Rule Proposal

[Anthony]

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.

[soonerorlitigator]

I agree.

[Flash]

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.

[Anthony]

The draft itself only takes a few weeks if the moderator keeps things moving.

That's the issue. A few weeks is too long for a draft where by round 6 only 10-20% of the league is even paying attention

Whether it's feasible to do or not, it's unnecessary work.

[BHows]

It's good to know someone on the staff is paying attention to Ernie's departure. I think many of us don't realize the impact he made and what it will take to fill his shoes.
That said, I've conducted drafts and Ernie is correct; the groundwork is the secret. You need an accurate list to start and the rest falls into place. That is the time consuming part. Sure you still need to cross off selections, enter draftee's names and PM the next person up but that pales in comparison to the time and research that goes into putting together your Top 500 list. Getting the list itself can be a task.
I'm fine with going to 5 picks myself

[Brent]

I propose just leave it as is and if teams opt out like they normally do than so be it.  An existing GM or new GM may want to revamp their farm and since draft picks aren't tradable making all 10 picks can really help a team.  Sure the talent isn't as good in the lower rounds, but also less teams are drafting so a round 8-10 pick may be round 6 talent.

Oh and yeah, Ernie's departure is huge. 

[Brian]

I agree i think 5 rds is enough in draft. If u want more players then u can get them thru fa

[Ben]

Could we keep same # of rounds, but start with like a 6 hour pick window and after Rd 5 or so move to 4 hours? Would quicken things up some for the Draft and hopefully keep up activity

[Brian]

Im good with 5 rds