Another trade deadline and IFAB Day has come and gone and, without trying to sound condescending, I am really impressed. The CFCL has experienced its bumps along the road, but this year went swimmingly (if I can go Olympic on you). Here are just a couple of reasons for the title of this post.
- Trading - This year, from my point of view, the trades were extremely fair. Competing teams looked to fill needs and were not involved in huge, egregious trades involving Uber-stars with Uber-salaries while giving up Rookie Ball prospects.
- Prior to this week, before trading began, we had the makings of a horserace for at least 2nd through 5th place. The trades that were made did nothing to violate that and may have enhanced the race. Nothing against the Clowns, but here's hoping that the race for the title becomes a little more interesting.
- IFAB. Many years teams will want to acquire a moderate talent level guy and throw a .24 bid out there so that they ensure getting him but are not tied to the player for the next season. While it's a valid strategy, it's also not very creative. But this year, while we only had four teams make bids on IFAB Day, all the bids were within reason and each player acquired could easily be kept next year for that salary. Well done!
- The commitment of our owners. Mike Coulter commented that he took IFAB Day off (not sure if it was only because of IFAB Day) so he would be available to process trades, answer questions, etc. And then there's the Ruffins. Mind you the Ruffins are coming off of back-to-back championships and are currently mired in 8th place. It would be relatively easy for them to rest on their laurels (and championship rings) and not worry about making a last minute deal. Especially so if they were, say, meeting with a leader of the country. But, no, the Ruffins frantically worked their IPhone - well, let me have Dave use his own words:
I made two trades today on my IPhone minutes before our trade deadline and
minutes before Michelle Obama
spoke on campus today...literally minutes. If my wife was unsure up to this
point, and honestly she was likely quite sure, she now knows that I am
completely batshit crazy. About to hear the first lady speak from the VIP
section right next to the podium and what am I doing? General managing my fake
baseball team.
In any case, I write to make sure everything is ok with the Bulls-Ruffins
trade because I see it hasn't been processed yet. I sent the trade and my
related moves to you at 11:44 your time. Matt's email likely came in just a tad
earlier.
With 16 minutes to spare before the deadline and the First Lady clearing her throat, Dave's punching proposals into his phone. I'm sure Secret Service was not nervous at all by the profusely sweating professor playing with an electronic gadget mere feet from Mrs. Obama.
And here's Dave's proof.
Impressive. The only negative to any of this is I heard a few comments from owners that their trade inquiries were completely ignored. Rejecting a trade offer is normal and acceptable. Not responding at all isn't. But overall, this very well could be the most successful mid-season experienced by the CFCL in quite a long time.
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