G.U.S.S.O.M.O., is played by computer ONLY.  We will always use the latest computer version available from S-O-M.

We use CM's (Computer Manager) to play our games. Net Play is encouraged for Playoff Games (see Rule # 27)

S-O-M advanced playing rules will be used. We also have a number of additional rules that that we utilize. Please read and become familiar with all the rules listed below. Contact/ask the Commissioner should you have any questions about the rules.

 

2. LEAGUE DUES -

 

Your league dues of $40.00 are to be paid to the Commissioner by March 22, 2024

 

3. DUE DATES FOR PLAYING and REPORTING YOUR GAMES 


     


                  

IMPORTANT REGULAR SEASON DUE DATES

Block	CM Due Dates	Play Your Games Between These Dates	Your Game Files              Due Date
April	3/24 - 3/30	4/1 - 4/24	25 - April
May	4/26 - 4/29	5/1 - 5/24	25 - May
June	5/26 - 5/30	6/1 - 6/24	25 - June
July	6/26 - 6/29	7/1 - 7/24	25 - July
August	7/26 - 7/30	8/1 - 8/24	25 - August
September "A"	8/25 - 8/30	9/1 - 9/13	14 - September
September "B"	9/15 - 9/18	9/19 - 9/30	3 - October

Your CM Instructions  MUST  be sent to Jeff Wadkowski (our League Administrator) BY THE ABOVE DUE DATES... so he can include your CM into the League File... which will allow your opponents to play their games against your team.

PLEASE ADHERE TO THE FOLLOWING  DATES FOR YOU CM (COMPUTER MANAGER) AND THE REPORTING OF YOUR GAME FILES

April thru September A -- CM files not received (to League Administrator) by the 30th will not be included in the game file.

April thru August -- Game files (results and box scores) not received by the 26th will be auto played.

September A -- Game files (results and boxscores) not received by the 15th will be auto played.

September B --  CM files (results and box scores) not received by the 18th will not be included in the game file.

September B -- Game files (results and box scores) not received by the 10th will be auto played to end the season.

PLAYOFF SERIES DUE DATES

	CM Due Dates	In Game File Dates	Game  Completion Dates
Wild Card Games	10/5	10/19	10/6 - 10/17
Quarter Final Games	10/18	10/31	10/19 - 10/30
Semi-Final Games	10/31	11/11	11/1 - 11/11
World Series Games	11/12	11/24	11/12 - 11/23

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

LEAGUE SCHEDULE IS LISTED
SEPARATELY ON THE WEB PAGE 

There are 27 weeks to our schedule (broken down into 7 "Blocks" of games).  Each team plays a total of 162 games.

Block 1:  4 weeks Block 2:  5 weeks Block 3:  4 weeks Block 4:  5 weeks Block 5:  4 weeks Block 6:  2 weeks Block 7:  3 weeks

All Series are a total of six (6) games

Three (3) games of each Series are HOME Games.

Three (3) games of each Series are AWAY games (Road Games).

You only play your Home Games. Your opponent plays your Away games.

Note: As mentioned above...   If your Home games are not played on time, they will be "autoplayed" by League Administrator, Jeff Wadkowski.

Failure to play your games on time without cause or communication to the League Commissioner   COULD  result in you receiving Draft Pick penalties or dismissal from the League.

 

4. PLAYING ACCORDING TO THE SCHEDULE-

The schedule is divided into 7 groups or "Blocks" of Games. Each Block corresponds to 1-Month of the Calendar.

We play and report all games in Block # 1 (April) before we move to the nex Block (May, etc...).

The Month of September is split into two (2) Blocks. 
 

LEAGUE SCHEDULE	WEEK #'s	BLOCK LENGTH
Block # 1 (April)	1 - 2 - 3 - 4	4 Weeks
Block # 2 (May)	5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9	5 Weeks
Block # 3 (June)	10 - 11 - 12 - 13	4 Weeks
Block # 4 (July)	14 - 15 - 16 - 17 - 18	5 Weeks
Block # 5 August	19 - 20 - 21 - 22	4 Weeks
Block # 6 September - 1	23 - 24	2 Weeks
Block # 7 September - 2	25 - 26 - 27	3 Weeks

Unless otherwise approved by the League Commissioner, each Team will ONLY Play and Complete their games ONE BLOCK AT A TIME  (as listed on the League Schedule).

An EXCEPTION to the above could be, for example, if any Games are played "Face to Face" at League "Get-Togethers.

 

5. ROSTER SIZE -
 

During the Season.... All Teams will adhere to the Roster Rules that are listed below....

Team Roster Size for 2024 is as follows….

A) Your total Team Roster size may never be greater than       35 players.

B) Active Roster limit -  Your "active" roster (i.e. Players that are eligible to be used in a Series) may never be more than 28 players (except during the last two Blocks of the season).

C) All teams need to have have at least two players on their Roster that can play each of the following positions (1st Base, 2nd Base, Shortstop and 3rd Base and Catcher). This requirement will ensure Roster integrity for all teams... and help Managers avoid overuse.

See below...

D) Minor League - You are allowed to have up 7 Players in your Minor League.

28 Active Roster.... 7 Minor League for a total of 35 Players

Note:  If you make a trade during the Season that will give your team a total of more than 35 players. (Active Roster + Minor League) ... you must immediately inform the Commisioner and indicate which player(s) over the allowable  35 man total on your Roster that you will "cut".

Players and/or Pitchers that are "cut" from your Roster will go back into the Free Agent pool of player. They become available to be selected by all the other Managers/Teams via Free Agency.

FINAL TWO (2) BLOCKS OF THE REGULAR SEASON...
 

During the last Two Blocks of the Regular Season...

Weeks # 23 through Week # 27... you can use and play  all 35 players on your Roster.

During Weeks # 1 through # 22, your Minor League Roster can never consist of more than a total of seven (7) players (including "futures").

6. PLAYERS THAT ARE CONSIDERED "FUTURES"- 

The definition of "Future" in our League is as follows...

G.U.S.S.O.M.O. considers a "Future" to be a Player or Pitcher that does not have a current Strat-O-Matic card, but has had some Major League experience.

By "experience", this means that the Player or Pitcher has played in the Major Leagues and has actually accured at least one (1) "official" at bat (not PA) or at least 1/3 of an inning pitched.... either last year or any previous MLB season during their career.

This MLB experience applies to any previously "carded" or "uncarded" Player or Pitcher that made their MLB debut in a Regular Season game or Playoff Series game. Uncarded players count towards your 35 man Roster. 
 

 

Players or Pitchers that fall into any of the below listed situations, will not qualify as "Draftable Futures" for the current season.

Players who appeared as Pinch Runners.

Batters that Walked, but did not achieve an official MLB At Bat in their career.

Batters that had a Sacrifice Hit or Sacrifice Fly, but did not achieve an official At Bat in their career.

Pitchers that (still) have not pitched at least 1/3 of an inning in MLB. They may have been removed from the game before they could retire a Batter.

A Pitcher that walked one (or more) Batter(s), but didn't record an Out, and (still) have not pitched at least 1/3 of an inning in MLB.

A Pitcher that Hit a Batter, but didn't record an Out, and (still) have not pitched at least 1/3 of an inning in MLB.

Whenever you select a Player or Pitcher that is a "Future", you will retain the "rights" for that Player or Pitcher, and will be able to use that Player or Pitcher in a game when he is issued a Strat-O-Matic card (and meets the usage requirements mentioned above). 

"Futures" can be traded.  Also, if you decide to drop/cut a "Future", that Player/Pitcher will become available to all Managers in next seasons League Draft.

** Keep in mind that a "Future" is not necessarily a Rookie **

A "Future" can be a Player, (for example) that did not receive a card for the current season (i.e. due to an Injury)... but has previously played in the Major Leagues. 

 

7. MINOR LEAGUE RECALL -

  

Players and/or Pitchers can be "called up" from your Minors prior to the start of any Block of Games (1 through 7) on our Schedule.

The Players that you "call  up" will stay on your active Roster for the entire Block of games.

You must send down a Player or PItcher if your "Active" Roster will exceed 28 Players as a result of calling up a Player or Pitcher from your Minor League. 

 

With the exception of Pitchers, the HOME TEAM (only) can promote/demote POSITION PLAYERS and DH from their Minors prior to any week of a Series... but not before individual games of a Series.

 

8. COMPUTER MANAGER -


All Managers are required to create a Computer Manager (CM)
prior to every Block on the League Schedule.

Your CM will serve as your Team's Instructions for your Away (Road) games. It should be set up in the SOM Game so that it reflects your Managerial Intentions... such as...
 

Which players are on your Active Roster.

Which players are in your Minor League.

Your various Batting Orders/Line-Ups vs LHP and RHP.

Your Pitching Rotation for each Series.

Starting Pitcher usage - limits on innings to be pitched.

When to remove Starting Pitchers.

Relief Pitchers - when to bring them into a game.

When to remove Relief Pitchers.

Pinch Hitters - who to use... and when.

Running instructions (i.e. when to try for an extra base or try to score).

Stolen Bases - when to try for a Steal. What do the minimum ratings need to be?

Holding Runners - when to Hold? tendencies?

When to make Defensive Changes. What Players?

Any and all other "instructions" that you can include in your CM.... so your opponent knows how you want your team to be managed.

LATE CM's - As mentioned above in Rule # 3... If you are late (without cause or communication to the League Commissioner and League Administrator)...not only will your games be "autoplayed"... you COULD also receive a Draft Pick penalty (to be determined by the League Commissioner). 

If you continue to be late sending in your CM (without cause or  communicaiton) you COULD be replaced as a Manager in the League.

With regards to CM's... please know that there may be times when your opponent will send "additional instructions" to you about how to manage his team. (for example to help protect his team against potential over-use)

Please read, understand and follow any additional instructions sent to you by your Opponent regarding how to manage his team.

Draft Pick penalties MAY be assessed and/or games MAY need to be replayed by you... if instructions are not properly followed. 



9. STARTING PITCHERS -- 3 DAYS REST -

ONLY Starting Pitchers with an Asterisk listed on their Strat-O-Matic Card are allowed to start on three (3) days rest.  

All other Starting Pitchers and Starter/Relievers are required to rest four (4) days in between starts.

 

10.  DESIGNATED HITTER -

       G.U.S.S.O.M.O. uses the DH (Designated Hitter) rule.


11.  OUTFIELDERS PLAYING "NON-RATED" POSITIONS -

Outfielders MAY play all of the Outfield positions (including those positions that are not listed on their SOM card). 

The Chart below shows what a Players defensive fielding rating(s) becomes when that Player/Outfielder plays the other OF locations that is not listed on his card.  

          
OUTFIELD CONVERSION CHART -- RANGE ADJUSTMENT^*
 

       
 * the SOM Computer Game automatically calculates and adjusts fielding ratings for players that play OF positions not listed on their card.
  
An Outfielder's "e" rating and arm rating remains unchanged. 

"Range" ratings do not automatically become a "5".

If a player is listed for 2 of 3 Outfield positions, his rating for the unlisted position will be calculated off of the first Outfield position that is listed on his card. 

For example, a player is listed first as a  LF 1 and second as a CF 3... and you want/need to move him to RF.  You use LF as the "base" to determine his un-positioned rating... which would make him a RF 2 ... calculated as follows... (LF 1 + 1 on chart) = makes the non-listed rating a 2. The Computer Game should make this adjustment for you. 

 

12. INFIELDERS PLAYING NON-RATED POSITIONS - 
 

Infielders CANNOT play infield positons that are not listed on their SOM Card. Furthremore, Infielders CANNOT play any OF positions. 
 

Outfielders, on the other hand (as explained above) can play other Outield positions (with adjustments) if the position is not    listed on their SOM card..
 

Outfielders cannot play the Infield... or any other positon besides the Outfield
 

 

 

 

Sometimes, a Player or Pitcher might have (2) or more Strat-O-Matic cards.

This happens when a Player or Pitcher played for more that one team during the real baseball season.

So which Card will you use?

You have two (2) choices.

You may use either of the options listed below, but not both of them.

OPTION # 1 -- you can use the Card that has the Batter or Pitcher's combined statistics...                                         OR Option # 2 --  Because the Batter or Pitcher played for two (or more) teams, he will have a card from each team.

You can choose to use one of their cards... but not all of them.

10% over-use will be added to either choice that you make.

*** You may not switch from one OPTION to the other during the course of the Season.

Managers must communicate to the League Administrator (Jeff Wadkowski) which version (Combo or Individual  Player's Team Card) will be used for the entire season (including any Playoff Games).

If you do not provide this information to the League Administrator (Jeff Wadkowski) by the announced due date... your Player will automatically be assigned the "combo card" for use during the entire Season (including Playoff Games).

 

   14. TRADING -

      
      * All trades should be negotiated privately.  

                  

* All trades that YOU make will continue into subsequent seasons of G.U.S.S.O.M.O

* During the Season, Draft PIcks may only be traded one year in advance.

* During the 2024 season, you may only trade Draft Picks for the 2025 season.

The Commissioner will announce when it is permissible to trade picks for the following year (2026).

* No trades will be allowed that include "conditional" terms for players or picks.

* You cannot trade a player/pitcher back to the same team that traded that player/pitcher to you until that player has had at least an offical AB or one whole IP for your team.

* Players and Draft Picks cannot be returned to a team for the same Draft Pick.

* The Commissioner reserves the right to veto any trade if he determines that the trade compromises the integrity, fair play and/or good sportsmanship of the League.
 

14-A REPORTING and CONFIRMING A TRADE...


The following instructions need to be followed after you make a trade...

                                                   

                                                                                                             

VERY                                                                    After the teams have "finalized" their Deal/Trade... the Manager that initiated the trade talks needs to report the completed trade to the League Commissioner at gussomo@comcast.net

In the E-Mail that you send to the Commissioner... the Manager will need to include the following information...

The Names of the Players/Pitchers (plus any Draft Picks) that are being traded.

When the trade will become effective.... i.e. the beginning           of the of next Block of games? ..... or a different Block? .....           or at the End of the Season?

At this point, you will need to CONFIRM the trade by sending the above information (via E-mail) to your Trading Partner.          (see below)

And finally... please copy the rest of League about your  trade using the G.U.S.S.O.M.O. group E-mail address               GussomoBaseball@groups.io

In the Subject Line of the E-mail put...  TRADE MADE

And... this is very important. Both Managers need to exchange E-mails acknowledging/confirming their trade. Send an E-mail to each other.... and copy the League Commissioner.   In the Subject Line of the E-mail put...  TRADE CONFIRMATION

Any and all Trades are considered OFFICIAL when the Commissioner posts the Trade on the League Web Page.

Following the above requirements will also help me to quickly find, sort and file Trading information. Thanks in advance. Your cooperation is very much appreciated.

15. SERIES and END OF BLOCK REPORTING REQUIREMENTS -                    


 

The Commissioner has sent all Managers a W-L Result Chart. Please use it (or a comparable version) to keep and update your season results. Send this information (YOUR CHART) to the Commissioner at the end of each Block of Games played.   I don't care if you use my form or your own form/chart. Just make sure that your chart/information is legible and in the format shown below...

                                                                       

WEEK	OPPONENT	HOME	AWAY	TOTAL FOR WEEK
1	FENWAY	2-1	0-3	2-4
2	VOLBEAT	3-0	1-2	4-2
3	STANFORD	2-1	3-0	5-1
4	CONCORD	2-1	2-1	4-2
5	ROCKY MOUNTAIN	2-1	3-0	5-1
6	SEATTLE	1-2	1-2	2-4
7	SHORELINE	1-2	0-3	1-5
ETC....
	TOTALS	13-8	10-11	23-19

 

16. YOUR HIGHLIGHTS!

     


Every month (Block)... I need ALL Managers to send me at least one Highlight for their team.

Don't be shy....You can send more than one Highlight... and you don't have to wait until the end of the Month to send in your Highlights.

All of us play some very interesting games over the course of the Season.  

* You might have some very exciting "come from behind" victories... 

* One of your players might have hit many HR's in a game...

* A Batter might be on a long "hitting streak"...

* A Pitcher may have given up very few hits (a No-Hitter?)            and/or had lots of Strikeouts...

* There are so many things that could qualify as a  great Highlight... and I'd really like to put your specail games and outstanding player performances on the Web Page.

So once again... make sure to send your Highlight Information in to me at least once a Month (end of Block).
 

17. PROTESTS-

You may file a Protest to the Commissioner for any game (in your opinion) your Opponent did not follow your instructions - and it caused you to lose the game --

In order to file a Protest, you will need to do the following...
 

1. Describe the infraction and variance (from your CM) to the Commissioner.
    
2. Indicate where and why you feel your opponent did not follow your instructions.
    
3. The Commissioner will decide if the game should be replayed or if the game (and results) should stand. The decisions of the Commissioner will be final and binding.
    
4. If three (3) protests are filed against your team and the protests are ruled to be valid, you will receive a (TBD) DRAFT PICK PENALTY as decided by the League Board.
    
5. In order to avoid unnecessary protests... please do everyonefavor...familiarize yourself with your opponents Computer Manager Instructions...... and make sure that you follow them!

6. 
                     
           
                                                              

18. PRE-DRAFT ROSTER "CUT-DOWN" REQUIREMENTS -

You will be advised of the due date to send in your list of CUT Players and your Pre-Draft Roster. 

* Establish your "Pre-Draft" team Roster.

* All Managers will be required to cut their Rosters down to at least 25 Players.

* If you so choose, you are allowed to cut more players and protect a Roster of less than 25 players.

 

19. G.U.S.S.O.M.O.  DRAFT --                                                    

* We utilize the Web based "Strat Draft" tool to conduct our League Draft.

* Our Draft usually starts towards the end of February and runs through the beginning of March. The League Commissioner will provide you with all the information you will need regarding the Draft.

* Strat "sign in" codes will be provided.

* Draft order is listed on the League Web Page and the Strat Draft web site.

* There will be TIME LIMITS for making your Draft picks.

* Once you send in your list of CUT PLAYERS to the Commissioner, you may not include any of those players in any trade that you make. Players that have been "cut" cannot be included in any trades.

* Who can be drafted?  Any Position Player (Batter) or Pitcher that is not currently on the Roster of any G.U.S.S.O.M.O. team and has eith one "official" MLB at bat... or MLB 1/3 of an inning pitched. Players are not draftable if they only make a game appearance as a Pinch Runner or get a Walk, HBP, SAC or SF.

* Please make sure that you draft Players/Pitchers that will provide the needed total of AB's and IP to cover usage needed for a full 162 games. Keep in mind to plan for extra AB's and IP to cover anticipated needs for Extra Inning games.

20. DRAFTING ORDER -

The team with the worst winning percentage from our previous season will select first. This will be followed by the team with the next lowest winning percentage (up until draft position or selection #14).

Teams in draft positions #15 through #24 are the Wild Card/Playoff participants. Their drafting order is slightly different.

The losers of the Wild Card Series will select #15 and # 16 (with the team having the lower winning percentage during the regular season choosing # 15.  The team with the higher winning percentage during the regular season will choose in the # 16 position). 

Selections #17, # 18, # 19 and # 20 will be the losers from the Quarter-final round of the playoffs with the team having the lower winning percentage during the regular season picking #17.  Pick # 18 will go to the Quarter-final losing team with the 2nd lowest regular season winning percentage.  Pick # 19 will go to the Quarter-final playoff losing team that has the thrid best winning percentage during the regular season (of the four teams that did not advance in the playoffs). Pick # 20 goes to the remaining losing team in the Quarter-finals that had the best regular season winning percentage.

Draft Pick # 21 and # 22 go to the teams that lost in the Semi-finals.  The team with the poorer regular season winning percentage will have the # 21 pick, while the team with the better winning percentage will get the # 22 Draft Pick.

Pick #23 is the losing team from our World Series. Pick #24 will go to our League Champion.

1st four picks of the Draft -

The first four picks of the first round will be determined by a lottery system.

The teams with the four worst records from the previous season all will have a chance at obtaining the overall 1st pick of the draft. Each of these four teams will have "weighted" chances of obtaining the first pick.

The chances will be identified by the 75 numbered balls inside the "Cage" Bingo Machine. After turning the handle of the BingoMachine several times, one of the numbers will drop out of the Machine.  The random number that comes out of the Bingo Manchine corresponds to the Chart listed below... and will determine the order of the Draft Picks for the first 4 teams in the first round of our Draft. 

For all subsequent rounds of the draft, the drafting order will revert to the normal order as determined by actual winning percentages from our previous season.

             

    21. DRAFT LOTTERY- FIRST 4 PICKS- (WEIGHTED CHANCES)

                                          
                             75 total Bingo numbered balls 

1st Round Pick	Number of Chances	Corresponding Balls	Odds of Being Selected
1st Pick	39 Numbered Balls	1 through 39	52%
2nd Pick	19 Numbered Balls	40 through 58	25.3%
3rd Pick	11 Numbered Balls	59 through 69	14.6%
4th Pick	6 Numbered Balls	70 through 75	8%

Explanation of the Lottery System....

Below is the formula with the specifics for determining the Lottery Draft Picks.....

Random Variables
 

A random variable is a numerical outcome of a random experiment. It is the truest way to determine the drafting order.
 

For example, we could consider X the number of spots on the roll of a die. Or, we could roll 6 dice and let X be the sum of all six values. The distribution of a random variable is the collection of possible outcomes along with their probabilities. This may be described by a table, a formula, or a probability histogram.
 

If we repeat an experiment four times, we can calculate the sample histogram, which is a bar chart showing the number of times each value of X was observed. This will establish the root basis from which we can make the picks for our League Draft, keeping in mind that Ralph and his Albany Internationals do not get to pick until the 12th round and taking into consideration that this system only works when the moon is in the seventh house and Jupiter aligns itself with Mars ... thus, the probability histogram will work correctly and/or Peace will guide the Planets...and Love will steer the Stars.
 

In the following applet, the sample histogram for the random variable X, the sum of the values showing on the dice, is plotted. The red plot shows the expected number of occurrences of X, calculated as (number of rolls) times P(X=x), where P(X=x) is the probability that X takes on the value x.

                       
 

The Hypergeometric Distribution

The hypergeometric distribution arises when a random selection (without repetition) is made among objects of two distinct types. Typical examples:
 

Choose a team of 35 players from a group of 23 American League Players and 12 National League Players (not including "futures").
 

The hypergeometric distribution is described by three parameters: N, the total number of objects; R, the number of objects of the first draft pick; and k the number of objects to be chosen (minus any picks currently owned by the Albany Internationals). The probability function f(x) is...
 

f(x) = C(R,x)*C(N-R, k-x) / C(N,k) for x=max(0,k+R-N)..min(R,k) where C(n,k) is the binomial coefficient which determines who get the first pick, the second pick, the third pick and finally the fourth pick.
 

Teams in draft positions #15 through #24 are the Wild Card/Playoff participants. Their drafting order is slightly different.
 

The losers of the Wild Card Series will select #15 and # 16 (with the team having the lower winning percentage during the regular season choosing # 15.  The team with the higher winning percentage during the regular season will choose in the # 16 position). 
 

Selections #17, # 18, # 19 and # 20 will be the losers from the Quarter-final round of the playoffs with the team having the lower winning percentage during the regular season picking #17.  Pick # 18 will go to the Quarter-final losing team with the 2nd lowest regular season winning percentage.  Pick # 19 will go to the Quarter-final playoff losing team that has the thrid best winning percentage during the regular season (of the four teams that did not advance in the playoffs). Pick # 20 goes to the remaining losing team in the Quarter-finals that had the best regular season winning percentage.

Draft Pick # 21 and # 22 go to the teams that lost in the Semi-finals.  The team with the poorer regular season winning percentage will have the # 21 pick, while the team with the better winning percentage will get the # 22 Draft Pick.

Pick #23 is the losing team from our World Series. Pick #24 will go to our League Champion.
 

 

    22. DRAFTING ORDER WHEN TEAMS ARE TIED WITH THE                SAME WIN-LOSS RECORD - 
 

 

        

In situations where two (or more) teams are tied with the same Regular Season Winning Percentage, the team(s) with the most losses in games played between the two (or more) teams that are tied -- will have the better draft pick position and pick before the other team (or teams). 

If a tie still exists because the two (or more) teams won and lost the same number of games versus each other --- we will go to a second tie-breaker.  Specifically (in order), the team(s) that scored the FEWEST RUNS in games played versus each other will earn the better draft pick and select before the other
team(s).

 

 

    23.  "FREE AGENT" WAIVER RULE -

 

 

 

A Manager may elect to pick up and add a total of 10 - TEN "Free Agent" Players during the Regular Seaon

You are not obligated to select any Free Agent Players Free Agent picks (maximum of 2 per month) can be made prior to the start of the following Months ("Blocks")        May, June, July, August, September “Blocks”        Please see information below regarding the        Due Dates for making your Free Agent requests...

Proceedures for selecting Free Agent Players

1) The Manager submits his list of Free Agent Players (in the order of preference to be selected) to the League Administrator (Jeff Wadkowski) along with a copy of this information to the League Commissioner (Jeff F.). 2) You need to submit a list with a minimum of 3 Players per pick up. (Players you want to Select and Players you will Cut/Drop)... in case you don't get your first choice. The manager MUST designate who he is cutting permanently in order to acquire the Free Agent. That player(s) will be removed from your teams roster and put back into the Free Agent "Pool" of Players. Note: Players that are cut, cannot be drafted (as a Free Agent) by any other team. Please Note.... If you do not provide enough names (to Select and to Cut), you will not be allowed to add extra players to your list "after the fact". Once you run out of names, you will not be able to choose additional Free Agent Players during the current month. Available Free Agent Players players are listed within the G.U.S.S.O.M.O. League File, located above Team Rosters (“Free Agents”). 3) If two or more Managers want the same player, the Team with the worst W/L Percentage at the end of the previous Block gets that player.  If teams are tied with the same Record or Winning Percentage, the Date that the Free Agent request is received via E-Mail by the League Administrator and Commissioner (earliest Date) will determine the assignment of that Free Agent Player.  The TIME that is listed on E-mails will be used to break further same day Ties for Free Agents.    4) Any Free Agent request that you make must be received by the League Admistrator (Jeff Wadkowski) -- copy to League Commissioner (Jeff F.) no later than the 25th of the Month (i.e. when the Game File is Due. This will allow Jeff W. enough time to include any/all Free Agent selections into the appropriate Game File.    5)  Free Agents WILL be eligible for use during the Playoffs. 6) Free Agents CANNOT be traded. Free Agents can, however, be CUT and replaced with other Free Agents.   7) Free Agents are automatically cut at the end of the season, ALL Free Agent Player(s) will go back into the drafting pool.  8) Any “Free Agent” Players you select, will join your team and be available for use at the beginning of the Next Block of games on the G.U.S.S.O.M.O. Schedule.

 

  24. BALL PARK RATINGS -

You are responsible for determining your HOME FIELD Ball Park Ratings.

Your Ratings are due to the League Commissioner and League Administrator within 2 days after the completion of the "Pre- Season" League Draft. Please also advise if you do not want to change your existing Ball Park Ratings. 

If this information is not received on time, your Ball Park ratings will automatically be assigned ratings of 1-10 for SINGLES (both LHP and RHP) and 1 - 10 for HOMERUNS (both LHP and RHP).  To avoid having these ratings assigned to you" PLEASE send your selected Ball Park ratings in on time. 

                         

Ballpark ratings can be whatever you want them to be....

              
      

with the following limitations. Ballpark ratings may not be changed during the season.

Following the guidelines listed below, you will select your HOME FIELD BALL PARK RATINGS.

	MINIMUM	OUT	MAXIMUM	OUT
SINGLES	1	2-20	1-19	20
HOME RUNS	1-2	3-20	1-18	19-20

HOME RUNS -

The Maximum HOME RUN chance you may have for your Ball Park (either Left or Right Handed Hitters) will be:

                      Home run  1 - 18   flyball 19 - 20

The Minimum HOME RUN chance (for either Left or Right Handed Hitters) will be:

                      Home run 1 - 2   flyball 3 - 20

SINGLES -

The allowable ranges for singles will be:

The Maximum - Single 1-19 lineout 20;

The Minimum - Single 1 lineout 2-20

Changing your ballpark ratings - you may change your ballpark "dimensions" every year.

If you elect to make changes, you must communicate this information to the Commissioner and the League Administrator (Jeff Wadkowski) prior to the start of our Season
 

New Managers to the League and replacement managers:

When a New Manager enters the league... or if a New Manager enters the league as a replacement during the course of the season, he will be able to assign New Ball Park ratings for his team (using the guidelines listed above).
 

    25. OVER-USE LIMITATIONS -

During the Regular Season, the following limits (without receiving any penalties) will apply.

	LIMITED IN USE TO THEIR TOTAL PLATE APPEARANCES (PA) 10%
BATTERS	AB + BB = PA x 10%
	LIMITED IN USE TO THEIR TOTAL IP x 10%
PITCHERS	INNINGS PITCHED x 10%

 

IMPORTANT NOTE

If a Player (non-Pitcher) EXCEEDS  +10 PA’s 10% or a Pitcher EXCEEDS  +10.1 IP  10% (after factoring in the above listed Over-Use Allowances), that PLAYER or PITCHER will become  INELIGIBLE for any and ALL Playoff Games.

 

PLAYER
OVER-USE CHART

                                       

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

A) REDUCTION OF PLAYER'S USAGE --- If you have a position Player or Pitcher that ends the Regular Season over 21 PA or IP, that Player or Pitcher will have their usage for the next season reduced by 50%. Note: Players receiving reduction penalties cannot be traded for the next season.

Batter/Position Player example: Your Batter/Position Player exceeded his PA by more that 21.  For next season, statistically he has 256 AB's and 24 BB's.  His usage would have been 256 + 24 x 10% = 308 PA.  With the 50% penalty, you will divide the 308 in half.  His usage for the new Season will be 308 x 50% = 154 PA.   (308 ÷ 2 = 154)

Pitcher example: Your Pitcher exceed his allowable IP by 21 or more innings. For next season, statisically he had 100 IP. 

With the 50% penalty, you will divide the 100 in half. 
His usage for the new Season will be 100 x 50% = 50 IP 
(100 ÷ 2 = 50)

And.... 

B) LOSS OF PICK --- You will also lose the corresponding pick from the Chart above. (Example: your player has 32 PA or IP of over-usage, you lose your 4th round draft pick).

C) IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A PICK IN THE ROUND THAT YOU RECEIVED A PENALTY -- If you do not have a Draft Pick in the round that you were penalized, your penalty will automatically move up to the next higher round of the Draft.

D) IF YOU HAVE MORE THAN ONE PICK IN THE ROUND THAT YOU RECEIVED A PENALTY - If a manager is penalized a Draft Pick in a specific round and has more than one pick in that round, he will lose the best pick that he has in that round.

E) IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A PICK IN THE ROUND YOU WERE TO BE PENALIZED.. AND/OR A PICK IN THE NEXT HIGHER ROUND -- your 1st two picks for next season's Draft will automatically be moved to the end of each round. If your team is already in the 24th spot of the Draft, you will also lose your 3rd round Draft Pick.

F) MULTIPLE PLAYER OVER-USE -- In the event of multiple player over-use, refer to the Chart (below) for the AGGREGATE TEAM OVER-USE and the corresponding Draft Pick penalty. 

 

--------------------

The Team Over-Use Chart (below) will be used if/when your team incurs multiple AB or IP infractions.  

 

TEAM
OVER-USE CHART

 

G) MORE THAN ONE TEAM HAS THEIR DRAFT PICK MOVED TO THE END OF A ROUND - If multiple teams have over-use in a given round, the Regular Season League Draft Order (highest Winning PCT.) will determine who picks "Last" at the end of the round.

H) NEW MANAGER and DRAFT PICK PENALTIES -- If/when a new manager take over a team that has lost Draft Picks due to over-use or any other reason, the Draft Picks will be restored.

I) FINAL COMMENTS ON OVER-USE --

Managers.... It is YOUR responsibilty for keeping track of your Players and Pitchers usage and adjusting your CM instructions accordingly -- and/or taking appropriate measure in order to prevent and/or minimize (excessive) Over-Use.

You will be able to see the status (current usage) of your players at the end of each Block of Games. Use this information to set (and or adjust) your Line-Ups and Player/Pitcher usage prior to the next Block of Games (or subsequent Blocks of Games that remain to be played on your Game Schedule)
 

The PA percentage (%) listed in the Computer Game League File (Statistics -- Team Statistics) is based on At Bats only and does not include BB's (Walks).

In oder to get the correct percentage of usage to date, you will need to ADD BB'S (Walks) to the AB's and then multiply that total by 10%

STEPS THAT YOU CAN TAKE TO PREVENT OVER-USE...

1) Make sure that you Draft players with enough At Bats and/or Innings Pitched to cover your needs for the entire League Season. 

2) Check your player usage prior to the next Block of League Games -- and adust your Pitching Rotation and/or Rest (Bench) your Players so that they are not used in excess. 

3) Make trades (if necessary/possible) in order to get players at the positions you need help with... to provide you with usage for the remainder of the Season. 

4) Utilize the League Free Agent feature in order to pick up Players during the course of the Season... should you see that you are running short on At Bats and/or Innings Pitched.

Hey.... you're probalby thinking... "My Gawd... look at all these penalties!!  Well... make sure to keep tabs on your usage... and use the tools that are available to you (if necessary). If you do this...you won't have to be concerned with over-use! 

 

    26. "RELIEVER/STARTER" USAGE LIMITATIONS -

 

A Reliever/Starter may only start the amount of games as in the prior MLB season. 

This rule does not to apply to Starter/Relivers OR those pitchers that are listed only as a Starter. Their limitation for innings is 10% x the IP listed on their card. These types of pitchers can start as many games as you want (as long as they adhere to the Asterisk ** rule of 3 days or 4 days between starts).

An example of a Reliever/Starter and the penalty for pitching more starts than listed on their card is Cristian Javier (Houston Astros)

In 2021, Javier pitched in 36 games with 9 starts for a total of 101.1 innings. In our Strat League (G.U.S.S.O.M.O.), he could have a maximum of 9 starts and be used for a total of 111.1 innings (101.1 x 10%) between STARTER and RELIEVER appearances.

PENALTY - If Javier starts more than 9 games, the IP that occured in his "additional" START(S).... any games over 9 games....  will be TRIPLED and added to your TEAM OVER-USE.

Example... If he Started 11 games instead of his limit of 9 games and pitched a total of 10 innings in those 2 extra starts... those 10 innings would be TRIPLED for a total of 30 innings... these Extra Innings that Javier pitched could potentially move your team into a higher Draft Pick Penalty category (not withstanding any other over-use you may have occured).

 

    27. PLAYOFFS -

   
As an Option... if the two managers agree... Playoff Games may be played via the "net play" feature. Using this feature is encouraged. 

Ten (10) of our 24 teams will qualify for the Playoffs. Each of the first place teams in the six (6) divisions will automatically qualify for the playoffs

The "other" four (4) teams (referred to as "Wild Cards") that will battle for the playoffs are those teams that did not finish in first place, but had the best winning percentages of all the other (non-first place or division winning teams) in the League.

Before the playoffs begin, the four Wild Card teams will play to determine the two (2) teams that will be "seeded" in playoff brackets. The Wild Card team with the "best" Winning Pecentage during the Regular Season will play the Wild Card team with the "worst" Winning Percentage (of the four teams).

The other two (2) Wild Card teams will play off against each other.

Wild Card Playoff series - Wild Card Series will be the best of seven (7) games. (2 - 3  - 2)

The teams with the best Winning Precentage will be the "Home Team" for the series. Each series will be the best of seven (7) games. The first two games will be played at the Home team's ball park.

The next three (if necessary) will be at the Visiting team's park. The final two games (if necessary) will be played at the Home team's park. (2 - 3 - 2)

The winning teams will then be seeded and enter the League Playoffs.

The Wild Card team (winner) with the higher Winning Percentage (Regular Season) will play the # 2 seeded team in the first round of the playoffs.

The Wild Card team (winner) with the lower Winning Percentage (Regular Season) will play the # 1 seeded team in the first round of the playoffs

Should a situation occur whereby teams are tied with the same winning percentage, the Playoff spots will be determined based on a series of "tie breakers".  The first tie-breaker will be based on the games played between to teams that are tied.   The team(s) with the MOST WINS between the tied teams during the regular season will earn the spot(s) in the Playoffs. If a tie situation still exists, the second tie-breaker will be used.  The team(s) with the MOST RUNS SCORED in games played between the tied team(s) will earn the Playoff spot(s).

 

28. PLAYOFF MATCH-UPS

 

Playoff brackets will continue until we are down to two teams... With the team having the best winning percentage during the regular season always having the home field advantage.

 

Playoff series - All playoff series will be the best of seven (7) games.
 

The first two games of the series will be played at the Division winners ballpark (or team with better regular season W - L record if series does not include a Division winner).
 

The next three games (and game # 5 if needed) will be played at the other teams ballpark.
 

The final two games (if needed, games # 6 & # 7) will be home games for the Division champion (or team with the better regular season W - L record) - site where the series began.
 

Divisional winner maintains home field "advantage" throughout the playoffs. (series will start at the divisional winners ballpark... Or the team with the better W - L record during the regular season.)

 

 

    29. PLAYOFF RULES -

Playoff Rosters will be set at 28 Players.  You may change your Roster after every round, but not during the Series. 

A player must be on your 35 man Roster PRIOR to September 1st... either by Trade or Free Agency.

Players need to have a minimum of 50 AB's and Pitchers need to have a minimum of 15 IP to be eligible for the Playoffs.

Additionally, a Pitcher must have at least 70 innings (as listed on their SOM card) in order to be able to Start a Playoff Game.

Playoff roster must consist of 2 players per infield and 4 outfield players on active roster.

Player and Pitcher usage

The following will apply for each Playoff Series. 

Non-Pitchers are limited in use to their total plate appearances (AB + BB = PA) plus 10%  

(Please contact the Commissioner regarding PITCHERS that will be used as PH for their available AB limits)

Pitchers are limited to their total innings pitched (IP) plus 10%

You may use a 3-man pitching rotation for the Playoffs as long as you follow the Playoff pitching rotation schedule (including "off days.")

IMPORTANT INFORMATION  Starting Pitchers with an Asterisk * may start every 4th day.... All other Starting Pitchers may start a game every 5th day.

RELIEVER/STARTER -

Pitchers that are listed as a as Reliever/Starter may NOT start any Playoff game. These Pitchers are only allowed to Relieve. 

STARTER/RELIEVER -

A Pitcher that is listed as a STARTER/RELIEVER will be allowed to Start or Relive (must have at least 70 innings on their SOM Card). 
 

STARTERS "only" -

Pitchers listed as Starters "only" - These pitchers may be used in relief during the playoffs (not to exceed the 10% usage rule).


Playoff Series - Player usage limitations - during a seven (7) game playoff series, all players (batters, pitchers) may only be used a total of 10% of the amount listed on the elementary side of their playing card (at bats plus walks or innings listed).

NOTE: YOU MAY NOT GIVE DAYS OFF DURING THE MIDDLE OF A PLAYOFF SERIES. (i.e. NO "REFRESHING" YOUR PITCHING ROTATION IN ORDER TO CHANGE and IMPROVE FATIGUE NUMBERS)

RotatIon schedule: The following chart mirrors the real-life situations during the playoffs (with travel days "off" each time a series changes ballparks - and a day off in between rounds of the playoffs.

If both teams that are playing in a later round of the playoffs are coming off of "short series" (ie; less than a five, six or seven game series), they have additional days off (the days marked with an *) are considered off days of those games are not necessary. You will not automatically use your number one starter in the first game of the subsequent playoff rounds. It will depend on games played and off days - as in real life situations.
 

Day 1	FIRST ROUND	GAME # 1
Day 2	FIRST ROUND	GAME # 2
Day 3	OFF DAY
Day 4	FIRST ROUND	GAME # 3
Day 5	FIRST ROUND	GAME # 4
Day 6	FIRST ROUND	GAME # 5*
Day 7	OFF DAY
Day 8	FIRST ROUND	GAME # 6*
Day 9	FIRST ROUND	GAME # 7*
Day 10	OFF DAY	GAME # 1
Day 11	SECOND ROUND	GAME # 1
Day 12	SECOND ROUND	GAME # 2
Day 13
Day 14	SECOND ROUND	GAME # 3
Day 15	SECOND ROUND	GAME # 4
Day 16	SECOND ROUND	GAME # 5*
Day 17	OFF DAY
Day 18	SECOND ROUND	GAME # 6*
Day 19	SECOND ROUND	GAME # 7*
Day 20	OFF DAY
Day 21	WORLD SERIES	GAME # 1
Day 22	WORLD SERIES	GAME # 2
Day 23	OFF DAY
Day 24	WORLD SERIES	GAME # 3
Day 25	WORLD SERIES	GAME # 4
Day 26	WORLD SERIES	GAME # 5*
Day 27	OFF DAY
Day 28	WORLD SERIES	GAME # 6*
Day 29	WORLD SERIES	GAME # 7*
* = if necessary

 Watch your usage in the playoffs. 

If your player goes over and and you WIN a Series....that player(s) will lose the over-used amount of AB's or IP's in the next round (if applicable).

Also... If you have ANY Over-Use in ANY Playoff Series...the Player(s) over-used amount(s) will be added to your current seasons Over-Use total --- and will be used to determine if any penalty will apply for the upcoming "Pre Season" League Draft.



If and when it occurs that a first round "match-up" would pit two teams from the same division, the League Commissioner (may) alter the winning percentage "match-up" rule. The League Commmissioner (may) substitute another non-divisional playoff qualifier from one of the other two divisions to that spot so that two teams from the same division do not meet in the first round of the playoffs

 

    30. BILLY MARTIN MANAGER OF THE YEAR AWARD --
 

          

After the completion of the season,  you will be asked to select the Top Manager in our League.


                               

Based on your votes, the Manager that receives the most points will be honored with the

Billy Martin Memorial "Manager of the Year" Award.

   The criteria for selecting the winner is listed below...

 

 

	TEAM PERFORMANCE
	IMPROVEMENT OF PREVIOUS SEASON(S)
	TRADING and DRAFTING SKILLS
	INTEGRITY and GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP
	ABIDING BY ALL LEAGUE RULES
	COMPLETENESS WHEN COMMUNICATING WITH OTHER (ALL) LEAGUE MEMBERS
	PUNCTUALITY - SENDING RESULTS, SCORE SHEETS and GAME FILES IN A TIMELY MANNER
	HONESTY
	OVERALL POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION TO OUR LEAGUE

 

 

Your Ballot and reminder to vote for "Manager of the Year" will be e-mailed to you before the completion of the season.  A "Special Award" (Plaque) will be presented to the winner.

Due Date to return your Ballot will be announced by the League Commissioner.

The Award will be based on a points system.

Each manager will make three (3) selections for the Manager of the Year. You will not be allowed to vote for yourself.

You will make a First, Second and Third choice.

The First choice will be worth five (5) points;
The Second choice is worth three (3) points; and...
The Third choice will be worth one (1) point.

In the event of a tie (once all the votes are tabulated), the Manager that received the most First Place Votes will be delcared the winner

  Any Manager that has any games "Auto Played" for him will not be eligible for the "Manager of the Year Award".  Exception will be made (of course) when the League Commisssioner and League Statistical Coordinator have been advised of any compelling circumstances

 

 

    31. MISCELLANEOUS RULES

          

 

 

B) Managers will not be allowed to Intentionally Walk in a winning run in a game in order to "save" AB's and/or Innnings Pitched. 
 

 

 
         If you have any questions or concerns regarding the rules,           please contact the League Commissioner.