2021 Winter Meetings Thread

[mstreeter06]

There really isn't too much to discuss/vote on this offseason but there are two lingering issues that I would like to see how the league feels about...

1. Designated Hitter (in the majors, already enabled in the minors) ->
Keep off or Enable for both leagues (I don't want it in just 1 league, so its either completely disabled or completely enabled)

2. Expansion ->
2027, 2030, 2035 (traditional expansion or promote independent league team)

~~

Let me know what you think or if there are any other things that we should discuss this offseason!

[mstreeter06]

I have been testing an idea I had to get more people involved/joined in our league while not officially expanding.

My idea was to create an AFBL Independent League comprised of 8-20 teams with teams in states/provinces without a current AFBL host team. I have a test setup that has our league with an Independent League running alongside of it. I envisioned that this Ind. League would be setup just like our league (4 levels of minors, rules, schedule, etc.). I put this league at a lower League Reputation (7 of 10 in my testing) so the players didn't develop into players better than AFBL guys.

I figure this could be a fun way to add more history to our league and allow us to add more GMs without officially expanding now then whenever we're ready, AFBL can promote 2-4 teams into the league.

This idea is all very fluid with details that are definitely not set in stone (just used for testing purposes) and if it's too farfetched I certainly understand. Just a crazy idea I've been thinking about and testing.

[mikezone13]

1. No to the DH

2. I'm fine with 2027 for expansion on the proviso we have 4 or less GMs turned over between now and then - prefer traditional expansion than running the Indy league, more so due to to the time and effort it will take for the commish and the potential (albeit small) to disrupt what is already a well run league. I think to get new GMs involved, have them vote on awards etc. for a season prior to them joining, that way you'll know who is committed

[claphamsa]

yes DJ
no expansion

[fhomess]

No DH, DJ, or any other D's.

I'm for delaying expansion as long as possible, if not forever.  I don't see the indy league as being of particular interest for the amount of work it requires the commish to run it.

[captaincoop17]

1. Yes to the DH
2. Expansion 2027

I'm for the Indy league idea, but a traditional Indy league doesn't have minor leagues...it's just one league where all the scrubs go to play

[mstreeter06]

No DH, DJ, or any other D's.

 

[LT]

I am for the DH (DJ, DL, DP, etc). not in real life, but in this I think it would work well.

Would rather see expansion delayed until at least 2030

[Troyaof]

yes DJ
no expansion

Dance party!!!
Yes to the DH
I think you are biting off too much with the indy league but if you go that route i have ideas and am willing to help.
Delay Expansion as long as possible to make sure the indy league works.

[tjsmith7 GA]

no DH
no expansion - Indy league sounds like work for commish, and what real reward for participants.  Would like to know more details.

[JKGuy16]

No to DH.

I'm pretty much indifferent on the independent league issue.  I'm not sure what benefit there is and I agree it seems like extra work.

[mukerka]

No to the DH because I dont have batters but as I said before, It is a nonsense to have the pitchers batting.

No to the expansion

[24Rocks]

YES to DH and as for Indy league it would be a big job to run 2 leagues for one and we are a well run league. I would like a normal Indy league as a place for players to get experience but as a no finance league there would have to be some special settings.

Expansion as soon as we have good owners or not for some years the group we have now works

[Qdog915]

Yes to DH

I think the indy league sounds like a cool idea but a crapton of work for the commish. So I'd be against that but for expansion around 2030

[mstreeter06]

I would vote for the DH being enabled in the majors to allow to still get the players that lose their defensive ratings in the lineup.

I think we have a solid group of 20 owners currently and would be all for any way to get more people involved either through a traditional expansion toward the end of this decade or via my crazy Independent League promotion idea.

I think it wouldn't be that much more work but I do understand the concern from over-saturating what we have going on. I do know we have a decent size and eager wait list of guys waiting for the opportunity to join us which is why I suggested the Indy League to allow them to create their expansion franchise and wait for AFBL to be ready to add additional franchises. If there isn't enough traction with this idea, I'll scrap it and we can plan on a traditional expansion at the end of the decade as it looks like a fair compromise would be the 2030 season (I'd love to get something decided soon so everyone can have enough time to prep their organizations).