Champions League

My blood pressure went up higher today than it’s been in months, as I used 22 of my 25 players on opening day at home, and had to go 15 innings to hold off Bonds and AROD and the Giants, winning 4-3. My #1 draft pick, Utley, was the difference. He had 3 of our 4 runs, and after AROD put the Giants ahead by a run with a homer in the 12th, Cousin matched him with one of his own to keep the game alive in the bottom of the inning - then later trotted home with the winning run on a Rolen single with the bases loaded in the 15th. My other draft pick, Escobar, pitched well, only allowing a couple runs in 6 innings before being relieved by 7 different guys over the last 9 innings.

6 games against division opponents, 3 games against other division opponents.  39 games.  It’s not a balanced schedule, meaning that I play more games away than I do at home against human teams.  Some teams it’s the opposite.  The schedule was totally random, with very few days off.  You can view it here:

http://www.playptp.com/2022-sched.htm 

Sorry fellas, since I’ve gotten back I’ve been swamped and sick.  I will try to get things set up ASAP.  I’m as stoked as a mother, but overwhelmed with various things.  But don’t worry, you’ll get your chance to lose to me soon enough….

Ted, I got your voice mails but I was actually asleep during both of them.  Believe it or not, I was asleep at 3pm today.  And also at 11pm.  So, now it’s 1:00am and I’m as awake as a fresh beaver.

Draft Will Commence Shortly.

Minnesota
St. Louis
Oakland
Texas
Washington
Houston
Chicago Sox
Cincinnati
San Francisco
Florida
Baltimore
Kansas City
Pittsburgh
Tampa Bay

Should we draw teams out of a hat?  ‘Cause if I get stuck with K.C. I’m liable to stab someone with a pencil.

Jerry - Luke has direct orders to photograph and document all scouting activities this weekend.  I wouldn’t have told you, but now I feel guilty and there is no way I can stop him from completing his mission.  He’s like Jason Bourne.  He’s programmed to dominate all activites.  Travis had better watch his back.  His only weakness, his kryptonite, is his big sister who will absolutely pummel him at the slightest provocation, and he is helpless to defend himself.

Alright - we’ve all seen how you do managing an All-Star team of players where everyone on your roster had cards where they hit over .300 and all your pitchers had ERA’s under 4. We’ve seen you win divisions and world championships with those hand-picked super-squads.

Guess what?
We’re not impressed. My grandma could have won titles with some of those teams. It’s time to see what kind of a manager you really are. What happens when we hand you the reins to a piece of crap team? Will you turn it around? Or will you drive that franchise even further into the ground? 2022 will let us all know. Here’s how it will work:
In real-life 2007, there were 14 major league teams with losing records. In the 2022 draft, you will select one of those teams and turn that rag-tag bunch of losers into a champion….or will you? Time will tell. Obviously this draft will take like 3 seconds since there will only be one round. This will leave more time for HR derby and other lofty pursuits (assuming we can swing a live draft). Although the draft itself will be quick, I think the research up to the draft will be interesting, fresh and fun. Scouting teams rather than players will I think prove refreshing.
Other parameters:
*To enhance the managerial aspect, no DH will be used (keep this in mind as you scout american league teams)
*Everyone on the team roster will be eligible (no min requirements). Will you take a gamble on a low-AB guy even though the rest of his crappy team sucks?
*Since you’re drafting a team, no salary cap will be in force.

What do you guys think? I’m definitely open to changes - perhaps adding a 2nd round of the draft where you draft a “free agent” player from a team not being used? This would make it a little easier for the teams picking late in the draft, but it might defeat the purpose of managing a bad team, too. Thoughts?

That’s right, ladies, it’s true. The Hairys, as improbable as it seems, woke up this morning to find that they are still PTP champions. How long it takes for another team to man up and take the title from them remains to be seen, but if recent playptp.com activity is any indicator, the rest of the managers are content to remain curled in the fetal position whimpering for their mothers. And oh yes, I DID just say that.

ps. Manager Ockey urges ptp fans everywhere to check out Comissioner Utley’s recent blog post on his long and storied history with books. As you all know, Utley has a singular gift for writing - he manages to effortlessly and simply convey his thoughts and instill inspiration without even trying. I read that thing and I was scrambling for the nearest book just so I could start to try and be like Bri. Thank you Bri. Thank you Ted. For that 2021 Championship that you gave me.
Love,
Jerry