Let's Expand

[Andrew]

I think there's a misconception that Im making changes to the financial system. The changes are in OOTP 2007, not any configuration change Im making. In other words, to keep the same financial system we'd need to stick with 2006 which I don't think any of us want to do.

I do see what you're saying though, and it is a valid point. If the new financials work like they did in my testing it's truly going to force the small market teams to limit spending. I'm not sure it's something we should bring back this season, but at some point we might need to think about re-enabling draft pick compensation.

[Pat]

But if you cut or trade those players now, doesn't that mean you won't have to protect that guy for the expansion draft?

-also-

Are we going to set a limit on total players that can be taken from one team? Line, one per round? I could easily see some of the deep farm system teams losing like 50 players.

[Sully]

Ugh, wonderful. I thought you were tweaking the system.

I'm in serious trouble. Lose some quality players this offseason. Lose some quality players in the expansion draft next offseason. Next to no chance of extending Campoveroe. Weak farm system.

Yay. Things just keep getting better and better.

I'm tempted to go on a GIGGAS-like spending spree, then quit. :D

[Andrew]

Are we going to set a limit on total players that can be taken from one team? Line, one per round? I could easily see some of the deep farm system teams losing like 50 players.

I would say yes...

4 teams * 35 rounds = 140 players
140 players / 20 teams = 7 per team

Based on that, i'd set a limit of 10 per team.

Another option would be to only expand by 2 teams this year and 2 teams the following year. This would force us to play with more teams in 1 league than the other for a year, but would lessen the hit on players in a single year.

[Sully]

Has the expansion option been tested? Basically, will it function properly at release?

[Andrew]

Has the expansion option been tested? Basically, will it function properly at release?

Not by me, but It's been tested by others. I'm not sure how it works with online leagues or whether you can export your protection lists.

[SC_Dawg]

Has the expansion option been tested? Basically, will it function properly at release?

I have tested it for solo league play and it works very well. Have not tested it in an online environment though.

[Clay]

When you say 2 this year and 2 next year, you actually mean 2 in 82 and 2 in 83, right? We're still playing 20 teams in 81, right?

What about an "expansion fee" paid to the other 20 teams that would help the smaller market teams compete now that the talent pool is thinner and budgets are down???

[Dave]

I agree with Sully.

[Andrew]

When you say 2 this year and 2 next year, you actually mean 2 in 82 and 2 in 83, right? We're still playing 20 teams in 81, right?

What about an "expansion fee" paid to the other 20 teams that would help the smaller market teams compete now that the talent pool is thinner and budgets are down???

Yes, 2 in 82, 2 in 83. Sorry for the confusion. '81 is definitely going to be with 20 teams.

[Jim]

I like the 2 in 82 & 2 in 83 idea.

[Andrew]

I like the 2 in 82 & 2 in 83 idea.

My only question then, is how do you do playoffs for the year where 1 league has 2 extra teams? Wildcard or no wildcard?

[SC_Dawg]

I like the 2 in 82 & 2 in 83 idea.

My only question then, is how do you do playoffs for the year where 1 league has 2 extra teams? Wildcard or no wildcard?

How do you envision the divisions splitting out when the league is 12 teams/10 teams?

6/6/5/5 or 4/4/4/5/5? If it is 4/4/4/5/5 you will need to get really creative IMO. I am not sure if OOTP can handle a WC in the 4/4/4 subleague and a divisional level series in the 5/5 subleague. I have never tried it.

[Sully]

I like the 2 in 82 & 2 in 83 idea.

My only question then, is how do you do playoffs for the year where 1 league has 2 extra teams? Wildcard or no wildcard?

Keep it on the Maine, Hyundai, Baltimore/Wilmington, Windy City setting.

[Clay]

Why wouldn't we add one to each? 1 to DL and 1 to IL each time. Then the next year add one more to each. I'd say no Wildcard till we are at 24.