I'd like to propose to cut the FYP Draft rounds down to 5. With Flash leaving, I want to make it easier for the next commissioner and having only 20 minor league spots, 10 seems unnecessary.
Only 25 picks were made in the last 5 rounds.
I really don?t think the number of rounds makes a difference to successfully running the FYPD. The keys to success is based on diligence and preparation. The Baseball America?s Top 500 list that we traditionally use has to be posted and reviewed. The players who do not sign an MLB contract have to be weeded out and crossed off the list. That takes many hours because of the inadequate sources of news concerning which players have opted not to sign an MLB contract. Many times, during the draft, I have discovered more players who did not sign and much to my chagrin, receive PMs criticizing me for not catching a certain player.
But with all that, the draft moderator has to continually send out timely PM reminders, continually update the ProFSL and Fantrax rosters, and keep the BA Top 500 list and the FGM FYPD Order up-to-date. Those 4 extra hours I was requesting in our current Referendum vote would help deal with these duties, but of course, there are now 7 members who voted to keep the 8 hour rule because they are only concerned with their little part and don?t consider the factors needed to run the draft. The draft itself only takes a few weeks if the moderator keeps things moving. It?s not an impossible job, but it does take some work.
I can see why a 5 round draft is more viable with a 20 player MiLB roster, but regardless of the amount of rounds, the FYPD requires a lot of preparation and follow through. The pandemic has impacted the signing deadline for draftees, but it is usually around June 15th. Last season it was moved to August 1st, and with the lockout it maybe different for 2022. Whenever it is, I would hope that someone else has decided to take over FGM by that time because I am not sure I will be motivated to do it if I know I won?t be running the draft?and from the looks of the Referendum, I will not.
Just wanted to get this out there for all of you to consider for the future of FGM.