There is no "one-size-fits-all" in contract distribution.  Anyone who thinks there is might be retarded.   Or stoned.  Like deano.  Who might be both.

No, but it's pretty damn formulaic without a lot of variables.

I guess, if you know the future plans of every team, it is pretty damn formulaic without a lot of variables.

Unfortunately, I guess that template was only sent to MA.   But, then again, you guys know everything so it shouldn't be that surprising.

Ah, hell, I'm in a good mood.

The limited number of variables are arb/FA on your team.  And which players you will arb, which ones you'll sign LT, which ones you hope to retain and which ones you'll let go.  And, of course, changes based on trades, injuries, unexpected needs and any number of other things that change your plans next season and the 3 seasons beyond that.

I guess, on second thought, the number of variables aren't that limited at all.

Since you weren't on the common sense email distribution, I'll help you out:

If current season funds are limited, backload contracts with S1 the cheapest.
If you are nearing a budget constraint for future season X, then backload contracts with SX the cheapest.
If you have excess salary budget, backload contracts with S2 the cheapest and give bonuses.

Your welcome.

I guess you can't read.   I'll try to use smaller words this time.  The limited number of variables are arb/FA on your team.  And which players you will arb, which ones you'll sign LT, which ones you hope to retain and which ones you'll let go.  And, of course, changes based on trades, injuries, unexpected needs and any number of other things that change your plans next season and the 3 seasons beyond that.



And who does that welcome belong to?   I've got mine stashed away so I don't think it's mine.

Posted by MikeT23 on 5/5/2012 7:27:00 PM (view original):
There is no "one-size-fits-all" in contract distribution.  Anyone who thinks there is might be retarded.   Or stoned.  Like deano.  Who might be both.

This is the most correct answer in this thread.

It all depends on your specific situation at a particular point in time.  Sometimes it makes sense to front load.  Sometimes it makes sense to back load.  You need to understand your particular situation and act accordingly.

Posted by MikeT23 on 5/5/2012 10:18:00 PM (view original):
I guess you can't read.   I'll try to use smaller words this time.  The limited number of variables are arb/FA on your team.  And which players you will arb, which ones you'll sign LT, which ones you hope to retain and which ones you'll let go.  And, of course, changes based on trades, injuries, unexpected needs and any number of other things that change your plans next season and the 3 seasons beyond that.



And who does that welcome belong to?   I've got mine stashed away so I don't think it's mine.

And every long term contract you signed should roughly fit into one of the three scenarios I presented.

You're making things more difficult than they need to be.

Posted by tecwrg on 5/5/2012 10:21:00 PM (view original):

Posted by MikeT23 on 5/5/2012 7:27:00 PM (view original):
There is no "one-size-fits-all" in contract distribution.  Anyone who thinks there is might be retarded.   Or stoned.  Like deano.  Who might be both.

This is the most correct answer in this thread.

It all depends on your specific situation at a particular point in time.  Sometimes it makes sense to front load.  Sometimes it makes sense to back load.  You need to understand your particular situation and act accordingly.

As I pointed out, there are three sizes fit all.

Yes, except when there's not.   So I guess we agree.

Can we all agree that the highest single season salary (exclusive of signing bonus) should be the MO season?

Does that not fundamentally make contracts backloaded?

No, we can't agree on that.    The reason being is future salary restrictions.   You may KNOW you're going to decline the option but WifS treats it, wrt to future salary, like you're going to accept it.    So, if you know you have a departing FA issue in that season, you can't just plop a bunch on money on that season or you won't be able to re-sign players until after rollover.  And, as you know, that's not always the best option.

Great. Backload contracts, then jettison the team. That makes a commissioner's job so, sooo easy. Owners who backload contracts should be forced to pay five seasons ahead, or shot.

In fact, we have an owner in BTP complaining about future season payroll restrictions right now because he can't add payroll for next season.   Of his 67m for next season, 27m is tied up in mutual options.   So, looking back, was backloading those deals with mutual options such a great idea?

I just checked to confirm accuracy.  All deals were signed by him and all were backloaded.   Hmmmmmmm, one size fits all until it doesn't.