2025 OFFICIAL G.U.S.S.O.M.O. RULES
 

REVISED - JANUARY 19, 2025


                  

 

LEAGUE RULES - TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.	LEAGUE FORMAT
2.	LEAGUE DUES
3.	DUE DATES FOR SENDING YOUR CM's, PLAYING YOUR GAMES and HOW and WHEN TO REPORT YOUR RESULTS
4.	PLAYING ACCORDING TO THE SCHEDULE
5.	ROSTER SIZE
6.	PLAYERS THAT ARE CONSIDERED "FUTURES"
7.	MINOR LEAGUE RECALL
8.	COMPUTER MANAGER (CM)
9.	STARTING PITCHERS - 3 DAY REST
10.	DESIGNATED HITTER (DH)
11.	OUTFIELDERS PLAYING "NON-RATED" POSITIONS
12.	INFIELDERS PLAYING "NON-RATED" POSITIONS
13.	PLAYERS WITH 2 OR MORE CARDS
14.	TRADING
15	REPORTING and CONFIRMING A TRADE
16.	REPORTING HIGHLIGHTS
17.	PROTESTS
18.	PRE-DRAFT ROSTER "CUT-DOWN" REQUIREMENTS
19.	G.U.S.S.O.M.O. DRAFT
20.	DRAFTING ORDER
21.	DRAFT LOTTERY - FIRST 4 PICKS (WEIGHTED CHANCES)
22.	DETERMINING THE DRAFT ORDER WHEN 2 TEAMS ARE TIED WITH THE SAME W-L RECORD
23.	FREE AGENT "WAIVER RULE"
24.	BALL PARK RATINGS
25.	OVER-USE LIMITATIONS
26.	RELIEVER/STARTER USAGE LIMITATIONS
27.	PLAYOFFS - WHO QUALIFIES
28.	PLAYOFF MATCH-UPS
29.	PLAYOFF RULES
30.	BILLY MARTIN "MANAGER OF THE YEAR" AWARD
31.	MISCELLANEOUS RULES

 

1. LEAGUE FORMAT

 

G.U.S.S.O.M.O. is played by computer ONLY

We will always use the latest computer version available (including "patches" from Strat-O-Matic.

We use CM's (Computer Manager) to play our games.

Net-Play is encouraged for Playoff Games (see Rule # 27) 

 

Most S-O-M advanced playing rules will be used.

There also are some additional rules that we use.

Please read and become familiar with all of our rules.

Make sure to contact the Commissioner should you have any questions about the rules.
 

 

2. LEAGUE DUES -
 

2025 League Dues dues are $40.00  Please send your league dues to the Commissioner by February 22, 2025

 

 

3. DUE DATES FOR SENDING YOUR CM's,

    PLAYING YOUR GAMES,

                        and

    HOW and WHEN TO REPORT YOUR RESULTS 
 

 

     

 

              

All information, including CM's, Game Files, and Free Agent Requests MUST be sent to Jeff Wadkowski
at the following Email address only
 

 

 

 

REPORTING RESULTS

 

 

    WEEKLY    

After you play a Series

Send the Series/Game Results and Box Scores Files to the
Commissioner (Jeff F.) at gussomo@comcast.net

 

 

 

WEEK # 2     Visitor and Home Team Name

Please put the W-L results in the Body of your E-mail
so I don't have to hunt through all the files for 
the results of your Series

I need this information so I can keep our League Standings update.

                          

      END OF BLOCK    

  When sending in the Entire Block results
to Jeff Wadkowski  (Batman) at
^{gothamcitybatmen@hotmail.com}


    you must have:    

  The Month and Home Team Name
listed in the Subject Line.

Make sure ALL game Files and Box Scores
are included in a "ZIP" File and sent to the Commissioner
(Jeff F.), the League Administrator (Batman - Jeff W.),
and Your Opponent.
 

NOT THE GROUP "CHAT" E-MAIL
 

 

 

4. OUR LEAGUE SCHEDULE IS LISTED ON A SEPARATE TAB ON THE LEAGUE WEB PAGE.                 

 

 

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

 

5. ROSTER SIZE -

All Teams will abide by the Roster Size Rules that are listed below...

The Roster Size for 2025 is as follows…

 

A) Total Roster Size - 35 players

This means that your Team Roster size may never be greater than 35 Players.

 

B) Active Roster limit - 

Your "ACTIVE" roster (the number of 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 at least two (2) players on their Roster that can play each of the following positions (1st Base, 2nd Base, Shortstop, 3rd Base, and Catcher).

This requirement helps Managers avoid Over-use, and ensures Roster integrity for all teams. 

 

D) Minor League -

You are allowed to have up to 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 puts your team over the 35-player limit (i.e. Active Roster + Minor League), you need to  immediately inform the Commissioner, and let him know 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 return to our  Free-Agent pool. These Players are now available to be selected by all the other Managers via our Free Agency process

 

6. 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 who does not have a current Strat-O-Matic card but, has had some Major League experience.

MLB experience applies to any previously "carded" or "un-carded" Players or Pitchers who made their MLB debut in a Regular Season Game or Playoff Series game. Uncarded players count towards your 35-man Roster. 

By "experience, "this means that the Player or Pitcher has played in the Major Leagues, and has achieved 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).
 

                                        

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

Players who appeared only as Pinch Runners (no Official At Bats).

Batters that reached base via "Base on Balls" (Walked), but have not achieved 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) has 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) has 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 ONCE he is issued a Strat-O-Matic card. 

"Futures" can be traded.

Also, if you decide to drop/cut a "Future", that Player/Pitcher will become available to all Managers in next season's 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 of our 7 Blocks of Games 

The Player(s) that you "call up" will stay on your active Roster for that entire Block of games.

When you "call up" players, you must also send down Players and/or Pitchers if your "Active" Roster exceeds 28 Players and/or Pitchers. The exception to this is during Weeks # 23 through # 27. You may use your Full Roster during these weeks. 
 

                                        
 

 

 

The HOME TEAM ONLY..... can promote/demote POSITION PLAYERS and DH (but not Pitchers) from their Minors before the start of any week of a Series... but not before individual Games of a Series.

 

 

8. COMPUTER MANAGER -


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

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

Which players are on your Active Team Roster.

Which players are in your Minor League.

Your various Batting 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 under what circumstances you want your runner to 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?

Include any other "instructions" or directives into your CM that will make things easy and clear so that your opponent knows exactly how you want your team to be managed.

Because this is very important... I am listing it again.

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 " AUTO-PLAYED"... you COULD also receive a Draft Pick penalty (to be determined by the League Commissioner). 

If you continue to send in your CM late (without cause or communication), 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 MIGHT need to be replayed by you... if instructions are not properly followed. 



9. STARTING PITCHERS -- 3 DAYS REST -

Starting Pitchers with an Asterisk listed on their Strat-O-Matic Card are required to rest 3 days between starts.

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

 

Look at the Game Schedule within the Game File so you can determine the number of days/games before your Starting Pitcher's next Start.  
 

 

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 Player's defensive fielding rating(s) becomes when a Player/Outfielder plays other OF locations that aren't 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 will remain 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 Left Field 1 and second as a Center Field  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 Right Field  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 positions that are not listed on their SOM Card. Furthermore, Infielders CANNOT play any OF positions. 
 

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

Outfielders CANNOT play the Infield... or any other position 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 than one team during the real baseball season.

 

So you look at your Player with two cards and ask yourself...

 

 

 

 

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. 

 

 

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

 

During the Season...You can not switch from one OPTION to the other OPTION. 

 

Managers must communicate to the League Administrator, Jeff Wadkowski ("Batman") which version (Combo or Individual  Player's Team Card) they wish to use 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(s) 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 2025 season, you may only trade Draft Picks for the 2026 season.

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

* 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 official 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.

 

15. REPORTING and CONFIRMING A TRADE -D


        VERY
  

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

 After the teams have agreed to, and "finalized" their Trade...
both of the Managers need to report the completed trade to the League Commissioner at gussomo@comcast.net 

 

  In the E-Mails that are sent to the Commissioner...

        Both Managers MUST include the following information...

 

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

 

   When the trade will become effective...
 
          a)  The beginning of the next Block of games? 
          b)  A different Block? 
          c)  At the End of the Season?

             ---  AND..... VERY IMPORTANT ---- 

          D)  A copy of your Updated Team Roster 

 

   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

 

Trades are considered OFFICIAL  once the Commissioner RECEIVES YOUR UPDATED ROSTER and 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.

                  

The Commissioner has sent all Managers a W-L Recap/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!

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 --

If you 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 everyone a favor...familiarize yourself with your opponent's Computer Manager Instructions...... and make sure that you follow them!

                  
        
                                                           

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 at least 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 pick 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 third 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) A Manager may elect to pick up and add a total of 10 - TEN             "Free   Agent" Players during the Regular Season.

 

b) You are not obligated to select any Free Agent Players.

 

c) Free Agent picks (maximum of 2 per month) can be made prior to      the start of the following Months ("Blocks")

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 Team's roster and put back into the Free Agent "Pool" of Players.

Note: Players that are cut, can 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 Administrator (Jeff Wadkowski (Batman) -- 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 Players will go back into the drafting pool. 

8) Any “Free Agent” Player 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.

 

 

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%
STARTING PITCHERS ONLY	INNINGS PITCHED x 15%
ALL OTHER 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) 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).

B) 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.

C) 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.

D) 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.

E) 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 highly 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

If 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 the two 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 Homefield 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.)

 

 

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

 

 

    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 75 AB's and Pitchers need to have a minimum of 30 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.

Your 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.

 

 

 

                                   

 

.

 

The Free Agent request date to "pick up" players is the date the game file is due. Requests made for players after the due date will not be allowed.  A list of three (3) players must be sent with each Free Agent request, along with the player to be dropped.

     Once again... Free Agent requests will not be allowed
                             or added after the deadline.