Holy crap two posts in one week?!

Quite. It’s real. Baseball has returned as has the Backyard and maybe even this blog? Formal announcements for a few things that you probably already know about.

The Rumors of the Retirement of Mikey T Have Been Greatly Exaggerated

As you’re all very well aware, I have used my wonderful skills of persuasion (how else would I have so many kids if I didn’t, amirite?) and we will see the return of Mikey T to the league after a brief, self-imposed “timeout” of sorts. Not only is he back, but I have secured the Isotopes also be returned to him by the graciousness of “The New Guy” Chris who will “definitely be in the chat” this year. And I have unceremoniously removed my second failed attempt at a brother in the league again and Chris will run that team.

Universal DH

Now that the National League has implemented the DH rule FINALLY, we will do the same. Starting this year, one of our utility spots will be converted into a DH spot. I have also reduced eligibility carry-over to 15 games so more are eligible to be placed there right away, with more quickly following once games get underway.

Killing Off Complete Games

JUST KIDDING

Prize Money!

You read that right. Sean CLAIMS to have pitched the idea before but I didn’t exactly have to convince anyone so DID HE?? ANYWAY…this year, it’ll be $20 of “dues” if you will. Half of that will go to Fantrax to pay for the site and half will go 100% to the winner of the Backyard Bracket. If it goes well, we can look into increasing it in 2023 if I have time to address that instead of saving the league AGAIN. The easiest way will be to send it to me since Fantrax wants to charge per transaction, (it’s 50 cents but come on) so I can pay it in one shot. And the prize money will be held via the Fantrax Treasurer that pays out automatically to the winner, so there’s no chance the shit bag commissioner runs off with it. The easiest way would be to Venmo it to me (@monkees19) and I’ll take it from there.

That’s…all for now? Stop making me do stuff and you won’t have to read these. Maybe WEEKLY RECAPS make a return? We. shall…see.

-Shane

Perhaps I might be the only excited person but ask me if I care. I’m gonna be so excited that it’s gonna rub off, just watch. I do want to glaze over a few things as things return to the “new normal” in The Backyard as discussed in the off-season.

Return of Pre-COVID Bench

During the previous two seasons, we had an extended bench to account for the whole COVID thing in lieu of a larger IR/IL/DL/WHATEVER. Since we all know the pandemic is 100% over, the Backyard is going to drop two bench spots heading into 2022. This will go into effect April 1st but feel free to make those cuts early. That’s just when I will make the change and anything after will make the roster illegal.

Fantrax Fee

I was very diligent this off-season trying to find an alternative to Fantrax and I just couldn’t find an acceptable one that would fit all of our league needs. Many had features but lacked out scoring format. Others would do it, but not allow the customization we need. Of the three most popular scoring formats, ours is less popular than points or roto so until something else emerges, Fantrax it is. And since we are a premium league, it does come with a cost that I have not been able to circumvent a third time. This $10 per person fee can be paid directly on the Fantrax site/app, not to me. There’s a deadline on the app, probably.

Everything Else

Honestly, not much. You’re free to make trades and free agent acquisitions as needed and as always. If there are any further concerns, ya’ll know where to reach me.