After some thought, and based on past discussions and feedback, and, in no small part because I'm tired of hearing about how the VC always seems to get rules penalties wrong, I've updated the league Private Rules tab, and its corresponding link on the blog. The part I altered reads as follows...
'MLB MWR: Beginning in Season 24, Any league member who falls short of the league MLB MWR will lose his first round draft pick the following season. The only possible exception to this rule will be in the case of an owner who is a first year SP owner who maybe inherited a franchise in disarray. In such a case, only a unanimous vote of the VC will waive the draft pick forfeiture and grant probation.
MILB MWR: If any MILB team falls short of the league mandated 25% win mark, that franchise will be put on MILB probation for one season for each level that was in violation. (I.E. If a AAA and a HiA team were below, that franchise would be on probation for 2 seasons). If the franchise violates the MILB MWR again, while on probation, it will forfeit its first round draft pick from the following season. In the event that the first round draft pick is not protected, and that franchise signs a Type A FA, the draft pick will roll over until it is forfeited. If a team violates both the MLB MWR and the MILB MWR, while on probation (thus yielding double draft pick forfeiture) that owner will instead be expelled from the league...'
This is different because in the past, the VC has made a decision for penalties on a case-by-case basis. I decided (thanks to Cameo for the idea) that is would be better for this league if the penalties for rules violations were black and white. Also note, that this rule change will start NEXT SEASON. This is because this off-season is largely over, and I didn't think it would be fair to spring such a change on the league without notice. For this season, we will do it as we have in the past and the VC will vote.
Lastly, those of you who have been in SP a long time with me, know I do not think of myself as 'Commissioner McDictator.' This is not my league, it is our league, and we have always been democratic. If anybody does not agree with my decision, and feels we should continue to decide on penalties on a case-by-case basis, simply state so in the World Chat, and motion the league veto this change. If somebody seconds the motion, we'll have a league wide vote. Otherwise, this rule change will take place as written above, starting in Season 24.
Cheers,
Goose
