The Scarborough/Durham

Strat-o-matic League(SDSL)

2008 Rules

 

 

Web site address

 

http:// ca.geocities.com/avola@rogers.com/

 

 

Table of Contents

 

 

 

Rules.

 

A -- The Draft

B -- Protected Lists

C -- Divisional Structure, Schedule

D -- Trades

E -- At-bats and innings eligibility

F -- Roster regulations

G -- Pitching

H -- Bunting, hit-and run

I  --  Parks

J -- Defense

K -- Baserunning and stealing

L – The Playoffs

M – Games Played and Penalties

N – Miscellaneous Rules

O – Miscellaneous

Appendices

Appendix A - Injury Chart-Players and Relievers

Appendix B - Injury Chart - Starters only

 

 

 

SDSL 2008 Managers List

 

 

 

 

                                                                                     

                                              

RULES

 

Preamble:  These are the rules the SDSL will follow.  Strat-o-matic rules that are not written here are not followed.  All topics below assume a League of 10 teams.

 

***A manager has the option of sharing or not sharing his dice with the opposing manager***

      In the event a manager inadvertently uses the opposing managers’ dice the result of the play shall still stand.

 

 

A -- The Draft

 

1.         Each year, the (SDSL) player draft shall consist of 15 rounds.  Teams will draft in reverse order of finish from the previous (SDSL) regular season with the following exceptions: 

            a) The four teams that do not make the playoffs will be entered into a draw to determine first overall pick.

            b) The 10^th place team will receive 1 entry, the 9^th place team 2 entries, the 8^th place team 3 entries and the 7^th place team 4 entries

            c)  The winner of the draw will draft first overall and the remaining draw teams will draft in reverse order of finish

                  I.e.  The 8^th place team wins the draw, he now picks first overall, the 10^th place team picks 2^nd, the 9^th place picks 3^rd

               and the 7^th place picks 4^th.

 

2.         During the draft, each manager has one minute to make his selection.  In the event a manager exceeds this time limit, the manager with the next pick may make his selection, and the draft will proceed.  The managers who have exceeded the time limit may make their selection at any time, without penalty.  Each manager will be given three 2-minute time outs to be used at the manager’s discretion.

 

3.         All unprotected baseball players may be drafted.

 

4.         Tie-breaking criteria for all teams who finish tied in the regular season will be as follows:

a)         Record head to head

b)        Record against top two teams

c)         Record against top four teams

d)        Play a 3 game series. A flip of a coin will determine home team

 

If one or two of the tied teams are either the top two or four teams replace that team with the team with the next best record.

 

5.         The first 4 picks in the draft will be decided by lottery.  The team with the highest winning percentage of the 4 teams who missed the playoffs will have a 40% chance of getting the first pick in the draft.  Second highest 30%, third highest 20%, and the worst team 10%.  Note this only affects the first round of picks, and subsequent rounds will be in reverse order of winning percentage in the regular season.

       

B -- Protected Lists

 

All teams will submit a protected list consisting of players on the roster of the team at the time the list is required. This date will be agreed upon by the commisioners.  The lists will be submitted without definite prior knowledge of the protected lists of any other team.  The list will be submitted to the league secretary or his designate prior to the designated date.  

Each team must protect 15 players, barring league expansion. 

 

In the event that the protected list has not been received by the deadline, the manager will be fined a 12 pack of beer for every two days that the list is late (to be paid at the cottage). The final list will not be available to all teams and no trades may be made until the offending managers final protected list is received.

 

If Strat issues more than one card for a player, only the combined card can be used.

 

A manager may not offer another manager a player or draft pick to use another managers protected list to hide one of his players for him.

 

C- Divisional Structure, Schedule

 

1.   The SDSL consists of 2 divisions of 5 teams.  All teams are scheduled to play a total of 65 games.  2 game against division opponents and 1 game against the opposite division. Teams shall rotate between home and away each year for out of division play.

 

                                                                                                                                                          

Sets of 5 games are called “series”.

 

Teams will play 2 series, one home and one away, versus each team inside of their own division. 

Teams will play 1 series outside of their division

           

All games must be completed in a given 2 week period ending on the 2nd Sunday of that period for the first 5 series and then every 3 weeks therein.  All managers who do not complete their games in the given period will be subject to a penalty.

 

In the event of a dispute on where to play the games, the game shall be played at the home or designated place of the home team.

 

In addition, for each series, one league member will be required to “host” a get together for the rest of the league.  This means, they will set a date, and send out an email stating when they are playing their series and invited other managers to play at that time as well.  That is all!  Refer to the schedule to see when your week is to host.

 

 

D -- Trades

 

One rule prefaces all trades.  A trade must be made in good faith.  This means that all managers, when making a trade, are doing so for what they believe to be the best interests of their club, be it for long term value, short term value, or both.

 

A player cannot be loaned.  Loaning is defined as trading a player with a pre-conceived understanding that the player will be traded back after a particular period of time.

 

In-season trading: Teams may trade any of their players and any of their following years draft picks.  The SDSL trading deadline will occur prior to that team playing its 10^th series.  Once a team has played their 10^th series they are prohibited from trading players for that season.

 

Teams may still trade players after the trade deadline; however, those trades are not in effect until after the championship series has been played

 

Draft picks may not be traded beyond the draft year following the next draft.

 

A trade must be reported to the secretary by all teams involved.  A trade becomes official upon the secretary receiving the same information from all parties, preferably via e-mail. No further changes are then permitted.

 

A player traded may only play any once during any week. I.e. the Avolanche, already having played their 4^th series trade D. Jeter to the Big Macs who haven’t played their 4^th series.  D. Jeter is not available to play for the Big Macs until the BigMacs 5^th series.

 

All trades including draft picks will automatically have equal draft picks traded unless specifically stated by both managers.

 

 A team roster must have a minimum of 25 qualified players at all times.

 

E -- At-bats and innings eligibility

 

Position players must have a minimum of 250 at bats plus walks to qualify.

 

Starting pitchers must have pitched at least 125 innings and be rated primarily as a starter to start 

 

Relief pitchers must have pitched at least 40 innings to qualify.

 

A starter that has pitched at least 40 innings is able to pitch one inning of relief.

 

F -- Roster regulations and Injuries

 

A team must dress no more than 25 players for each series.

 

A team roster must have a minimum of 25 qualified players at all times.

 

Each manager shall maintain at least 6 pitchers that can start at all times on their roster (5 pitchers if at least 4 are * starters). This is to ensure there is an available starter to pitch in the event of an injury.

 

In the event of a trade that results in one manager going below his 6 starter minimum requirement (5 pitchers if at least 4 are * starters)., that trade shall be null and void.

 

The series roster shall include a minimum of 5 starting pitchers(4 starters if they are all * starters), 4 relievers and 13 position players to replace any injuries that may take place, i.e. you can dress 5 SP, 4RP and 16 hitters (total 25) or you can dress 5 SP, 7 RP and 13 hitters (total 25), or any combination adhering to the minimum requirements.

 

The roster is than frozen for the 5 game series and the only changes that can be made are replacing an injured player at the end of the game in which the injury occurred.

 

A manager must replace an injured player returning to the game with a player who is still eligible to play in that series. I.e. you cannot bring back an injured player and take out a reliever that is no longer available.

 

A manager can change the 25-man roster at the beginning of each new series.

 

Injuries do not carry over into the playoffs.

 

Injuries do carry over from playoff series to playoff series.

 

For the hitter injury chart see Appendix ‘A’ and Appendix ‘B’

 

The SDSL uses the DH rule.

 

An injury occurs to the pitcher in the field when a white 6 and colored dice total of 12 (6-12) is rolled.

First, complete the play, then roll the 20-sided die and consult appendix A or B to determine the duration of the injury.

 

In the event where one playoff series goes longer than the other; ex. Manager A series goes 5 games and Manager B series goes 7 games, the manager of team A that won the playoff series in 5 games has two games in which to rest his pitchers and rehab from injuries. I.e. Griffey is injured   in game 5 of manager A’s series for balance plus 3 games, he gets 2 games to rehab while manager B plays and is only injured for the first game of the next playoff series.

 

Playoff rosters must be determined prior to each playoff, with the visiting manager announcing who his first two starting pitchers will be.

 

Any pitcher that pitches 200 innings or more can only be injured for the balance of a game.

 

For the 2009 season this now reads as ‘Any pitcher that is an * starter can only be injured for the balance of a game.

 

 Any hitter that has 600 or more plate appearances can only be injured for a maximum of one game.

 

Any hitter that has no injury on his card cannot be injured. In the event of a roll back injury to a player with no injury on his card, you will re-roll to have another injured player.

G -- Pitching

 

The visiting team must announce its starting pitcher first.

 

A pitcher can become tired when any of the following events occur he gives up more than 5 runs in any one inning, OR he pitches more than his rated innings, OR the run differential at the end of an inning is 5 or greater.  If this occurs during the home teams at bat, then the pitchers dots count immediately.

 

When a pitcher becomes tired consider a dot · -to be a single**

 

A starter may be removed from the game prior to being tired if the runs and runners on base are 6 or greater for 1 inning.

 

A starting pitcher can pitch no more than 10 innings at which time he must be replaced.

 

A starting pitcher must have a minimum of 4 games rest between starts.

 

An * starting pitcher must have a minimum of 3 games rest between starts.

 

A starter/reliever that has pitched in relief must rest a minimum of 4 games before he can then start, and if he starts must rest a minimum of 4 games before he can relieve. I.e. A reliever pitches in Game 3 of Series one cannot start until Game 3 of Series two. If a reliever starts Game 3 of Series two, he cannot relieve until Game 3 of series four.

 

For 2009, A starter/reliever must maintain their pitching status per series. I.e. If a starter/reliever starts in Series one, he may not relieve. If he relieves in Series One he may not start. Rest does not carry over to the following series.

 

Starting pitchers must pitch a minimum of 5 innings unless they become fatigued.

 

A reliever may only pitch to a maximum of twice his rated innings.

 

1-inning relievers can pitch in 3 of the 5 game series but no more than 2 consecutively.

 

2, 3&4 inning relievers can pitch in 2 of the 5 game series.

 

In a 7 game playoff series, 1-inning relievers can pitch in 4 of the 7 games, no more than 2 consecutively, 2, 3&4 inning relievers can pitch in 3 of the 7 games but no more than 2 consecutively

 

Reliever warm-up rule. 

 

1-inning relievers must warm up for at least one plate appearance before they can enter the game as a pitcher. 2, 3&4 inning relievers must warm up for 2 plate appearances before they can enter the game. No more than two relievers can be warming up at any one time.

 

A physical bullpen is required, where the cards for the warming relievers are present on the gaming table such that both managers are aware of their presence.

 

A manager’s failure to comply with these either or both of these rules means that the next pitcher to appear for his team will be considered tired.

 

 If a reliever is the only pitcher available to start a game, he may do so, but he and every subsequent pitcher to enter the game shall be considered tired for the duration of the game.  The reliever who starts the game will have to rest as though he were a starter.

 

If, in the event that a manager no longer has any available pitchers left to pitch, the last pitcher may remain in the game until conclusion. That pitchers dots · now become a double***  

 

 

H -- Bunting, hit-and run and Infield In

 

Players may not bunt in an attempt to reach base when there are no existing base runners, or when there are two outs.

 

With runners at first and third bases, a bunt may be attempted in order to advance the runner from first base to second base.  The runner on third base will remain there regardless of the result of the bunt.  The bunt chart, not the squeeze chart will be used.

 

The hit and run play may not be utilized if the bases are empty or if there is a runner on third base.

 

If the event of a hit and run resulting in batter misses pitch, pick card for steal results, if the offensive manager already tried for and missed his chance at a good lead prior to attempting the hit and run, he must then use the runners second number in the brackets for his stealing result, or the offensive manager must roll the dice to establish a good lead for the lead runner.  Depending on the outcome of establishing a lead the offensive manager will then use that stealing number for his steal result. In all cases the total hold will apply to get the final stealing result

 

INFIELD BACK, INFIELD IN, CORNERS IN

 

        The normal infield position is Infield Back. But there are times when it is important to reduce the batter’s bunting ability and to cut down the chance of a runner scoring from third on a ground ball. Then, the team in the field will want to bring the Infield In or bring in the corner infielders (the third baseman and the firstbaseman) while leaving the middle infielders (the second baseman and the shortstop) back.  The Groundball Result Chart replaces the Basic Strategy Chart for any gb()A, gb()B and gb(c) readings from the batter or pitcher cards with the Infield Back or the Infield In. It does not apply to gb()X chances. With a runner on third base, always consider the pitcher to be playing in on a gb(p)A, gb(p)B or gb(p)C from the batter's or pitcher's card. On a gb(p)X or CATCH-X, the pitcher and catcher are considered to be playing normal (back) when rest of the infield is playing normal and they are considered to be playing in when the entire infield is in. When the defensive manager is playing Corners In, the pitcher and catcher are considered to be playing in when there is a runner on third base only, or when there are runners on second and third base only. Otherwise, the pitcher and catcher are considered to be playing back.

With Infield In, convert any batter's card groundball followed by a "+" to read "SINGLE**" (all other runners advance two bases).

With Infield In, convert any Super Advanced X-Chart result followed by "#" to read "SI2" (single, with all other runners advancing two bases).

With Corners In, Do not award a SINGLE** for a batter's card groundball followed by a "+". Treat the play as if the "+" did not appear. On a groundball hit to the first baseman or third baseman, follow the rules for Infield In (including changing X-Chart results followed by a "#" to read "SI2").

On a groundball to the second baseman or shortstop, follow the rules for Infield Back

 

If a manager elects to play the infield/corners in or hold a runner on base, consider the batters bunting ability to go down and his hit and run ability to go up.

 

I -Parks

 

.

 Managers must keep their park for a minimum of 2 years.  Parks must be chosen prior to the draft.  The only caveats to making a park is there must be at least one chance for a hit and one chance for an out.

 

The one Durham manager whose turn it is to play in the Toronto division has the option of changing their park even if they have not kept it for two years

 

J -- Defense

 

If a manager chooses to use a player at a position that they are not rated for, consider that player to be the worst defense possible.

 

For 2009, each team must start a player rated at each position. This player must remain in the game for a minimum of 5 innings before being replaced. There is not restriction on the replacement player.

 

If a manager uses a non-catcher at the catching position, the pitcher/catcher hold will automatically be +5 regardless of the pitchers arm. The t rating will be 20, and the passed ball rating will be 20.  Non-rated outfielders playing in the outfield are considered to have +5 throwing arms.

 

The only exception to rule J-2 is if a manager had dressed two (2) catchers and both catchers become injured throughout the course of a series.  In this instance, the manager may now use any other position player in the catchers’ position.

The defense shall be c-5(+5),e16,T1-20,pb20. I.e. a pitcher has a hold of –6, the catcher is +5 the new hold is –1, not +5 as in rule J-2.

 

Where a hit occurs on splits such as “DO 1-8, fly(rf) 9-20”, the ball is fielded by the outfielder who would have caught it had the split roll been missed.  In this case, the right fielder, not the centre fielder, would field the ball.

 

If a manager elects to use his DH in a fielding position, his pitcher now assumes the replaced players spot for batting. In this instance, if the manager does not elect to pinch hit for the pitcher, consider the pitcher to bat the way he throws and to be weak -w-. For any result landing on the hitters card, consider the reading to be lineout(2b). For any result landing on the pitcher card, follow the result as if a normal batter was hitting.

 

In the event the offensive manager elects to let his pitcher hit, he has the option, pursuant to rule H1 and H3, to allow his pitcher to bunt. A pitcher may only bunt if the DH has assumed a defensive position. That pitcher then must pitch to at least one batter in the next inning.  Pitchers are only allowed to bunt in the above situation.

 

K-Baserunning and Stealing

 

If the offensive manager rolls for and attains a good lead from any base, he must then attempt the steal.

 

If the defensive manager is holding a runner on base, you automatically subtract 2 if the runner is on first, subtract 4 if the runner is on second and subtract 9 if the runner is on third. This is done after the pitcher/catcher hold is applied.

 

If a manager elects not to hold the runner on first, any * stealer may attempt to steal by rolling the 20 sided die. Any non * stealer must still attempt to get the lead.

 

If the defensive manager elects not to hold the runner on base and an * stealer has a number after the slash (a pick off number) the offensive manager must roll the 2 dice to see if a pick off attempt is made.

 

If the defensive manager elects not to hold the runner on second or third, the offensive manager must still roll to get the lead to attempt a steal.

 

In instance 3 and 4 the hold rating is not deducted from the stealing rating.

 

If a runner is trying to steal second, the manager must first attempt to roll for a good lead. If he gets the good lead, the first number in the brackets will be used and then add or subtract the total hold. If the manager does not get the good lead, then the second number can be used and then add or subtract the total hold. The manager can elect not to steal in this instance.

 

If a manager elects to steal third or home, the second number in brackets will be used. The manager must roll for the lead. If the lead is achieved you then add or subtract the total hold. If the lead is not achieved the manager is not able to steal a base.

 

In any double steal attempt, the offensive manager must roll to get the lead established at both bases. If the lead cannot be established at either second or third, a double steal is not an option. If the lead is established a double steal may take place and the defensive manger then has the option to throw either runner out.

 

In all cases, there must always be at least one chance for a steal and one chance for an out.

 

If the offensive manager rolls a 1,2 or 3 on the 20-sided die, the defensive manager must then look at his catcher’s ‘T’ rating. The defensive manager then must roll the 20-sided die. If the result falls within the ‘T’ rating, consider the ball to be overthrown and  all runners advance one base

 

With runners on base and two outs, consider all running ratings to go up by 2

 

On a throw from right field to third base add 2 to the runners rating.  On a throw from leftfield to third base subtract 2 to the runners rating

 

 

 

HOLDING RUNNERS ON BASE.

 

Depending on the runner's base, he is held on by different fielders. When holding a runner on first with a LH batter up, the first baseman and shortstop are responsible. When holding a runner on first with a RH batter up, the first baseman and second baseman are responsible. When holding a runner on second with a LH batter up, the shortstop is responsible.

When holding a runner on second with a RH batter up, the second baseman is responsible and when holding the runner on third, the third baseman is responsible.  When an infielder is responsible for holding a runner and a gb()X is hit to him, add 1 to that fielder's range rating. Example: With a runner held at first and a left-handed hitter at the plate, a shortstop rated 2e20 becomes 3e20. The maximum range rating is 5.  Do not award a SINGLE** on a "gb()+" while runners are being held on base. Instead, when a gb()X to an infielder responsible for holding the runner results in a symbol followed by a "#", change that result to "SI2" (single, with all runners advancing two bases).

 

If a manager wants to steal a base, the manager must ask the opposing manager if he is holding the base runner. A manager cannot steal a base unless he asks the opposing manager if he is holding.  If a manager wants to bunt or hit and run, the manager must ask the opposing manager if he wants to do anything with his infield. A manager cannot bunt or hit and run unless he asks the opposing manager if he wants to do anything with his infield.

 

L-The Playoffs

 

All pitchers are considered fresh at the beginning of the playoffs. All injuries are healed at the beginning of the playoffs

 

Each manager may at his discretion go to a 4 man-pitching roster with no fatigue penalty.

 

The top 3 teams in each division shall make the playoffs with the first place team in each division receiving a bye. The second place team in the Durham division will play the third place team in the Toronto division and the second place team in the Toronto division will play the third place team in the Durham division.

 

For the semi-finals the team with the best record will play the team with the worst record regardless of divisions.

 

All playoff games shall be a best of 7 series with the team with the best record having home field advantage.

 

In the event where one playoff series goes longer than the other; ex. Manager A series goes 5 games and Manager B series goes 7 games, the manager of team A that won the playoff series in 5 games has two games in which to rest his pitchers and rehab from injuries. I.e. Griffey is injured in game 5 of manager A’s series for balance plus 3 games, he gets 2 games to rehab while manager B plays and is only injured for the first game of the next playoff series.

 

All monies shall be divided among the two finalists with the World Champion receiving 67% of the money and the finalist loser receiving 33% of the money, with the two semi-finalist losers not having to pay their $25 fee.

 

 

M-Games Played Deadlines and Penalties

All games must be completed in a given 2-week period ending on the 2nd Sunday of that period for the first 5 series, then every 3 weeks thereafter. All managers who do not complete their games in the given period will be subject to a penalty.

The period shall begin on the first Monday following the day of the last series played and end on the 2^nd or 3^rd Sunday of that period as required.

Penalties shall be assessed to all managers who do not complete their games within the period. For every offence each manager shall be penalized by losing their last draft pick.

The home team manager must report his series, including starting pitching rotation and injuries of both teams on the SDSL Forum within 24 hours of the Series deadline.

Home team managers’ failure to report the series will result in a fine of a 6 pack (to be paid at the cottage)

It is the hope of this league that we will not get into a penalty situation and all games will be played on time.

A penalty may be removed at the discretion of the commissioner and league secretary for unforeseeable circumstances      

 

 

N-Miscellaneous Rules

 

The SDSL uses the super-advanced strategy chart, super-advanced fielding chart and the ground ball result chart (super-advanced).

 

The SDSL uses the DH rule.

 

All managers must write in the position of each defensive player. In the event that the defensive manager does not do this and a ball is hit to a player, consider that player to be the worst defensive rating possible. After the play the manager can then write in the positions

 

If a manager is holding a runner on, decrease the runners running rating by 2.

 

In the event of a flyB(rf), with a runner on second, the offensive manager has the option of trying to advance to third. In this case take the runners running rating and add or subtract the outfielders arm. In the 20-sided die result falls in this area the runner advances to third. If it falls outside the area and is not a 20 the runner holds at 2^nd. If the result is a 20 the runner is out.

 

In a flyB? result the runner on third has the option of running home. In this instance, add 2 to the runners rating and add or subtract the outfielders arm. The defensive manager automatically throws home with other runners holding at their base.

 

In the event of a catchers ‘x’ rating coming up and the 20 sided die roll results in a passed ball and foulout/popout, refer to the passed ball rating on the catchers card to see if a passed ball occurs when there is a runner on base.

 

In the event of a catchers ‘x’ rating coming up and the 20 sided die roll results in a wild pitch and foulout/popout, refer to the wild pitch rating on the pitchers card to see if a wild pitch occurs when there is a runner on base.

 

All batters that are ‘W’ rated cannot hit ballpark homeruns or N-rated homeruns on the pitchers card. Consider the result to be a single** instead of a homerun.

 

In the event of a batter missing a ballpark homerun consider the result to be a flyB.

 

In the event of a batter missing a ballpark single consider the result to be a lineout.

 

If there is two out and men in scoring position (second or third or second and third) and a W sign is rolled consider the result reversed. Consider a hit to be a lineout and consider an out to be a single**

 

You must keep your score sheets from your previous series.  This is to ensure rotations don’t get mixed up. The opposition may view your list at any time. If a manager does not have his last series rotation available to be reviewed the opposing manager may now pick which of the 5 starters will be used in the series and in what order they will be used. This new rotation will then have to be followed.

 

 

O- Miscellaneous

 

 

All games are considered final when the last out is recorded.  In the event of an illegal play that is found by either manager, the game can only be replayed if both managers agree to it.

 

All 1-20 splits must be determined by the toss of a 20-sided die. Three dice must be thrown for each roll. One die must be of one colour, and the other two dice must be of the same colour, a colour discernibly different from the colour of the first die.

 

All SDSL rules can be changed with a vote of 50%+1, with all managers having a vote.

 

Jerome Christon is the league Commissioner for 2008.

Jamie McCrory and Ricky Falle are the vice-commissioners for 2008.

George Avola is the league secretary.

 

The secretary is responsible for collecting fines, upkeep of the draft list and website and making the yearly schedule.

 

The commissioner is responsible for heading all meetings, enforcing rules and fines and advising all parties of the commissioners’ decision with respect to any disputes. The commissioner and the vice-commissioners must act together in mediating any disputes. At least two of the three commissioners must agree before deciding any dispute.  Any and all changes to rules or structure of the league will be decided by a league vote.  The secretary may act as a vice-commissioner if voted in.

 

There will be a vote each year at the beginning of each draft for league commissioner and vice-commissioners.

 

The fee for the league is $25. This money is to be split among the playoff winners as proportioned in rule L-8.

 

The league secretary is responsible for ordering the cards and ratings disk.  He will collect the monies from all managers and announce the fee.  (Total price divided by 10)

 

 

Appendix ‘A’

INJURY CHART

Players and Relievers

 

 

NUMBER OF GAMES INJURED

 

FOR PLAYOFFS

 
Appendix ‘B’

INJURY CHART

PITCHERS

 

***The pitcher that is injured can not play in the following series or the remainder of the playoff.

I.E. In the regular season if a pitcher is injured for one start in series one, they cannot pitch again until series 3.

If a pitcher is injured in game one of a playoff series they cannot pitch again until game 1 of the next series. 

Note that on a pitcher injury, the play must be completed, before the injury to the pitcher is rolled.