The “Written,” Unwritten Rules of the CBL

                                                                            by Matt
 

We all know in baseball, there are all kinds of unwritten rules of the game.  Don’t steal in a blowout, if you hit my guy I can hit yours, don’t show up a pitcher after a big home run, etc.  Frankly, they frustrate me.  If everyone would just focus on their game instead of being worried about being “dissed” by someone else’s actions, it would be better for all.  (I also hate that the word “dissed” has entered our language.)

In my first few months as commissioner, the biggest surprise to me is the number of complaints I get about other managers, and even more so, the depth of these feelings.  I can shrug off the “I don’t like the way this guy does his thing” type comments as different sets of unwritten rules or personal biases.  There have been several, though, that I think are really legit, and need to be addressed.  For this reason, I am going to codify some of the CBL Unwritten Rules, so there is no question regarding the expectations of being a member of the CBL.

Time commitment.  A manager of the CBL is required to put in a minimum amount of time into the league to assure their team is being run to the best of their ability.

a. Preparing for and attending the draft most every year (or providing a list those odd years that something conflicts with your schedule the second Sunday of November).

b. Meeting league deadlines for roster submissions and games played.

2.Competence.  Being the best GM and manager for your team, to ensure realism.

a. Seeking to acquire the best players for your roster through trade, whether you want young guys to rebuild, or vets to make a run for the playoffs.

b. Once you have set up a long term roster, you take the time to assemble a reasonable computer manager, with the best possible lineups vs RHP and LHP, a logical starting rotation and basic bullpen setup for the year we’re playing.  This comes into question sometimes with a rebuilding franchise.  I don’t care how bad your team is for this year – you can have as many bad cards and young prospects as you like.   But when it comes time to play the games, you owe it to the league to manage that team to the best of your ability.  My other leagues have instituted a lottery system for the top 3 or more teams to discourage “tanking” a season.  Up to this point, the CBL has not had to do that, because the integrity of our managers has never been an issue.  Let’s keep it that way.  I don’t mind a lottery, but not because we have guys tanking it intentionally.  Again, there is nothing wrong with having a bad team, really bad, as long as you’re building for the future.  But once the season starts, you are expected to manager the team the best you can.  I don’t think Buddy Bell is going out intending to lose games for KC this year.

c. Be familiar with the CBL rules.  Each league’s a little different, and ours is one of the easiest.

 3.                            Trading etiquette.

 

a. You should always be looking to improve your team through trades.

b. You should make reasonable offers the first time, out of respect for each other, not spamming people with lowball offers that no one would accept.  Ripping someone off hurts the entire league, as we are only as good as our weakest link.

c. Respond to others trade inquiries in a reasonable time frame, so they can move on if you’re not interested.  Remember, we all value players differently.

d.  If you are looking to trade a decent player, advertise him on the web site, especially if you are talking trade with a close friend or relative.  We have one of the best and most frequently read web sites out there, normally updated daily. Use it to maximize your trade return.   No one likes to read about a deadline deal between 2 friends or relatives involving good players.  The fact we have good friends and relatives in the CBL makes it special.  But please help eliminate the “If I would have known he was available, I would have paid much more” feeling that happens every trading season.  This has not created a large problem yet, where one guy is rebuilding and loading up his friend or relative, but let’s all be aware that this issue does exist and could be potentially dangerous.  Some would favor a rule that you can’t trade someone unless they are advertised first, but I don’t think that’s necessary yet.  Just everyone realize that the more people know a guy is available, the more you will get in return.

 

These are the minimum requirements for membership in the CBL.  If you don’t have the time, or are in too many leagues to keep up, we understand, so help us out by telling us so.  I’m not saying “Do it my way, or you’re out!”  I’m saying these are the minimum requirements of any league, and I ask you to understand and reaffirm your commitment to the CBL.   Again, like a chain, the league is only as good as its weakest link.  The CBL remains as strong and enjoyable as any league I’ve experienced.  We all need to do our part to keep it that way.  Thanks for taking the time.