LEGENDS LEAGUE BASEBALL (2011)
OFFICIAL CONSTITUTION
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The rules contained within this Constitution have been adopted from the Rotisserie League Baseball Official Rule Book (2003 edition). Legends League members have added, subtracted and/or altered as the league members or the commissioner chooses by voting or by decree on specific issues.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. - INTRODUCTION
II. - OVERVIEW
III. – TEAMS AND OWNERS
IV. – SEASON
V. – SALARIES AND BUDGETS
VI. – CONTRACTS
VII. – CONTRACTS WITH OPTIONS
VIII. - CONTRACTS AND WAIVERS
IX. - CONTRACTS AND TRADES
X. - TRANSACTIONS
XI. - AUCTION
XII. - FARM SYSTEM
XIII. - ARBITRATION
XIV. - EXPANSION
XV. – LEAGUE PLAY AND CHAMPIONSHIP
XVI. – COMMISSIONER’S CUP
XVII. – FEES AND PRIZES
XVIII. – LEGAL AND GOVERNANCE
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I. – INTRODUCTION
The Legends League is a Rotisserie-style fantasy baseball league which features head-to-head play with nine batting and pitching categories. The 14-member league formed in 2010 and currently competes on ESPN. The theme of the league is based on baseball history and tradition and features teams with names like Ripken’s Iron Men, Say Hey Kids, Shoeless Joe Jackson, and Pride of the Yankees. The league uses a contract system for keepers allowing owners to keep as many players as they can afford. With a farm system also in use, the league is very much a dynasty league.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
II. - OVERVIEW
14-Member League
Rotisserie Head-to-Head Each Category
9X9 (AVG, HR, R, RBI, SB, CS, KO, W, OPS) x (ERA, WHIP, W, L, SV, BS, BBI, K, HD)
Position Eligibility: ESPN Rules
League Type: Mixed
Divisions: 2
Post Season: Playoffs and Championship
Limits: Pitching 9 Starts per week
Daily Lineups
26 Players on roster
7 Minor Leaguers on farm team
STARTERS:
- 1 Catcher
- 1 First Baseman
- 1 Second Baseman
- 1 Third Baseman
- 1 Short Stop
- 3 Outfielders
- 1 Utility
- 5 Starting Pitcher
- 1 Pitcher
- 1 Relief Pitcher
BENCH:
- 10 players
- 2 Disabled List (DL)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
III. – TEAMS AND OWNERS
There are currently 14 teams in Legends League Baseball (LLB). Here is a list of the teams and their owners:
1. Shoeless Joe Jackson – William Fields (Co-Commissioner)
2. Pride of the Yankees – Carlton Lane
3. Ripken’s Iron Men – Eli Gulsby
4. Boston Red Caps – Mike Howell (Commissioner)
5. Grand Theft Votto – Eric Koeck
6. Men’s Men – Jonathan Ferris
7. One Man Wolfpack – Ryan Dempsey
8. Say Hey Kids – Jim Armentrout
9. Machine Gun Kindle – Jim Kindle
10. New York Rebels – Sal Farruggia
11. Harley Hitman – Dave Swanegan
12. New York Highlanders - Stephen Howell
13. Starch Green Lights – Paul Farrell
14. R Kelly Golden Shower VIP – Zack Albatt
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IV. - SEASON
The Legends League season never officially ends, but it does have three phases: “Hot Stove” season, regular season, and post-season break.
“Hot Stove” season: Hot Stove season runs from January through the end of Spring training. It is the player negotiation period and includes arbitration, contract signings, and a free agent auction. By March, each team must be equal to or under the $260 salary cap.
Regular Season: Regular season commences with the first game of the season and ends in the Legend League Championship game. The season is hosted by ESPN provided there are no changes to the company’s usage policy.
Post-Season Break: After the Legends League championship in October, the league breaks for the holidays. Free agents may still be acquired until midnight ET December 31st. Trades may still be conducted, but must be routed through the commissioner.
2011 Legends League Important Dates
December 31, 2010 midnight ET: Free Agent Signing Deadline
January 1-5: Commissioner’s Challenge (MLB Hall of Fame)
January 5-15: Arbitration Filings by MLB players
January 16-31: Arbitration Negotiations
February 1-15: Arbitration Hearings
February 1-5: Commissioner’s Challenge (Super Bowl XLV)
February 16 – March 5 midnight ET: Final Roster Adjustments
March 4 midnight ET: Salary Cap Deadline
March 7-27: Legends League Free Agent Auction
March 9-14: Commissioner’s Challenge (NCAA March Madness)
March 28 10am ET: Free Agent Signings Resume
March 31: Legends League Season Begins
April 10-15: Commissioner’s Challenge (Strikeout Derby – 1st Half)
May 5-10: Commissioner’s Challenge (TBA)
June 5-10: Commissioner’s Challenge (TBA)
June 11 midnight ET: Farm System Salary Cap Deadline
June 13-27: Minor League Auction (Round 1)
July 12: Legends League All-Star Game
July 15-20: Commissioner’s Challenge (Strikeout Derby – 2nd Half)
July 31: Legends League Trade Deadline
August 10-15: Commissioner’s Challenge (TBA)
August 22 – September 5: Minor League Auction (Round 2)
September 28 – Legends League Championship
September 29-30: Commissioner’s Challenge (Final Jeopardy)
December 31 midnight ET: Free Agent Signing Deadline
(Note: Games of the Week and Interleague Challenges not shown. All dates are subject to change)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
V. - SALARIES AND BUDGETS
Legends League owners have a $260 budget to spend on 26 Major League players. During the course of the season, transactions may occur that take an owner over the salary cap. This is acceptable; however owners must be equal to or lower than the cap by an announced deadline in March when the free agent auction occurs.
The salary cap deadline for 2011 is Saturday, March 4 midnight ET
If an owner exceeds the salary cap past the deadline, the commissioner will remove the lowest priced player(s) at his discretion to get the owner under the cap. The player(s) removed will be placed in the in the annual free agent auction.
A player who is signed in the annual free agent auction receives a salary equal to the amount paid for him during the auction. His salary may increase through arbitration and by signing a long-term contract. Players not signed in the auction are considered free agents and paid a salary of $1. Players claimed off waivers retain the same salary they were paid by the club that released them (see “Contracts and Waivers”).
Minor League players who are called up receive a starting salary of $1 and placed under a standard, two-year S2 contract. Each owner has a farm team budget of $110 to sign up to seven Minor League prospects. The Minor League budget is not connected to the big league budget in any way. Transactions may occur that take the owner over the $110 cap, however owners must be equal or under budget at the Minor League auction in June. The two auctions are held in conjunction with the MLB First Year Player Draft in June and in August to coincide with the signing deadline and September call ups.
The Minor League salary cap deadline for 2011 is Saturday, June 11 midnight ET
If an owner exceeds the farm system salary cap past the deadline, the commissioner will remove the lowest priced player(s) at his discretion to get the owner under the cap. The player(s) removed will be placed in the in the Minor League auction.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VI. - CONTRACTS
Contracts are the building blocks of Legends League Baseball. When a player joins a team, he is signed to a contract. From season to season, an owner may keep as many players as he can afford to keep under contract. There are two types of contracts:
-Standard, two-year contract (S-type)
-Guaranteed, long-term contract (L-type)
All players acquired in the annual free agent auction, all free agents, and activated minor league players are signed to Standard, two-year (S2) contracts which also come with a third-year option. The annual salary for free agents and players activated from the farm system is $1. Players selected in the auction are paid salaries equal to their auction price.
When a player reaches the end of a standard, two-year (S2) contract, his owner must exercise one of three choices:
-Choice 1: release the player outright
-Choice 2: exercise the option year of the contract
-Choice 3: sign the player to a Guaranteed, long-term contract of two or more years
--If released, the player returns to the free agent pool and becomes available for the free agent auction.
--If kept for an option year, the player must be released at the end of that season.
--If signed to a guaranteed, long-term contract, the player's salary depends on the length of the contract. The player receives $5 for each year of his guaranteed contract.
Example: Alex Rodriguez reaches the end of his standard contract with a salary of $1. His club signs him to a long-term, 4-year contract (L4). The contract will cost $20 ($5 x 4yrs=20) over the player’s current salary. A Rod’s new salary for the upcoming season and the next three years will be $21.
Long-term contract players MAY NOT be dropped without consequences. These contracts are “guaranteed!” The only exceptions are if a player files for arbitration, retires, OR he is in the final year of his long-term contract without an option.
If a long-term contract player is traded or dropped to waivers and then claimed off waivers by another owner, the player’s salary and contract become the responsibility of the new owner. However, if the player clears waivers and goes to free agency and is not in the final year of his contract or option, the move is considered a “buyout.” The owner is charged $1 for each year remaining in the contract plus any option. The buyout will be assessed against the owner’s budget for the following season.
Contract Types – Contracts will be identified as S1, S2, S0, or L1, L2, etc, plus L0 if an option is added.
S2 - All free agents, players acquired in the auction, and players activated from the farm system are signed to S2 contracts, good for two years with a third year option. This player can be cut at any time.
S1 - A player with this contract is in the second year of his standard, two-year contract. An owner can cut this player at any time.
S0 - The option year. When a player reaches the end of his S1 contract, he can be retained for an option year without a salary increase. If an owner chooses this option, the player must be released at the end of the season. An owner can cut an option player during the year. If an option player is cut during the season and the same owner reacquires him from free agency, the player is placed back on the option and must be released at the end of the season.
L2-L? - When a player reaches the end of an S1 contract, he can be signed to a long-term contract at a cost of $5 per year. Guaranteed, long-term contracts may be two or more years. Long-term contracts cannot be broken without buying out the contract at a cost of $1 per year plus option if applicable. If an owner releases the player in the final year of a long-term contract and reacquires him in the same season, the player is placed back on the contract and must be released at the end of the season. If a buyout was charged, the buyout is not refunded.
Examples of Long-Term Contracts
L6 - the player guaranteed for this year and the next five (Buyout $5)
L5 - the player guaranteed for this year and the next four (Buyout $5)
L4 - the player guaranteed for this year and the next three (Buyout $4)
L3 - the player guaranteed for this year and the next two (Buyout $3)
L2 - the player guaranteed for this year and the next season (Buyout $2)
L1 – the player is in the final year of his long-term contract after which he will be a free agent unless an option was signed (Buyout $1)
L0 – The option year following a long-term contract. If an owner releases the player during the option year of his contract and reacquires him, the player is placed back on the option and must be released at the end of the season. The buyout is not refunded
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VII. – CONTRACTS WITH OPTIONS
When a guaranteed, long-term contract is written, an owner may configure the contract in one of three ways: without an option, with a player option, or with a signing bonus and club option.
No Option: Without an option, a player’s contract ends after the L1 season.
Player Option: An owner may add a player option to the end of a long-term contract for no charge. This option gives a player the choice to return for the option year. If the player chooses to return, he will do so without a salary increase. A player’s decision is based on how well he performed in his L1 season. If he finished the season without ranking in the top 20 in any of the major hitting or pitching categories, he WILL return for the option. If the player did finish among the top 20 stat leaders, he WILL NOT return for an option year, choosing instead to take his talents to the free agent market. The statistical categories are: AVG, HR, R, RBI, SB, OPS x ERA, WHIP, W, SV, K, HD.
Signing Bonus with Club Option: If an owner believes he may have a stud who will finish among the top stat leaders, the owner may choose to pay a player a $3 signing bonus. In return, the owner has rights to bring the player back for an option year with no increase in salary. The owner then has rights to bring the player back for an option year regardless of how well the player performed in his L1 season. Signing bonuses are deducted from the owner’s budget the year the contract is signed.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VIII. - CONTRACTS AND WAIVERS
The contract of a player claimed off waivers must be honored by his new owner. The owner also assumes responsibility of the player's salary. Any player who clears waivers and reaches the free agent market is no longer under contract. If reacquired, he is signed to an S2 contract. If the player is in the final year of his contract or option and is reacquired by the club that dropped him, the player is placed back on his contract.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IX. - CONTRACTS AND TRADES
If players are traded, the contracts of those players become the responsibility of their new owners. If a traded player is under a long-term contract, the new owner cannot drop the player without buying out the player’s contract. The owner is charged $1 for each year remaining in the long-term contract plus any options. The buyout will be assessed against the owner’s salary cap for the following season.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
X. - TRANSACTIONS
Free Agent Pickups: Clubs may acquire free agents via the ESPN free agency list throughout the season and during part of the offseason. Free agents may not be acquired during the “Hot Stove” portion of the season which runs from December 31 through the end of the free agent auction in March. Any players dropped to free agency in the offseason with salaries greater than $1, cannot be claimed by any team. Those players will go into the free agent auction in March.
Season Trades: In-season trades must result in balanced rosters for all participating teams. Trades will be subject to review by all league members. the trade.
The Legends League trade deadline is July 31, 2011
Off-season Trades: Trades are allowed during the offseason following the conclusion of the Legends League Championship. Trades must be presented to the commissioner. If acceptable, the trade will be presented to all league members via an email or league message board poll.
Auction Trades: Trades may be conducted during the auction but cannot result in either owner exceeding the salary cap. The proposal must be presented to the commissioner who will make the determination if the trade is acceptable. Auction dollars cannot be traded.
Trade Veto: Typically, trades are presented to all league members for review and voting. Four negative votes will result in a veto of the trade. The commissioner also reserves the right to veto a trade.
Minor League Trades: Clubs may trade minors for majors or other minors, but the maximum roster size cannot be exceeded on either level. The trade proposal must be presented to the commissioner. If acceptable, the trade will be presented to all league members via an email or league message board poll.
Minor League Call Ups: A Club may activate a minor at any time. The only way to send the player back to the farm is if he is sent down by his Major League team or is placed on the disabled list (DL). He must also still be Minor League eligible. For more information regarding Minor League transactions and eligibility, see “Farm System.”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
XI. - AUCTION
Free Agent Auction: The 2011 Free Agent Auction will be conducted March 7-27. Each club is expected to be equal or under the salary cap of $260 at least 48 hours prior to the start of the auction. Owners may bid any available funds to complete their roster of 26 players. At least $1 must be spent on each of the 26 players. Each owner must conclude the auction with a full roster of 26 players without exceeding the salary cap. Bids must be in $1 amounts and may not be removed.
Free Agent Player Eligibility: Players may be purchased in the free agent auction using the ESPN free agency list. Minor Leaguers purchased during free agent auction will be treated as Major Leaguers, and must fill one of the club’s 26-man roster slots. Two separate Minor League auctions are held to fill each team’s farm slots.
Minor League Auctions: Two Minor League Auctions will be held during the 2011 season. The first will be conducted June 13-27 and the second occurs August 22 – September 5. Each club is expected to be at or under the salary cap of $110 at least 48 hours prior to the start of the June auction. Owners are not required to fill all roster slots. If two owners choose to bid the maximum of $110 each on one player, the owner whose team has the worst record at the start of the auction has rights to the minor.
Minor League Player Eligibility: Players eligible for the Minor League auctions are any players on active MLB rosters with less than 400 at-bats or 150 innings pitched, all MLB farm system players, high profile amateurs, or players taken in the MLB’s first-year player draft.
Trades During Auctions: Clubs may not trade auction dollars but may trade players already purchased. The trade must be approved by the commissioner, and dollar values of the players traded must be assumed by their new clubs. The trade also cannot result in either owner exceeding the salary cap.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
XII. - FARM SYSTEM
Contracts serve as building blocks for the Legends League, but it’s the league’s farm system that is its foundation.
The Farm: A club may hold up to seven players in its farm system. These players may be activated at any time. Once a player 400 at-bats or 150 innings pitched, he must be “called up” or dropped. If a player is below the 400ab/150ip limit but begins to produce in a positive way, the commissioner may require an owner to call up the player.
Minor League Auctions: Two Minor League Auctions will be held during the 2011 season. The first will be conducted June 13-27 and the second occurs August 22 – September 5. Owners are not required to fill all roster slots. Players eligible for the Minor League auctions are any players on active MLB rosters with less than 400 at-bats or 150 innings pitched, all MLB farm system players, high profile amateur players, or players taken in the MLB’s first-year player draft.
Minors Contracts and Salaries: The salaries of players in the farm system are in no way connected to the club’s regular roster. Players in the farm system have indefinite contracts at salaries equal to the amount paid for them at auction. When a Minor Leaguer is called up, he is placed under a standard, two-year (S2) contract at a salary of $1.
Farm System Call Ups and Reassignments: A minor can be brought up at any time, but the commissioner must receive written notice of the call up. Once promoted, the minor leaguer may only return to the farm system if he is still under the 400ab/150ip eligibility and meets the following two requirements:
1) His Major League Club sends him down to the Minors
2) He is placed on the disabled list (DL)
If the player is sent down for non-injury reasons, the owner may keep the player down even if the player’s big league club recalls him. If the player was sent down for DL rehab, the owner must recall the player when he rejoins his big league team.
Players sent down reassume their previous farm system salaries. A club may exceed the $110 salary cap when sending a player down provided it does not occur during the June minor league auction. A club may not send down a player if the roster limit of seven will be exceeded.
Farm System Additions: Generally, the only way for players to be added to a club’s farm system is through the minor league auctions. However, an owner may acquire a big league player who has less than 400ab/150ip. Any player with less than 450ab/150ip is considered Minor League eligible. If the player is sent back to the Minors by his Major League team or goes on the DL, the owner who has him may choose to send the player to the farm provided a roster spot is available. The player’s farm salary will be $1. If he was sent down because of DL reasons, he must be recalled after the DL rehab ends. If he was sent down for non-DL reasons, the owner may recall him at any time.
Farm System Removals: Owners may remove players from their farm system by notifying the commissioner in writing. Owners may not remove players during the auction. Salaries will be refunded back to the club’s budget and the player will be placed back in the auction pool provided he is still Minor League eligible. If a player exceeds his Minor League eligibility and has not been called up, the commissioner will give the owner the option to call the player up or remove him.
Minor League Trades: Clubs may trade minors for majors or other minors, but the maximum roster size cannot be exceeded on either level. The trade proposal must be presented to the commissioner. If acceptable, the trade will be presented to all league members via an email or league message board poll.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
XIII. - ARBITRATION
If a player is eligible for arbitration in Major League Baseball, the player is also eligible for arbitration in the Legends League. If the player files for arbitration and wins, his Legends League owner must agree to a $3 increase in salary or must drop the player. Owners have the right to drop a player at any time during the arbitration process.
Normally, about 6-7 players per season actually file for arbitration and go through the hearings process. Of those cases, the owners win about 50 percent of the time.
Most players who are eligible for arbitration reach agreements with their clubs and avoid the arbitration process completely. They typically settle on one-year contracts or negotiate extensions of multiple years. In the Legends League those players will attempt to reach similar deals.
Arbitration in the Legends League:
1) If a player and his real MLB team cannot reach an agreement, the player files for arbitration. If he wins, his Legends League owner must pay him a $3 salary increase or drop him. If the player loses, his owner pays nothing
2) If the player reaches an agreement and avoids arbitration, he typically signs a one-year contract or an extension of multiple years. In the Legends League, the player will attempt to reach the same deal. The player will propose one of the following two options based on what he arranged with his real MLB team:
One-Year Contract: If the player signed a “contract” (anything other than an extension) with his real MLB team, he is willing to sign a one-year deal for a $1 increase with his Legends League club. His Legends League contract will be re-written to an “S0” or “L0” contract. The player must be dropped at the end of the season.
Extension: If the player agreed to a multi-year extension with his real MLB team, he will be willing to sign a multi-year extension with his Legends League team for a salary increase of $3 per year for each year of his extension. {Example: The player signs a 2-year extension with his real MLB team, he will want a 2-year extension with his Legends League club for $6 above his current salary)
In either of the two cases above, the owner has the right to refuse the player’s offer. If the owner refuses the player’s offer, the case goes to arbitration hearings with the player requesting the standard, one-time $3 salary increase. Because the player did not file for arbitration against his real MLB team, the Commissioner will tie the case to another MLB player’s hearing at random.
The MLB arbitration process can be tracked at MLBTradeRumors.com. The commissioner will use the site’s “Arbitration Tracker” as reference for rendering decisions.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
XIV. - EXPANSION
Expansion is tentatively set to occur during Spring 2013 to coincide with players coming off their standard contracts. In addition, the 26-player roster will be cut to 25 players to match MLB rosters and to provide a slightly larger free agent pool. Two new teams will be added to the Legends League, bringing the league to 16 clubs.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
XV. - LEAGUE PLAY AND CHAMPIONSHIP
Competition in the Legends League is head to head with matchups typically lasting one week. Teams square off in nine batting and nine pitching statistical categories with each category counting as either a win or a loss. Categories won or lost are totaled throughout the season which spans more than 20 matchups. A successful team will finish the regular season with about 200 wins.
Teams are divided into two divisions, American and National. The top three teams from each division at season’s end advance to the playoffs. The pennant winners from each division then square off in the Legends League Championship game.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
XVI. – COMMISSIONER'S CUP
The Commissioner’s Cup is a side competition beginning with the MLB Hall of Fame announcement in January and ending with a “Final Jeopardy” challenge in October. About ten events are held throughout the course of the season including a strikeout or home run derby and an all-star game. The competition is conducted by the league commissioner and participation is voluntary. A cash prize, $10 budget cap increase, and trophy are awarded to the winner (see “Fees and Prizes”).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
XVII. - FEES AND PRIZES
Fees: There are no fees in The Legends League. However, owners are encouraged to enter $10 each into a prize pool to be awarded at the end of the season. Only owners who enter the prize pool will be eligible to win the cash prize. The owner, who finishes highest according to ESPN’s post-season rankings, wins the jackpot. To compete, the $10 entry fee must be received by the commissioner by April 15, 2010.
Prizes: The Legends League champion will be awarded a $50 cash prize and a trophy at the end of the season. A separate cash prize will be awarded to the top finisher of owners who enter $10 in a cash pool. The Commissioner’s Cup champion will receive a $50 cash prize, trophy, and $10 salary cap increase for one season.
Commissioner’s Cup: The Commissioner's Cup is a series of contests held throughout the season in which owners compete to win points. The owner who wins the most points is declared winner of the Commissioner’s Cup and wins a $50 cash prize plus a bonus $10 in salary cap the following season. The owner may choose to increase the salary cap limit in either the regular roster or farm system. The increase is good for one season. The commissioner is not eligible to compete in the Commissioner’s Challenge.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
XVIII. - LEGAL AND GOVERNANCE
Team Naming Policy: Owners are free to name their teams anything they'd like. Keep in mind that the theme of the league is focused on baseball history and tradition. But as an owner, you may name your team almost anything. Please refrain from using vulgar or tasteless names
Owner Resignation/Inactivity: Circumstances happen that may sometimes force an owner to become inactive or be absent. Owners must contact the commissioner if such circumstances occur. Should an owner become inactive for 30 days and the owner does not contact the commissioner, a new owner may take control of the team. The team's roster WILL NOT be benched to encourage prospective ownership. The commissioner will manage the team and all proposed trades to the team will be rejected until the new owner is named.
Rules Changes: The commissioner reserves the right to modify the constitution, but major changes will be fully discussed and presented to all league members. Each owner’s ideas or thoughts about league rules will be considered. The commissioner is always open to opinions on rule changes.
Behavior: All members are expected to act in a mature, responsible fashion. Always remember that children may be watching or reading. Please do not use “F-Bombs” or post nude pictures. The commissioner may remove a participant at any time if rules are violated.
Best Interest: Unforeseen events may occur during the course of the season that require the commissioner to make rulings. The commissioner will make decisions based on the “best interest” of the league and fairness for those involved. League members input will be considered, but the commissioner has final say.
Have fun: Enjoy the rivalry of your league members. Enjoy the challenge of managing a club. Above all, have fun!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
