Heading into the Off-Season

A stellar and exciting pennant race has finally come to an end with the Cubs (specifically Randy Wells) breaking the DoorMatts heart yet again. On CBS Sportsline I had posted a poll of who you thought would win the title. Of the five votes cast, one went to Kenndoza and the other four went to the DoorMatts. When I saw the vote for Kenndoza logged, I thought "Well, Kenn has finally voted." Turns out it was Matt B. "I voted for Kenn to try and do everything to secure the title for myself." As it happens, jinxing has no power over a strong starting rotation.

Interestingly Matt called me over the weekend when he was up either 1 or 4 points (I can't remember) and said he was feeling like he did after Game 4 of the NLCS. It seemed inevitable that the Cubs were going to the Series (just win ONE OF THREE FOR GOD SAKES!) He felt like winning the CFCL title was possible (not certain, but possible) "but there's going to be a Bartman moment, I just haven't had it yet." I guess if falling short of the title after leading by four with three days left is a Bartman moment, then so be it. I think it was more of a '69 moment. The Line had amazing pitching and the Matts couldn't score a run in the final week.

So as we remember the amazing race just completed (coming down to the final at bat just blows my mind) we also have to look forward to next year. Here's what we know and what we don't.

Returning Owners:

A few weeks ago I sent out an e-mail asking everyone for the 2010 intentions. I have finally heard back from all owners and here is where we stand.

Definitely returning: Rich, David M., Matt B., Mike C., Bob, Matt G., Tim

Definitely not returning: Michael Moore (Family needs are calling him out of state, unable to return for Draft Day).

Possibly returning: Dave H. and Kenn. Kenn indicated he's about 90% sure he's coming back. Dave said he was up in the air and needed time to decide. I have asked that both provide their answer by the end of the month.

So we have one sure opening and possibly three. If Dave and Kenn both return, our job is a bit easier (obviously). Mike Bentel - former Ruffin Proxy - has given strong indication that he would like to be considered for any future openings. He still has to be voted in, but at least we have identified a person, they're interested and we already know them. If we have to fill one or two more openings, we have our work cut out for us. That would almost ensure that there is no chance for expansion in 2010. Actually, five of six commenting owners prefer to keep the league at 10 owners, so expansion may not be in our near future anyway.

Keep your eyes and ears open for possible Owner Candidates for whatever openings we may have.

Banquet

Last year we didn't end up scheduling the banquet until late January/early February. Usually we try to arrange something during the post season so we can watch a game while celebrating CFCL 2009. Feel free to start e-mailing me with weekends and times that you're available or not available.

And While We're On The Subject

of the Banquet, we have to work on the awards. I will try to comprise the candidates for the various awards, but to make sure no one falls through the cracks, please e-mail me players from your roster that you feel are worthy of consideration for any of the post season awards. Reference the CFCL website for a list of all post season awards.

Looking Ahead to 2010

Winter waivers don't start until Janaury. But with all the holidays coming up you don't want to be caught unawares, so start thinking about whom you are going to keep and cut. Remember that any players acquired after September 1st are automatically cut. Additionally, any players that had a contract of 09 or 09! are automatically cut as well. For Winter Waivers you need to trim your roster to 23 players (no position requirements). The 23 players include both major and minor leaguers. If you want to keep your four minor league studs, then you can only keep 19 major league roster players.

Already On Board

I have taken the liberty of asking Matt G. to reprise his role as Draft List Guy for Draft Day 2010 and he has graciously accepted.

I have also asked Mike C to take on a second term of Sportsline Czar. Assuming he can work his way clear of the Blue Screen of Death, he has also graciously accepted.

Keep the Mind Fresh

Just because the CFCL and Baseball's Regular season is over doesn't mean there isn't work to be done. Your Executive Committee (Rich, David M. and Mike C) are still serving until next Draft Day. If there are any rules or adjustments or thoughts you want to bring before the EC, now is a good time to voice your wishes. Let us know if you would like to have something considered.

I think that's it for now. As of this moment I don't forsee an issue with securing our Draft Day Headquarters, but I will know for sure after the 1st of the year.