Yeah, it's about time to start it up again, so we've got a few orders of business to tend to...

Members

Last year, we went with a 10-team league.  RCT was a slightly (I lie; it was A LOT) smaller last year, so naturally we had fewer interested.  The blog has grown leaps and bounds in the last 12 months, so it should be a bit bigger this year.  I prefer not to go over 14 or 16 teams.  And, if we were to go that many teams, we would probably shallow up the rosters a bit.  More about that later, though.

We'll start with the people that did it last year and give them first dibs on claiming a spot.  I'll be acting as comissioner again this year, so that's one.  If you were in it last year and want to get back in this year, email me at KCsince88@yahoo.com from the email address that you want to use to get in.  I'll send league invites out that way.  And, let me know your RCT screen name, as well.  Also, if you know someone who isn't an RCT member, have them sign up here and get them active.  I would prefer to keep it limited to just RCT members and/or at least semi-regular commentors. (As in, we would know you if we saw your screen name or you have been a member for a while)  If you have been a member for a while, but rarely comment, come on in.  This is your chance to break down the barrier.

The list of people that participated last year is as follows: (in no particular order) defending champion giants9107, KCsince88, rockchalk, Denverjhawk, labbadabba, Bensa, Warden11, SlamDunkTheFunk, I need more esteban, play4'ships.  As I said, those ten (myself included) will have first dibs on the up-to 16 open spots.

Host Site

Last year, we used ESPN.com as the host site for the league.  There were many complaints about conveniency and other things.  So, this year, we're jumping over to Yahoo.com.  If you have a better suggestion, feel free to throw it out there, but I'm pretty set on Yahoo!.

Rosters, Keepers & Draft

Last year, we went with large rosters. (27)  The positional breakdown was as follows: C, 1B, 2B, 3B, SS, 2B/SS, 1B/3B, OF x5, UTIL, P x9, BN x5.  This year, we will drop two roster spots.  Likely, we will drop one OF spot and a BN spot.  Maybe the 2B/SS and 1B/3B spots, but it will take some convincing and being largely out-numbered for me to go with that.  I like having all open P spots, because each person can choose which route they go as far as SP and RP and which stats they chase more.

Last year, I set the keepers number at two.  Unless there is a serious outcry for that to change, we'll go ahead with that this year.  Keepers from last year will only be used from last year if we have the same number of teams (10) as last year.  Otherwise, we will start over brand new and use the same set number of members every year beginning this year, so as to be a keeper league.  As far as integrating new teams in if we stay at 10, if there are people that choose not to re-up with the league, it will be first-come, first-serve on picking teams that no longer have a manager.

Last year, the draft was done live online.  This year will be no different.  The live RCT fantasy sports drafts have turned out to be a huge success and great fun with lots of off-topic sidebars. (Imagine that.)  So, we will continue that.  If we end up with 10 teams again, we'll go into detail about how the keepers will affect the draft, but since I anticipate it being higher this year, no need to waste time for me writing it out or for you reading it.  The main concern about the draft is when it will be held.  We all are scattered throughout the country, have different schedules and commitments, so we will try and find the best time possible for the maximum number of people to attend.  Be sure and leave the best time of day and days of the week for you to attend in the comments.

Scoring

Last year we went with the standard 5x5 rotisserie scoring categories. (AVG, HR, RBI, R, SB for hitters and K, W, SV, ERA, WHIP for pitchers.)  This year, we will do the same unless someone has serious qualms and convinces me otherwise.  Most of the members last year were either not seasoned fantasy players or just not huge baseball fans, so we'll probably keep it the same this year.

I think that about covers it all, so let's figure out the details, field a full league and decide on that draft time.