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-1.0Pitching 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 (
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.”
Halloween