Posted by Crump123 on 6/7/2011 6:10:00 PM (view original):
They wanted to take the 327k raise for drafted players out the game, if the R5 player was never assigned to an ML roster, but decided it was too complicated, so left it as it is. R5 selection = 280k raise. R5 is good, its not like those little red 5 diamonds are inconspicuous. If you play this game and dont wonder what they mean, and wonder why some players have them and some dont. This probably isnt the game for you. The game is designed as a GM simluation, detail matters.

That's easy to say with nearly 100 seasons under your belt.  But if I'm worried about what the player ratings mean (and why one looks like a breast????), free agency, arbitration (and how it even works), and coach hiring (and wondering why they don't have a breast rating), I can understand how you don't worry about the other red diamonds next to their name.

And like I said before, I'm not suggesting we get rid of it.  Chalk up the mistakes of a first season guy to learning the hard way.  But it seems like it opens up a hole for guys to lose superstars while the benefit is that teams can fill out their 24th or 25th spot on their ML roster.  And I just don't think it's good for the world (well, HBD world, that is) when a future All Star swaps teams in the Rule 5 draft.  

So I guess the conclusion is that nothing needs to change, but we just understand that one edge of this sword is sharper than the other, so don't cut yourself.

Really?  You can understand why someone wouldn't say "WTF is that red diamond?" but are fine when they ask "What does that boobie mean?"

Seriously, it stands out.  You get notifications about the impending R5.  It's really not something one should overlook.  What I'd understand is not understanding that you can't protect players after the roster freeze.  I'd understand a n00b thinking he could "tidy up" on that day only to find that he can't. 

Sarcasm...hence the question marks.  My point was I understand that someone would be thinking about so many other things that they don't bother with the rule 5 diamond.

I've have to disagree because it jumps out at you.

I think the easiest mistake for a first year owner is not understanding options and how to use them.  I signed 2 rule 5 guys my first season, with no where to put them.  Then compounded the error by releasing 2 players who I paid for 2 more seasons.  Costly mistakes.

C.C Sabathia leads the league in breast size.

I disagree with the entire premise of the Rule 5 being worthless.  It's not designed to net you stars, even in real life.  I've used Rule 5 in several worlds, with contending teams and had good success with them.

Fingers World:
 Hardball Dynasty – Fantasy Baseball Sim Games - Player Profile: Tiny Edwards is one example of a guy who has contributed substantially...mostly with his glove and running the bases.  Won 105 with him as a 2B/CF regular. 

Hamilton World:
Hardball Dynasty – Fantasy Baseball Sim Games - Player Profile: Brett Mordecai was a Rule 5 pick.  He was waived by the drafting team and claimed by my team.  He's been a very solid contributer for multiple seasons.  Elite base stealer, adequate stick.

Hardball Dynasty – Fantasy Baseball Sim Games - Player Profile: Alex Cruz has been a part-time defensive sub - again very valuable within the context of that team's system.

Hardball Dynasty – Fantasy Baseball Sim Games - Player Profile: Chris Guerrero like the first guy on the list.  Great defender.  Excellent baserunner.  Another contributor and fits the system.

All of these guys below also played regular roles for me. 

Hardball Dynasty – Fantasy Baseball Sim Games - Player Profile: Otis Torres (elite base stealer, holds his own at the plate)
Hardball Dynasty – Fantasy Baseball Sim Games - Player Profile: Pat Brush (one real good year the year I drafted him - now AAA insurance)
Hardball Dynasty – Fantasy Baseball Sim Games - Player Profile: Tony Cervantes (Great SS D at draft time and for a few seasons)
Hardball Dynasty – Fantasy Baseball Sim Games - Player Profile: Orber Forrester (Great SS D, see above)

By themselves, not much.  But within the context of the team and its needs, every one of these guys were worth having.



None are stars, but the Rule 5 has been far from useless for me.  Every season they've been involved on a contending team - not a rebuilding one.  There is value in the Rule 5.  You just have to know what can help your team.  With a late pick, I never expect to get a future star, but in many cases, I can find someone who can contribute in some way.

No one's suggesting it's useless, or that it should net stars.  I'm stating just the opposite.  It shouldn't net stars (which you agree).  The original post was prompted because it sometimes does, which isn't the end of the world, but is perhaps an unintended consequence.

To be more specific (and concise), I proposed the idea that it may cause more harm than good.

You can't legislate stupid out of the game.   If an owner sees the red diamond next to some of his players and doesn't try to find out why it's there, I think there's little hope of said owner being a decent HBD player at some point anyway.

One example of a Rule 5 All-Star: Hardball Dynasty – Fantasy Baseball Sim Games - Player Profile: Ryan Sears

That guy's a GM mistake - not a normally unprotected guy.  He was a first round pick.  Looks to me like the owner just goofed.  You should not find guys like that in normal cases.