Fri Feb 03, 2023 8:10 am
Hack Wilson
Yes, of all the Franchise league Formats, I think this is one of the better ones---it is more competitive and interesting.
The idea came from a league that cardiaccubbie1 started, which is currently about half way through the season.
The 125 mill cap makes a big difference in terms of making it more competitive, as does removing the NeL players and expansion teams from the FA pool.
In the first league, I took the Pirates, who normally don't have a chance because they don't have stud starting pitching, and have holes in the lineup at C, 2B and 3B. And much of the Pirates fortunes hinge on getting Bonds in the autodraft, which I was able to do, which allowed me to trade Kiner to get some value elsewhere.
In this format, I think trading is essential, and every franchise has players that they can't fit on their roster that have value to other owners.
I have never seen the REDS win a franchise league, despite having a powerful offense, excellent D, and a very good bullpen---their starting pitching just does not compete. in this 125 mill format, the REDS have a chance if they can trade some of their power, of which they have quite a bit, to get upgrades in starting pitching. And of course one of the bonuses to that puzzle is getting Frank Robinson in the autodraft (he has a card with the Orioles as well).
