitching Ks - batting Ks)
The HR and K differentials in some leagues could allow for upwards of 50-60 "wins" from either category. Given that everybody here is building for the league, I doubt we'll see anything like that. But you certainly can't afford to ignore your margins, either. This one's going to take some strategy. Many of the best power hitters K often. A lot of the best modern strikeout pitchers (Pedro in particular) give up more than their share of long balls. Those deadballers who keep it in the yard tend to strike out next to nobody. What route will you take to victory?
Cap: $140 million
No DH or clones
No trades or WW - ride this one out on the horses you brought
random alignment (until 2-team owners are all in opposite leagues)