Rule Change Discussion: Pitching Limits

[Flash]

As many of you know, MLB has begun to embrace the use of “openers” in a variety of instances.  While the practice of utilizing RPs to start games has not spread to all teams, it is nonetheless something that affects a variety of teams in FGM in that it directly impacts our weekly Pitching Limits Rule of 8 SP/65 IP.  Presently, we are guided by the following rules:

Section B- Pitching Limits
Item AIII B-1.0
Pitching Limits - 65 Innings Pitched AND 8 Games Started.  BOTH limits apply, so you have violated the rule if you have gone over EITHER limit.  It does not matter whether you have exceeded one limit and not the other.

Item AIII B-2.0
Penalties for Violations:
A.) 1st and 2nd offense for crossing the limits will result in a loss of any pitching   points over the limits.
B.) Third offense results in a loss of points over limits PLUS an additional 100 points for the week.
C.) Fourth offense and beyond will result in a loss of ALL pitching scoring for the scoring period.

These pitching limits rules have been a part of FGM since its inception.  In the past, Colby’s vision was to have rule changes discussed by a Rules Committee, but over the years, although some things have changed via executive decision, FGM has evolved to the point where change has mainly come about through a league wide discussion and referendum.  Therefore, I would like the league to have a chance to weigh in on whether it’s time to do away with our weekly 8 SPs limit and simply adhere to our 65 IP limit. 

As a point of reference, the abolition of the weekly 8 SPs per week rule was initially presented to me via PM by Jason S. (game162) during the off-season and at that time I said I would not support that rule change and would not bring it up for discussion.  Since that time, others have raised the issue with me privately, and with more and more MLB teams using openers, I believe everyone needs an opportunity to weigh in on this matter to see if there is enough interest to put forth a referendum for change.

Although any changes would take place beginning with the 2020 season, I think we should begin the discussion now, instead of waiting for the off-season, because we need as much input as possible—and there is more activity at the trade deadline than there is in the off-season.

This is an open discussion, so please feel free to post your thoughts on the matter. 

Note:  If we get at least 8 GMs to request a change, we can set up a vote on a referendum as prescribed in our rules.

“8.) Any GM in the league may propose a general referendum to be considered by the entire league if at least eight (8) member co-sponsor the referendum.  A referendum must receive at least 16 votes to be implemented—this would be a simple majority of 15 + 1.”

[indiansnation]

I personally would like to do 65 IP. I feel its what is best for the league overall

[RyanJames5]

I think the limitation on starts should be removed from the rule.  I think the league has done a great job of keeping up with the changes in the real game and the inclusion of the opener seems to be here to stay, at least for now. 

[papps]

I am in support of just an innings pitched limit.  I'd also be in favor of raising that limit to 70 IP.  We all know that pitching isn't as valuable as hitters in this league so I think that maybe bumping it up a few innings might make pitchers a little more valuable.

[Paul S.]

I am in support of just an innings pitched limit.  I'd also be in favor of raising that limit to 70 IP.  We all know that pitching isn't as valuable as hitters in this league so I think that maybe bumping it up a few innings might make pitchers a little more valuable.

I agree with Papps.

[kidd5jersey]

I agree to drop starts. Openers are ruining the game.

[dedreger]

I am in support of just an innings pitched limit.  I'd also be in favor of raising that limit to 70 IP.  We all know that pitching isn't as valuable as hitters in this league so I think that maybe bumping it up a few innings might make pitchers a little more valuable.

I also agree with Papps.

[Brent]

I am in support of just an innings pitched limit.  I'd also be in favor of raising that limit to 70 IP.  We all know that pitching isn't as valuable as hitters in this league so I think that maybe bumping it up a few innings might make pitchers a little more valuable.

I agree with Papps on both counts.  Remove to starts limit and raise the IP limit to 70.

[Thecliff]

More teams in MLB is taking a look at the new possible fad of starting a RP for the first inning. And even so it back fired on Hector who gave up 7 ER in 2-thirds of an inning in most cases it has been a success. And you can bet your last penny that more teams are going to follow suit starting in 2020. I believe in all leagues here at PROfsl will drop the start pitching ruling and go with just innings pitched with a cap. At fantrax, their software can be set at a # and when a team finishes a day play hitting or surpassing that # all pitching fp in following days if required to finish game period do not count. The problem is that fantrax does not stop on the max #, so teams will surpass the max #.

So, I think in fairness of the commissioner having to decide to cut fp over max # set by league, that the league agree to set max # of innings pitched per-game period at 65 and have that #65 max set at fantrax....and in any day that a team max 65 or more innings when fantrax will lock pitching fp, let the over innings pitched count on that day. The scoring is done at fantrax, let fantrax in complete control and if a team ends a day at 70 innings pitched for game period, let it stand. SP on average today is 6 strong innings maybe 7, and we do see less complete games by SP.

I will recommend this new ruling for WCB2 league in the off season. As moderator I do not want responsibility of having to cut back overage innings pitched at end of game period. I will let fantrax in complete control of scoring.

[Thecliff]

ALSO REMINDER: ...at fantrax there is stat corrections feature where commissioner can set each game period at Wednesday at earliest lock after Sunday end of game period or let it go to the following Sunday as statistic rulings are changed on players (an error changed to single, etc).