Experimental League: Fire and Forget

On New Years Day, I promised I would create a number of experimental leagues. Today I’m unveiling the second – Fire and Forget. There is a method to my madness when designing these experimental leagues. In recent seasons, I’ve been unable to keep up with the sheer volume of industry leagues I get roped into. Lack of attention to detail means not finishing first, so I’m cutting down on most of them.

I plan to play a dynasty, ottoneu, sim (2005 season), home, college, and MLBTR league. The latter is my only redraft. But I love draft season way too much to have only three normal leagues. These experimental formats will combine my love of unique drafts with a minimum of in-season management.

The basic premise of Fire and Forget is simple: you draft a team and then you revisit it at the end of the season to see if you won. Conceptualizing this league came with two challenges.

1. How do we avoid injuries deciding the winner?
2. How should we score the league so that it’s singularly unique?

I think I’ve come up with very good solutions for both questions.

Let’s start with league design. We’re going 14 teams deep this time with 2 C, 1B, 2B, 3B, SS, MI, CI, 5 OF, 8 SP, 4 RP, and no bench (notice, no UTIL). There will be no in-season roster management of any kind.

Here’s the first wrinkle. While all of those spots are technically active, we’re going to only score the following:

• The top catcher
• two of three best 1B, 3B, CI
• two of three best 2B, SS, MI
• three best OF
• five best SP
• two best RP

Yes, it will be possible to oust a third baseman with a first baseman and a shortstop with a second baseman. I’ve decided I can live with that. I’ve not yet solved what to do with pitchers who split time between starting and relief. We’ll get there.

Basically, this is a shallow roster league with a bench you don’t have to manage. How do we score a league with such goofy rules? This won’t be a 5×5, points, or any other type of “normal” format. Instead, we’re doing straight WAR. FanGraphs WAR, none of the Baseball Reference nonsense. Base running runs, UZR, and park factors will all included in the final score.

Scoring will be hand-calculated at the end of the season by each individual owner. By joining the league, you are committing to this very minimum effort in pointing, clicking, and adding two digit numbers in early October. If you happen to score your team as the winner, I will audit it.

This will be an auction league since they are the ultimate challenge in owner analysis. And just to keep you on your toes, we’ll use a $150 budget to further warp valuations. Good luck building your value sheet!

Now here is your chance to join this league or others like it. Use the “wait list” section of this sign up sheet to apply to be a part of the league. Make sure you’re in the Fire and Forget tab.

I’ve reserved nine spots, but don’t worry – most will go to readers. I’m looking for three industry folk to join me in the league. The other five spots will go to people who signed up for Utility Wars but missed the cut. Priority for the final five spots will be given to those who did not get into Utility Wars. If you’re in the first league, you may still sign up. I just can’t promise you a spot.

The draft is set for 7:00 pm ET on Sunday March 13. The time will only change if I need it to.