Benchwarmer News Archive - 2011

12/31/11

• Players Removed / Positions Final - 700+ minor league players were checked, and their positions are now final for 2012.  Also, just about 200 were removed from the master player list (out of baseball, playing in Japan, etc.).  Most of these players were not on any rosters, but these players have been automatically removed from current BWB rosters before the carryover choices are due: Cory Aldridge, Tyler Beede, Ronald Belisario, Daniel Cabrera, Joel Guzman, Juan Jaime, Melvin Mora, and Matt Peterson.
• Players Added? - Ideally the new players added to the list will be posted by the end of this weekend.
• Federal League - Your draft list due date is now set to Monday night, January 9 at midnight Pacific. (This is a firm date).

12/19/11

• Post-season Fall Trading - Results of second session posted - Trades are closed until February (sorry for any confusion if it appeared trades were still allowed).
• We're now in the final two weeks to make your carryover choices.  You may keep up to 28 players on your roster - everyone else will have to go into the free agent pool.  You must have enough cash to pay for all the players now and this is all the cash you will get until Opening Day.  And you must comply with all roster limits for salaries over 250.
• Carryover choices are now due Sunday night, January 1, 2012 at midnight Pacific.  This 2-day extension gives you the full weekend to finish your choices and the Monday holiday for BWB to process the cuts.

12/7/11

• Post-season Fall Trading - Results of first session posted.  Updates to the transaction schedule are now posted.  There is no salary component to these trades - the new owners will be fully liable for the 2012 salary that will be charged in late December.  You must be confirmed as returning with your team in order to play a role in a trade.

11/27/11

• 2012 Salaries: Final Salaries Posted.  Premium adjustments applied.
• Want to sign up and grab a new or orphan team for 2012?  If you're new to BWB, you can sign up here.  Existing BWB owners can pick up brand new extra teams.  Also check out the current list of new 16-team leagues and available orphan teams.

11/16/11

• Are you keeping your team(s) in 2012?  Please visit your team roster pages or go here to indicate whether or not you're going to retain ownership of the team in 2012.  Deadline is December 16 or your team will be classified an orphan team.
• Post-season Fall Trading - Now open - deadlines are Friday 12/2 and Friday 12/16.  Updates to the transaction schedule are now posted.  There is no salary component to these trades - the new owners will be fully liable for the 2012 salary that will be charged in December.  You must be confirmed as returning with your team in order to play a role in a trade.
• 2012 Salaries: Preliminary Salaries Posted.  The salaries are subject to premium increases and are not final.  Final salaries are likely to be set the weekend after Thanksgiving.
• 2012 Salary Cap is 41974, down from 45136 last year.  New leagues get 42000.  Check the team finances page to see the actual cash distributed to each league.
• 2012 Positions Set - any player with an "x" in the secondary position setting or showing up in the allowable positions still needs to be verified from the minor leagues.  Those unverified positions are subject to change and the players are still subject to be removed from the list.

11/7/11

• Post-season Fall Trading - delayed a bit until salaries are final (see below) and we finish some of the database changes that we needed to do mid-season to cover the off-season pages.
• 2012 Salaries: Coming soon (later this week)
• Meanwhile, here are the top raw salary values for the new calculations.  Note that actual salaries are 1/3 of the player's 2011 salary + 2/3 of the raw salary calculated from 2011 stats.  Add on to that the "premium adjustments" that include MVP award voting results and we won't have final salary values until around Thanksgiving.

10/30/11

• Benchwarmer Bash - Finals  Crumpton Roches from Murderers' Row wins the Benchwarmer Bash finals 4 games to 1.  Congratulations Jesse Roche.

10/29/11

• Benchwarmer Bash - Semifinals - Full results posted.
  • Championship posting comes on Sunday!
  • Finalist 1 - 1st Seed: Crumpton Roches from Murderers' Row.  Owned by Jesse Roche.  2011 Record: 105-45  Power Index Rating: 2
  • Finalist 2 - 7th Seed: London Groove Armada from Beatleball.  Owned by Sherman Wan.  2011 Record: 94-56  Power Index Rating: 49

10/27/11

• Benchwarmer Bash - Quarterfinals - Full results posted

10/26/11

• Benchwarmer Bash - Federation Finals - Full results posted (click on Federation Results links to see game scores).
• Eight teams advance to the Benchwarmer Bash.

10/25/11

• Benchwarmer Bash - Federation Semifinals - Full results posted (click on Federation Results links to see game scores).

10/18/11

• Congratulations to owners with multiple league championships:
  • Jerry King - 4 (7 division champions)
  • Michael Quinn - 3 (11 division champions)
  • Jesse Roche - 3 (4 division champions)
  • Mike Prohaska - 2 (7 division champions)
  • Giuseppe Rosselli - 2 (2 division champions)
  • William Stingle - 2 (2 division champions)
  • Tom Twomey - 2 (9 division champions)

10/17/11

• Playoffs - Championship Week, Games 6 & 7 posted - season complete!
• Benchwarmer Bash - If you're changing lineups - you much finish it by Tuesday night at midnight Pacific.
• Congratulations League Champions:
  • Batman - Detroit Riddlers - Mike Prohaska
  • Beatleball - London Groove Armada - Sherman Wan
  • Beer - Kingfisher Ale Slammers - Tom Twomey
  • Blame Canada - South Park Coon and Friends - William Stingle
  • Bleed Dodger Blue - Team Japan 2009 WBC Champs - Scott Campbell & Leif Jonson
  • Blue and Gray - Atlantis Mighty Mythtakes - David Henning
  • Bronx Bombers - Go Richmond Spiders! - Jesse Roche
  • Chevy Chase - Dallas Lumber Co. - Richard Morgan
  • Commissioners - Detroit Pizza Pizzas - Mike Prohaska
  • Deuces Wild - Southern California Surf - Giuseppe Rosselli
  • Experts - Erie Warriors - Jerry King
  • Fenway Fenatics - Crumpton Roches - Jesse Roche
  • Four Star - Northern Voyageurs - Walter Hsu
  • Golden Throat - Massapequa Chiefs - Vito Selvaggi
  • Hall of Fame - Nordeast Knotholes - Jacob Vass
  • K Street - Altoona Thunder Chicken - Jerry King
  • Longball - Heartland Big Red - Don Kruse
  • Murderers' Row - Crumpton Roches - Jesse Roche
  • Minnie & Paul - Old Hickory Longshots - Ken DeGroot
  • Perfect World - Adrenaline Mob - Anthony Citarella
  • Phightin' Phils - SGV Dukes - Michael Quinn
  • Reality Bites - Memphis Bighitters - Michael Quinn
  • Redbirds - Brooklyn Usual Suspects - Jerry King
  • Shadowball - Norfolk Southern Thoroughbreds - William Stingle
  • The Kings of Queens - Woodside Dingos - Tom Twomey
  • Three of a Kind - Havana Lounge Lizards - Jerry King
  • Triple Crown - Pittsburgh RoHo's - Giuseppe Rosselli
  • Winners Circle - Quinn Team - Michael Quinn

10/16/11

• Playoffs - Championship Week, Games 4 & 5 posted - we finish up on Monday night

10/15/11

• Playoffs - Championship Week, Games 2 & 3 posted

10/13/11

• Playoffs - Championship Week, Game 1 posted
• Benchwarmer Bash - Structure posted - only a few wild cards this year...

10/10/11

• Playoffs - Week 1, Game 7 posted - Week Two - Championship Week - will start posting later this week - likely on Thursday night.
• Lineup changes for Week 2 of the playoffs are due by Tuesday night at midnight Pacific.  You can reset your pitching rotation between weeks without worry about days off in between starts.
• Playoffs - Week 1, Game 6 posted

10/9/11

• Playoffs - Week 1, Game 5 posted
• Playoffs - Week 1, Game 4 posted.  The Bottom-Feeder semifinals begin.  Some 7-game series come to a close with sweeps.

10/711

• Playoffs - Week 1, Game 3 posted.  Click on the "federation" names at the top of the columns and you'll see a recap (and quick links to results) for leagues in those federations all on one page.

10/6/11

• Playoffs - Week 1, Game 2 posted.  You can also get directly to your league playoffs from the league's home page.
• Several posting/results issues on pages have been fixed - let me know if you still find a problem.

10/5/11

• Playoffs - Game 1
• Playoff matchups are posted.  You can also get directly to your league playoffs from the league's home page.  We'll shoot for first playoff results on Wednesday night.
• Tiebreakers for divisions and playoff brackets.
• Lineups are open again for setting the 2nd playoff week.  The deadline for now is Saturday night, but we'll reset it to one day after the first round is complete.

9/28/11

• Congratulations to owners with multiple division winners:
  • 11 Teams - Michael Quinn
  • 9 Teams - Tom Twomey
  • 7 Teams - Jerry King, Mike Prohaska
  • 6 Teams - Don Kruse
  • 5 Teams - Michael Lehman
  • 4 Teams - Jesse Roche
  • 3 Teams - Anthony Citarella, Ken DeGroot, Roland Dupont, Robert Elias, Andrew Lehman, Doug Schnack, Sherman Wan, Leif Jonson (solo + combined)
  • 2 Teams - Chris Bellina, Craig Bennett, Stephen Chase, Philip Dang, Greg Flees, Giuseppe Rosselli, William Stingle, Jacob Vass, co-owners Scott Campbell and Leif Jonson

9/27/11

• Week 25 Statistics and Players of the Week.

9/26/11

• Week 25 is now really complete  - Games 151 posted.  We move into the playoffs
• Playoff lineups (week 1) are due Friday night 9/30 at midnight Pacific (3 AM Eastern)
• Our last division champions- decided by Game 151:
  • Reality Bites League - American Idol Division: Mighty Mice defeated Parkville Dorados 9-1  Box   (owner Roland Dupont - 3rd win in 2011) - Repeats from last year - 3rd win for franchise
  • Four Star League - Patton Division: Northern Voyagers defeated Kelly's Heroes 6-5   Box   (owner Walter Hsu) - 2nd place last season
  • Triple Crown League - Klein Division: Lake Titicaca Mad Bombers defeated Erie Cannibal Corpses 6-2  Box  (owner Jim Meyer) - First trip to playoffs

9/25/11

• Week 25 Complete  - Games 149-150 posted.  Regular Season complete...almost
• Three division ties to break- will require one more game on Monday:
  • Reality Bites League - American Idol Division: Mighty Mice (Roland Dupont) at Parkville Dorados (Michael Gaston)
    • Parkville won season series 10-8
    • Parkville took 4 of 6 in the final three weeks
    • Record for last 10 games: Mighty 7-3, Parkville 6-4
  • Four Star League - Patton Division: Kelly's Heroes (Andrew Lehman) at Northern Voyagers (Walter Hsu)
    • Northern won season series 11-7
    • Kelly's took 4 of 6 in Weeks 23-24
    • Record for last 10 games: Northern 8-2, Kelly's 7-3
  • Triple Crown League - Klein Division: Lake Titicaca Mad Bombers (Jim Meyer) at Erie Cannibal Corpses (Bob Tiebery)
    • Erie won season series 13-5
    • Erie took 4 of 6 in the final three weeks
    • Record for last 10 games: Erie 7-3, Lake Titicaca 4-6
• Division Champions from the final two games:
  • Bronx Bombers League - Gehrig Division: Go Richmond Spiders! (owner Jesse Roche - 4th win in 2011)
  • Chevy Chase League - Emmit Fitz-Hume Division: Gashouse Gorillas (owner Michael Quinn - 10th win in 2011) - Repeat division winner; 3rd overall
  • Perfect World League - David Wells Division: Adrenaline Mob (owner Anthony Citarella - 3rd win in 2011) - Second place last year
  • The Kings of Queens League - Harrelson Division: Dunder Mifflin Sabres (owner Don Kruse - 6th win in 2011) - Second place last year
  • Four Star League - Bradley Division: Princeton Bulls (owner Robert Nolter) - Second place last year
  • Redbirds League - Dean Division: Detroit Thundercats (owner Mike Prohaska - 7th win in 2011) - First division title
  • Three of a Kind League - Wagner Division: Havana Lounge Lizards (owner Jerry King - 7th win in 2011) - 3rd straight division crown; has yet to advance to finals
  • Three of a Kind League - Speaker Division: DC Eagles (owner Jason Garber) - 3rd place in last two years - grabs first division win in 2011
  • Longball League - Mays Division: New Jersey Rain Storm (owner Chris Bellina - 2nd win in 2011) - 1st division title in league's 7th season; 19 GB in 2010
  • Blame Canada League - Eric Division: South Park Coon and Friends (owner William Stingle - 2nd win in 2011)
  • K Street League - Perry Division: Hawaii Islanders (owner Mark Currie) - Three consecutive division wins - lost in first round in '09 & '10

9/24/11

• More Division Champions crowned Sept. 22:
  • Perfect World League - Randy Johnson Division: Midwest Malingerers (owner Don Kruse - 3rd win in 2011) - 2nd place last season
  • Winners Circle League - Mathewson Division: Omaha Ruffians (owner Doug Schnack - 3rd win in 2011)
  • Kings of Queens League - Hernandez Division: Hilton Head Island Stinging Jelly Fish (owner Chris Bellina) - 104 losses in 2010 to division champ in 2011
  • Blame Canada League - Stan Division: Ft. Lauderdale Fightin' Bumpkins (owner Brad Barfield)
  • Experts League - Web Division: Save the Dome Dogs (owner Jacob Vass - 2nd win in 2011) - Defending league champ; closer race this season
  • Deuces Wild League - Cobb Division: Foggy Bottom Plumbers (owner Yuri Belova) - On top after two straight 2nd place finishes
  • Murderers' Row - Big Poison Division: Palookaville Pugs (owner Sherman Wan - 3rd win in 2011) - Moves up from 2nd place in 2010
  • Commissioners League - Frick Division: Humpback Camels (owner Roland Dupont - 2nd win in 2011) - Two-time defending league champion
  • Minnie & Paul League - Oliva Division: Kansas City Monarchs (owner Don Kruse - 4th win in 2011)
  • Bleed Dodger Blue League - Reese Division: Aksarben Krusaders (owner Don Kruse - 5th win in 2011) - Repeats as division champ
  • Batman League - Kilmer Division: Brinkley CP Bulldogs (owner Michael Quinn - 10th win in 2011) - Defending conference champion
  • Batman League - Bale Division: California Clowns (owner Craig Burke) - Last-to-first move this season

9/22/11

• More Division Champions crowned Sept. 21:
  • Hall of Fame League - Ruth Division: Nordeast Knotholes (owner Jacob Vass) - Defending League Champ; 5th division title
  • Shadowball League - Memphis Red Sox Division: Free Market Capitalists (owner Adam Wilson) - First division win since 2006; Last place in 2010
  • Bronx Bombers League - Rizzuto Division: Santa Cruz Waves (owner Andrew Lehman - 3rd win in 2011)
  • Chevy Chase League - Ty Webb Division: St. Cloud Ice (owner Jerry King - 5th win in 2011) - First return to playoffs since 2 straight championships '07-'08
  • Beer League - Hops Division: Kingfisher Ale Slammers (owner Tom Twomey - 9th win in 2011) - 21 GB in 2010; 2nd franchise division win (2008)
  • Beer League - Yeast Division: The Natty Lights (owner Jesse Roche - 3rd win in 2011) - Repeat division win; 4th overall
  • Winners Circle League - Spahn Division: Smallville Cows (owner Mike Cerny)
  • Reality Bites League - Amazing Race Division: Sea Isle City Landsharks (owner Robert Elias - 2nd win in 2011) - Defending League Champ - also won in 2006
  • Longball League - McGuire Division: Heartland Big Red (owner Don Kruse - 2nd win in 2011) - Gets over hump after 3 straight years of 2 GB or less to Nokomis
  • Experts League - Airwaves Division: The Krusader Dons (owner Philip Dang - 2nd win in 2011) - Won division in 2009
  • Experts League - Blogs Division: Erie Warriors (owner Jerry King - 6th win in 2011) - 108 losses in 2010 to first division win in 2011
  • Phightin' Phils League - Ashburn Division: Kalas City Broadcasters (owner Robert Elias - 3rd win in 2011)
  • Phightin' Phils League - Klein Division: Backwoods Sasquatch (owner Kevin Connors)
  • K Street League - Blyleven Division: Asia Analog Kid (owner Anthony Citarella - 2nd win in 2011) - League champ in 2010 and 2005
  • Bleed Dodger Blue League - Sutton Division: California Condors (owner Michael Lehman - 5th win in 2011) - 2nd straight division win

9/20/11

• Transaction Results posted for Week 25 - Week 26 deadline for lineups (Playoffs - Week 1) is Friday night 9/30 at 3AM Eastern/Midnight Pacific.
• Week 24 Statistics and Players of the Week.
• More Division Champions crowned Sept. 18:
  • Shadowball League - Chicago American Giants Division: Norfolk Southern Thoroughbreds (owner William Stingle) - 2nd Division title; first since 2008
  • Shadowball League - Pittsburgh Crawfords Division: Cal Tech Atoms (owner Doug Schnack) - 3rd win - has won league championship previous 2 times (including 2010)
  • Chevy Chase League - Clark W. Griswold, Jr. Division: Bath County Black Sheep (owner Tom Twomey - 7th win in 2011) - Repeat division win
  • Beer League - Malt Division: Canadian Moosehead (owner Derrick Silensky) - Returns to the playoffs for the first time since 2007
  • Winners Circle League - Alexander Division: Quinn Team (owner Michael Quinn - 7th win in 2011)
  • Beatleball League - Lennon Division: Roseville Bandidos (owner Andy Deeble) - League champ in 2008; first time to playoffs since then
  • Beatleball League - McCartney Division: London Groove Armada (owner Sherman Wan) - 5th Division title, but first since 2008; League champ in 2006
  • Reality Bites League - Bachelor Division: Memphis Bighitters (owner Michael Quinn - 8th win in 2011) - Defending division champ; 3rd title overall
  • Redbirds League - Slaughter Division: Montara PacSox (owner Sherman Wan - 2nd win in 2011) - Division champ in 2009 also
  • Longball League - Robinson Division: Trinidad Island Vikings (owner Leif Jonson - 1st solo win; 3rd overall in 2011) - 4th division win - lost in finals last year; Benchwarmer Bash winner 2008
  • Blame Canada League - Kyle Division: Windsor Runaway Shania Trains (owner Danny Zaccaro)
  • Blame Canada League - Kenny Division: Cro-Town Crushers (owner Craig Bennett - 2nd win in 2011)
  • Golden Throat League - Haray Carey Division: New England Red Sox (owner Stephen Chase - 2nd win in 2011) - Worst record in league last year with 106 losses; first time better than 3rd place
  • Triple Crown League - Medwick Division: Oakdale Barrons (owner Nick Wallin) - League champ in 2009 - lost in finals 2010
  • Deuces Wild League - Musial Division: Bel Aire Princes (owner Doug Schnack - 2nd win in 2011) - Defending league champion
  • Deuces Wild League - Biggio Division: Southern California Surf (owner Giuseppe Rosselli - 2nd win in 2011) - First division title
  • Deuces Wild League - Brett Division: Savannah Engineers (owner Willis Lee) - First division title
  • Murderers' Row - Big Ed Division: Crumpton Roches (owner Jesse Roche - 2nd win in 2011) - 3rd place last season
  • Murderers' Row - Big Donkey Division: Chicago Public Enemies (owner Jerry King - 4th win in 2011) - Repeats as division champ
  • Phightin' Phils League - Roberts Division: SGV Dukes (owner Michael Quinn - 9th win in 2011)
  • Commissioners League - Ueberroth Division: Miami Fruitcakes (owner Philip Dang) - Defending conference champion
  • Minnie & Paul League - Blyleven Division: Tonga Tarantula Hawks (owner Tom Twomey - 8th win in 2011)
  • Blue and Gray League - Sherman Division: Fort Snelling Pioneers (owner Andrew Lehman - 2nd win in 2011) - First division title
  • Blue and Gray League - Lee Division: Atlantis Mythtakes (owner David Henning) - First division title
  • Bleed Dodger Blue League - Campanella Division: Wisconsin Dawgs (owner Greg Flees - 2nd win in 2011) - Two straight 2nd place finishes before this first win

9/17/11

• More Division Champions crowned Sept. 15:
  • Hall of Fame League - Cobb Division: California Bears (owner Michael Quinn - 4th win in 2011) - 3rd Division Title (last was 2008); League Champ in 2004
  • Hall of Fame League - Cooperstown Division: Detroit Wolverines (owner Mike Prohaska - 5th win in 2011) - Franchise returns to playoffs for first time since 2003
  • Fenway Fenatics - Doerr Division: Crumpton Roches (owner Jesse Roche)
  • Fenway Fenatics - Fisk Division: Columbus Catfish (owner Stephen Chase)
  • Perfect World League - David Cone Division: Arkansas Hogs (owner Michael Quinn - 5th win in 2011) - Repeats as division champ
  • Winners Circle League - Galvin Division: Detroit Champs (owner Mike Prohaska - 6th win in 2011)
  • Reality Bites League - Fear Factor Division: Nashville Longshots (owner Ken DeGroot - 2nd win in 2011) - Highest finish had been 2nd in 2006
  • Three of a Kind League - Connor Division: Arcata Weed (owner Michael Lehman - 4th win in 2011) - Never higher than 3rd before this win
  • Experts League - Print Division: Colter's Bean Stalks (owner Craig Bennett) - Defending conference champion
  • Phightin' Phils League - Alexander Division: The Washington Dirty Hammers (owner Ray Simmons)
  • K Street League - Sutton Division: Dawns Early Light (owner Ken Stevenson) - First playoff appearance since 2005 (conference champion)
  • Minnie & Paul League - Carew Division: Old Hickory Longshots (owner Ken DeGroot - 2nd win in 2011)
  • Minnie & Paul League - Viola Division: Minneapolis Millers (owner Michael Quinn - 6th win in 2011)
  • Batman League - Clooney Division: Diamond Rats (owner Michael Himich) - Won league's inaugural championship in 2010

9/14/11

• More Division Champions crowned Sept. 13:
  • Bronx Bombers League - Ford Division: Chicago Haymarket Bombers (owner Michael Quinn - 2nd win in 2011)
  • Perfect World League - Kenny Rogers Division: Ehime Ichiban (owner Tom Twomey - 4th win in 2011) - 2nd straight division win
  • Beatleball League - Harrison Division: Penny Lane All Stars (owner Michael Lehman - 3rd win in 2011) - First division title in league's 8th season.
  • Beatleball League - Starr Division: Killer Bees (owner Roland Dupont) - First division title in league's 8th season.
  • Kings of Queens League - McGraw Division: Woodside Dingos (owner Tom Twomey - 5th win in 2011) - 2nd straight division win
  • Redbirds League - Smith Division: Brazil 2014 World Cup Soccer (owners Scott Campbell and Leif Jonson) - 2 straight division and conference titles; looking to take it all this year
  • Longball League - Killebrew Division: WC In the Cards (owner Michael Quinn - 3rd win in 2011) - Return to playoffs for 2nd time (2009)
  • Golden Throat League - Ernie Harwell Division: Massapequa Chiefs (owner Vito Selvaggi) - First division win; Previous best finish was 2nd in 2006
  • Murderers' Row - Big Puma Division: Guttenberg Gandolfinis (owner Tom Twomey - 6th win in 2011) - Defending league champion
  • K Street League - Seaver Division: Altoona Thunder Chicken (owner Jerry King - 3rd win in 2011) - 4th straight division crown; has yet to advance to finals
  • Bleed Dodger Blue League - Chandler Division: Team Japan 2009 WBC Champs (owners Scott Campbell and Leif Jonson - 2nd win in 2011) - 2nd time to win division

9/12/11

• There are no free agent signings this week.  Week 25 transactions are only cuts and IR moves (see note below on 9/5).

9/11/11

• More Division Champions crowned Sept. 9:
  • Shadowball League - Birmingham Black Barons Division: Tombstone Gun Fighters (owner Robert Elias) - 5th Division title, but first since 2008; 3-time conference champ
  • Fenway Fenatics - Boggs Division: Hawaiian Surfer Dudes (owner Andrew Lehman)
  • Four Star League - MacArthur Division: Tennessee Longshots (owner Ken DeGroot) - Defending league champion
  • Golden Throat League - Bob Prince Division: St. Louis Browns (owner Michael Quinn) - Defending league champion; 3rd straight division win
  • Triple Crown League - Robinson Division: Roswell Spaced Invaders (owner Michael Lehman - 2nd win in 2011) - First division win; Gore Cup winner in 2010
  • Commissioners League - Giamatti Division: South Park Butters (owner Tom Twomey - 3rd win in 2011) - Only team to win division in league's three seasons

9/8/11

• More Division Champions crowned Sept. 6:
  • Bronx Bombers League - DiMaggio Division: Zephyr Cove Zombies (owner Michael Lehman)
  • Chevy Chase League - Fletch F. Fletch Division: Dallas Lumber Co. (owner Richard Morgan) - 2nd Division Crown (2009)
  • Four Star League - Eisenhower Division: Savin Hill Sox (owner Michael Travers) - Moves up from 2nd place in 2010
  • Three of a Kind League - Beckley Division: Detroit Ligers (owner Mike Prohaska - 3rd win in 2011) - Defending league champion; 2nd division win
  • Golden Throat League - Jack Buck Division: Blair Bears (owner Don Kruse) - 2nd Division win (2008); Bottom-feeder winner last year
  • Blue and Gray League - Jackson Division: Charleston Cannon Fodder (owner Jerry King - 2nd win in 2011) - Three seasons, three division wins; League champ 2009
  • Batman League - Chandler Division: Detroit Riddlers (owner Mike Prohaska - 4th win in 2011) - Improves from 2nd place; Gore Cup winner in 2010

9/6/11

• The final three weeks of games are all within your division.

9/5/11

• This is the final week for free agent signings.  Week 25 transactions are only cuts and IR moves.
• Our first Division Champions (during end of Week 21 + start of Week 22):
  • Hall of Fame League - Wagner Division: Boar's Nest (owner Tom Twomey) - Return to first place for powerful franchise with new owner
  • Fenway Fenatics - Cronin Division: Utopia Unibrows (owner Tom Twomey - 2nd win in 2011)
  • Beer League - Water Division: Elsinore Hosers (owner Anthony Citarella) - 3rd Division Title; League Champ in 2008
  • Kings of Queens League - Koosman Division: Kansas Bucks (owner Greg Flees) - Repeat winner from 2010 when team won conference
  • Redbirds League - Brock Division: Brooklyn Usual Suspects (owner Jerry King) - Returns to playoffs after championship run in 2008
  • Triple Crown League - Yastrzemski Division: Pittsburgh RoHo's (owner Giuseppe Rosselli) - Back into playoffs after losing out in 3-way tie in 2010. Conference champ in '09
  • Commissioners League - Chandler Division: Detroit Pizza Pizzas (owner Mike Prohaska) - 3rd straight division crown; looking to advance to finals this year
  • Blue and Gray League - Grant Division: Detroit Repeat Offenders (owner Mike Prohaska - 2nd win in 2011) - Defending league champion; 3rd straight division title

8/28/11

• Transaction Results posted for Week 22 - Week 23 deadline for transactions/lineups is Saturday night 9/3 at 3AM Eastern/Midnight Pacific.
• Expanded Rosters - during the final three weeks of the season, your taxi squad and minor league players will fill in for any holes in your lineups to avoid Benchwarmer Batters/Pinesitter Pitchers.  You may now put those players in the order you'd like them to appear.  This is an optional step (otherwise, we fill in via a random order).

8/21/11

• This is the FINAL week for trades - deadline 8/27.

7/30/11

• It's crunch time for contract extensions - SUNDAY NIGHT (7/31)  (now Monday night 8/1) is the deadline to finish them off.
  • You must have all the cash on hand to sign a contract.  All teams will be getting an extra million bucks (1000) during the processing of this week's transactions.  Technically, that money gets added after the transactions, but in a beneficial loophole, you can actually figure that extra cash into your contract signings.
  • Rules for Contract Extensions and Discussion about extensions in old blog entries.
  • And finally(!) - some examples of good contract signings in 2010 and bad contract signings.

7/26/11

• This is the FINAL week to sign contract extensions for 2012.

7/12/11

• Between Weeks 15-16 we shift the transaction day again to stay in sync with MLB schedules.  Starting this week, transactions/lineups are due on SUNDAY nights.

7/5/11

• Note: Week 15 (deadline 7/11) is the FINAL WEEK to get a pro-rated salary rebate for players that you cut.

7/4/11

• We're exactly halfway through the 2011 season.
• There's a new option for player selection when you're looking for free agents: Under the "Other" category you can choose the option "Immediate Roster Availability" - this returns only major league players who are on current teams (filtering out any retired player or MLB free agents) and are not currently on the disabled list.

6/29/11

• All teams received the June cash distribution of one million Benchwarmer Bucks (1000).  The next cash (and last) distribution is at the end of July.

6/23/11

• Orphan Team Blowout - These orphan teams are still available - or newly added to the orphan list.  There may be a couple more added by Friday or Saturday for non-payment.  Regular Price: $30 - Current Price: $10.  Grab a team - take advantage of its bad record and early placement in the transaction order - and build a contender for 2012 (or earlier...can you turn it around this season?).

6/21/11

• First round draft picks for 2011 are now part of the BWB Player List.
  • You can view them in the player lists by using the "Other" filter on the selection pages.
  • If players do not sign by MLB's deadline (and they go back to college), they are removed from BWB and you'll lose the player immediately.
  • If you're attempting to sign players - check your roster size!  Many teams have lost out on chances to sign players over the last few weeks because they were already at the 40-player limit and did not cut anyone to make room.
• IR Reminders - you can have only one player on Injured Reserve at any time.  Any player on IR does not count against the roster limits (and is not included in the totals that show up below your team roster).  A move to IR is permanent for 2011, you cannot activate that player again until 2012.

6/15/11

• Quick update from the note below on 6/7 about 1st round draft picks: Transaction results for Week 11 may get posted Wed. night, but it might also shift to Thursday.  With that slight delay, plus some potential enhancements for owners with several teams, the new players will now be added for the Week 13 transaction week (deadline 6/27).

6/9/11

• Between Weeks 10-11 we shift the transaction day again to stay in sync with MLB schedules.  Starting this week, transactions/lineups are due on MONDAY nights.

6/7/11

• Each year, we add the 1st round draft picks into the player pool.  Top 30 picks only...no supplemental picks...if players don't sign by the deadline, they're out of BWB.  Right now, the plan is to add them to the player list after the Week 11 transactions are processed...meaning that the Week 12 deadline (due Monday 6/20) is when you'll need to submit your choices to get the top picks.  (Research them now)

6/2/11

• All teams received the May cash distribution of one million Benchwarmer Bucks (1000).  The next cash distribution is at the end of June.

5/10/11

• Payment was due by Week 1.  If you are not yet paid, you have been unable to perform transactions for the past 3-4 weeks.  If you do not pay by today, the Week 6 deadline, you will then be blocked from lineup changes until paid.
  • 2011 Payment - See your team payment summary
  • See the payment deadlines and consequences for missing them.
  • You can still opt for one of the multi-team packages: See details on the package benefits and prices

5/6/11

• We're looking at a short week.  Every five weeks we shift the transaction day to match our schedule with MLB more closely.  Starting in Week 6, weekly transactions/lineups are due TUESDAY night.  See the weekly deadlines.

4/22/11

• Payment was due by Week 1.  With some short transaction weeks, I let the deadline slide a bit, but if you are not yet paid, you are unable to perform transactions.  If you do not pay by Week 5, you will then be blocked from lineup changes.

4/10/11

• 2011 Payment - See your team payment summary
  • Payment is due now.
  • Since we're a tight turnaround for Week 2, the roster change restrictions have been extended with a due date of 4/13.  If you're not paid by then, you'll be locked out of making transactions.  See the payment deadlines and consequences for missing them.

4/5/11

• Week One - Your lineups are due Saturday April 9 at 1 PM Eastern.  After that, in weeks 2-5, our weekly deadline is on Wednesdays.  See the full season of weekly deadlines.
• Full season schedule (all listed series are three games each)
• You can always find a link to the weekly schedule on your league's home page, and look for a quick link at the bottom of every page - the "Results" link takes you to the schedule.

4/3/11

• Week Zero deadline today Sunday, April 3 at 7 PM Eastern time.
  • You must have a LEGAL roster by the end of this transaction cycle.  If you don't (not enough pitchers or hitters, or missing positions), BWB will fill it for you.
  • Lineups do not have to be final for Week 1 until April 8 (but it doesn't hurt to get them ready now!).
• Use It or Lose It: You cannot carry more than 5 million in cash into the season.
  • Any cash balances over 5 million after the Week Zero transactions (deadline 3/31) will be cut down to that maximum level.  This does not apply to brand new leagues for 2011!!
  • Contract Extensions??  Extensions are a way to spend some cash, but unless you are trying to get below that 5 million cash maximum (see above), we suggest holding off on extensions.  See the link on the Transactions page or your sign/cut page to start the extension process.
  • If you're brand new to BWB (or need some reminders), please check out these notes on contract extensions before trying to submit them.  (They're old blog posts, but they're still relevant).

3/31/11

• All leagues are completed drafting - we added SIX new leagues this winter, which I believe is a record.
• With 2 late-drafting leagues, I've been a bit overwhelmed.  Other season-opening tasks (including posting the 2011 schedule) will come soon.
• To give the late leagues some extra time, and understanding that there's a performance problem on the website, the Week Zero deadline is now Sunday, April 3 at 7 PM Eastern time.  Suggestion, though - don't wait until the last minute.  The Week One deadline (opening day for BWB), will also be pushed back from April 6 - probably April 8.

3/30/11

• Bronx Bombers League Draft Central - Phase Two, Part Three results posted.  Draft complete!  You're now on the weekly schedule for cuts/drops/trades - starting with the deadline for this Saturday 4/2.

3/29/11

• Blame Canada League Draft Central - Phase Two, Part Three results posted.  Draft complete!  You're now on the weekly schedule for cuts/drops/trades - starting with the deadline for this Saturday 4/2.
• New to Benchwarmer Baseball? - There are some resources to help you out.
  • Check out the big "Help" link at the top of any page.
  • The Benchwarmer Baseball Blog has 2 series of articles designed to help newcomers: The BWB Primer and Orphan School.
  • Two Benchwarmer veterans post blogs.  There aren't any very recent postings, but search through past articles and you may pick up some things.  See Save the Dome and Dinks and Dunks.
• If you sent team logo pictures, we will post them soon!

3/28/11

• Welcome to Benchwarmer Baseball - It's a different form of fantasy baseball as we play individual head-to-head games simulated from daily MLB stats - this isn't a Rotisserie game.
  • And this is fantasy baseball 365 days a year.  Teams are making last-minute adjustments for the upcoming season.
  • Check out the Benchwarmer Baseball Tour for an introduction.
  • No additional new leagues will be drafting in 2011, but these orphan teams are still available...pick up an existing team and rebuild it, rather than start from scratch.
  • Want to sign up and grab an orphan team for 2011?  If you're new to BWB, you can sign up here.  Current BWB owners, just send an email with your interest.

3/25/11

• Use It or Lose It: You cannot carry more than 5 million in cash into the season.
  • Any cash balances over 5 million after the Week Zero transactions (deadline 3/31) will be cut down to that maximum level.  This does not apply to brand new leagues for 2011!!
  • Contract Extensions??  Extensions are a way to spend some cash, but unless you are trying to get below that 5 million cash maximum (see above), we suggest holding off on extensions.  See the link on the Transactions page or your sign/cut page to start the extension process.
  • If you're brand new to BWB (or need some reminders), please check out these notes on contract extensions before trying to submit them.  (They're old blog posts, but they're still relevant).

3/21/11

• 2011 Payment - See your team payment summary
  • Payment is due at the start of the season - April 6 (miss that and you'll hit some lineup/transaction restrictions)
  • If you're playing 5 or more teams a season, you might want to check out the Cooperstown Club.  Pay one fee and never pay for another team again.
  • New in 2011: on a single season basis, there's a new multi-team package called the Benchwarmer Season Ticket
  • See details on the package benefits and prices

3/20/11

• Phightin' Phils League Draft Central - Phase Two, Part Four results posted.  Draft complete!  You're now on the weekly schedule for cuts/drops/trades - starting with the deadline for this Friday night 3/25.

3/19/11

• Scott Swanay - FantasyBaseballSherpa.com - and a member of our Experts League - is participating today in Tout Wars Mixed League auction today - Check out the progress
• Last call for 2011!  It takes a couple of weeks to draft and get your team ready, Bronx Bombers League will be the last one to draft this spring - the final due date for your draft list is Saturday night.  If needed, we'll finish it off with filler teams that will become orphans.

3/14/11

• Fenway Fenatics Draft Central - Phase Two, Part Four results posted.  Draft complete!  You're now on the weekly schedule for cuts/drops/trades - starting with the deadline for this Friday night 3/18.

3/8/11

• Winners Circle League Draft Central - Phase Two, Part Four results posted.  Draft complete!  You're now on the weekly schedule for cuts/drops/trades - starting with the deadline for this Friday night 3/11.

2/21/11

• Minnie & Paul League Draft Central - Phase Two Draft: Part Four results posted.  Draft complete!  You'll now be on the weekly schedule for cuts/drops/trades - starting with the deadline for this Friday night 2/25.

2/7/11

• Weekly schedule for 2011 for transactions, lineup deadlines, and BWB games

2/6/11

• Redistribution Draft results: Awarded players have been added to your teams.
• Regular weekly free agent signings/trades are now active.

2/4/11

• Redistribution Draft Index - Final results posted: Batman, Beer, Golden Throat, K Street
• Rosters and team finances will be updated by Sunday night/Monday morning.

2/2/11

• Redistribution Draft Index - Results posted: Four Star, Reality Bites, Redbirds, and Shadowball.

2/1/11

• Redistribution Draft Index - Results posted: Chevy Chase, Commissioners, Perfect World, and Three of a Kind.

1/31/11

• Redistribution Draft Index - Results posted: Beatleball, Deuces Wild, Longball, Murderers' Row, and Triple Crown

1/30/11

• Redistribution Draft Index - Results posted: Hall of Fame, The Kings of Queens, Experts, Bleed Dodger Blue, Blue and Gray

1/29/11

• OK - finally done with the draft lists for all the orphan teams - Redistribution Draft results are coming soon - check out updates on the Redistribution Draft Index.
• The Phightin' Phils League is over half full too...see the full list of new leagues are currently forming.

1/23/11

• Returning Leagues: Last call for Redistribution Draft lists - due TONIGHT 1/23 at midnight Pacific.
• Today is the final day to claim an early payment discount for 2011 on regularly-priced teams.  See your team payment summary

1/22/11

• Follow BWB on Twitter...
• Like us on Facebook
• And a personal Twitter take on things: find me at jonswansonMN

1/16/11

• Returning Leagues: Redistribution Draft is Now Open
  • Find the link to pick players on your team roster page.
  • Picks are due Sunday night, January 23 at midnight Pacific
• Minnie & Paul League Draft Central - Phase One Draft: Complete
  • Your rosters are updated.
  • You're now active for the first submission of Phase Two - due Sunday 1/23

1/10/11

• 2011 Payment - See your team payment summary
  • For returning leagues, your payment is not due until the start of the season.
  • Instead of an "early payment discount" let's call it a "targeted payment discount" in 2011.  Pay now through 1/23 and you'll get a $5 discount per team (no discount for packages or orphan teams).
  • The Benchwarmer Benefactor program is now called the Cooperstown Club.  Pay one fee and never pay for another team again.
  • New in 2011: on a single season basis, there's a new multi-team package called the Benchwarmer Season Ticket
  • See details on the package benefits and prices
• Returning Leagues:
  • Roster cuts have been processed.  See Transactions for details of who was dropped in your league.
  • Redistribution Draft is Now Open
    • Find the link to pick players on your team roster page.
    • Picks are due Sunday night, January 23 at midnight Pacific
    • The draft order will be updated later this week to put the playoff teams at the end (and the league champion last).  At that time, the new team names will be shown too - currently the team names appear as they were in October.
• The BWB player list has new members.  All players who were part of the 40-man rosters in late December are now in the game.  No additional players will be brought in until after the season starts.