In a couple days, the Illowa APBA League will convene for the biggest weekend of their year. During the process, we will play out the 2019 playoffs and World Series and follow it up with the 2020 IAL draft. With our teams intact, we will then proceed to start the season and each play 30 games of the 2020 IAL season.
I will be a little bit out of my wheelhouse this year. Normally when I arrive at the Draft weekend, I watch the postseason games and review the rookie cards. Maybe, I would talk a little trade with other managers.
No time for that this year!
I made the playoffs and will have to face 100-game winner, Marcus Bunch (above) in a five-game playoff while Don Smith and Rob Moore do the same.
Our league received this text this morning…
“So looking forward to this weekend. So much better than Christmas!“
This is another reason I’m excited. My buddy John Brandeberry is flying back from Montana for the league weekend. Don’t worry, Brando. I’ll be meeting you at the airport (hopefully, with a playoff win under my belt!).
I had to prepare a little for the playoffs. See the IAL has player usage restrictions for rookies for the postseason. Why? This prevents “monster” rookie cards from having an undue influence on the result.
This comes from the IAL Constitution…
Playoffs
For rookie non-pitchers that have an injury rating of “J-3” they can play a maximum of four games in the field. Rookie non-pitchers with an injury rating of “J-4” can play a maximum of two games in the field. Pinch hitting appearances are not limited.
Rookie pitchers that have an injury rating of “J-4” are limited to one start.
World Series
For “Rookies” with an injury rating of “J-3” they can play a maximum of six games the field. Rookies with an injury rating of “J-4” can play a maximum of three games in the field. Pinch hitting appearances are not limited.
Rookie pitchers with an injury rating of “J-4” are limited to one start.
I have two position players that are affected by this rule, Franmil Reyes (1-1-6, 44-7) who is a J-3 and Luke Voit (1-1-1-0-0, 55-7) who is a J-4. Voit, who was co-freshman of the team in 2019, will have to make his appearances count.
Trade talk has definitely been happening this offseason. As mentioned before, Stephen Strasburg’s time with the team is coming to an end. It’s okay because once the 2020 season starts, it’s Javy time for the Thunderchickens!
With Strasburg’s departure, I’ll need to focus on drafting (or trading for) pitching. My innings are woefully low. With four draft picks and currently only 1069 innings on my roster I’ll need to work on getting some arms.
The Illowa APBA League begins its 46th season this weekend in Downers Grove. Bring it on, IAL! The Thunderchickens are in it to win it!
