[IBL] Fwd: IBL Off Season Ballot - PLEASE RESPOND

[Sean Sweda]

On Feb 2, 2020, at 3:34 PM, D <genny429 at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Here I just wondered if the 18 BF threshold threshold separate bulk  
> relievers who were used to follow openers from those who were bulk  
> relievers but did not follow openers.

I'm not sure I understand the question.  18 BF is two times through the  
order, it seems like a fairly good demarcation point for allowing a relief  
outing earn a "start" since the ability to get through the order multiple  
times is a defining characteristic of a starting pitcher.

> I assume that the actual MLB starts in LF and RF are still doubled to  
> determine "[the largest amount [of starts] qualified at either  
> position?"  So if a guy started 20 in LF and 10 in RF in MLB, the new  
> rule would allow him to start up to 40 in LF and 40 in RF (vs. the  
> current 40 in LF and 20 in RF).

Correct.

> I assume a guy who started 10 games in LF and 0 games in RF in MLB would  
> under the new rule be allowed 20 starts in LF and 20 starts in RF (vs.  
> the current 20 in LF and 0 in RF)?

Correct.

FYI, data shows that the distinction between "left field" and "right field"  
is basically arbitrary.  What I mean is that if you look at players who  
have played both positions there's no observable difference between their  
collective defensive performance in LF vs RF.   There is however an  
observable differential between defensive performance in CF vs LF/RF,  
players who play both CF and LF/RF perform better collectively on defense  
as LF/RF.  So there really are only two outfield "positions" in the true  
sense of the word, CF and corner OF.  You see this reflected in MLB on a  
regular basis, with many players being moved interchangeably between LF/RF  
both in season and year to year.  IMO, what this rule change does is  
recognize this reality with respect to starts.

I understand that many find juggling players to meet starts limitations and  
usage requirements to be an interesting challenge, sort of like solving a  
puzzle.  However, keep in mind that anything we do to make the rules  
simpler and/or roster management easier makes the learning curve less steep  
for new owners.  I spend a lot of time helping new players and it is a  
fairly common occurrence for someone to freak out about having a "logjam"  
at a position.  Until you've actually managed to get through a season with  
3 full-time guys at one position it likely seems impossible.

Sean