This is an impossibly difficult decision. So many good players to choose from that won't be there when my pick returns for Round 2.
However, In one of the first iterations of this redistribution format I had the chance to take Babe Ruth and passed (I believe for Frank Baker of all people) and instantly and forever more regretted it.
So, yes, I know that 29 Ruth isn't even one of the best 15 Ruth years, that there are hundreds of other similar and better available outfielder choices, that he plays defense like my grandmother wearing a bucket on her hand, that it stops me from taking any of the other good Yankee options, and generally doesn't make sense in any way.
Nevertheless, I learned my lesson - if the Bambino is available, don't screw it up. Put me down for

1929 Babe Ruth

Yankees

OF3

8,562,422

If the first two Cardinals were over $30M combined, I'm guessing that roster had a heap of cheap on it somewhere.

Posted by redcped on 10/25/2022 11:59:00 AM (view original):
If the first two Cardinals were over $30M combined, I'm guessing that roster had a heap of cheap on it somewhere.

Check the bench on the first page - that's where all the dough came from.

Correct, Cardinals' $3.4 million on the 6 bench players is the 2nd lowest among 30 teams (Astros are lowest). Average bench salary is $7.4 million.

I'm going to be out of pocket most of the rest of the day. I've sent my proxy to schwarze, and it's HIGHLY unlikely vilefileman is going to target the player I listed.

Without a salary cap or a Bonus round, one might think this draft is pretty simple - just take the best players.

Not so fast...

The inclusion of the expansion teams while at the same time extending the eligible years to 1920 makes for an interesting dynamic. I built a bunch of the expansion teams' rosters. Even with allowing clones, it was tough to get to $120 million for some franchises (at least one franchise wasn't close). We have 30 franchises to select 25 players, but it's going to get ugly in those last few rounds (imaging having to roster a Rockies starting pitcher or Rays starting batter).

Also, if you short yourself innings, there isn't a bonus round to make it up.

I left for vacation early this morning and won't be back until Saturday night (poor timing for this draft.)

If you want to replace me I understand.

If not I'll do the best I can and take:

1986 Mike Scott

Astros

P1

12,354,070

I expect the first few rounds to be slow. Just try to check in in the morning and in the evening to see if you are up (and can leave me a proxy if you are close).

reddtrain apparently wants to pick early in the first few rounds. Via proxy, he takes...

2013 Alex Torres, P10 (Rays) $2,788,617

This really is tough. I submitted the Cubs roster so of course you will all be happy with your Cub

But I must take: 2015 Jake Arrieta Cubs P2 12,022,044

My choice was between Pedro & Arrieta.

Posted by schwarze on 10/25/2022 8:34:00 PM (view original):
reddtrain apparently wants to pick early in the first few rounds. Via proxy, he takes...

2013 Alex Torres, P10 (Rays) $2,788,617

Moving up in the next few rounds is nice, but it's more about getting a player off one of the teams with a smaller talent pool and leaving other teams available for later picking.

1963 Sandy Koufax

Dodgers

P2

14,405,049