I'm going to cut back on the number of theme leagues I commish and play in so I can concentrate more on progressives. I want to start a new progressive, and I'd like to hear what interests owners, as well as what they don't like in progressive leagues.
In my King's Royal progressive we started by each owner submitting a list of players consisting of 2 catchers, 2 1B, 2 2B, 2 3B, 2 SS, 4 OF and 10 pitchers. They offered players to the mix that could be at the beginning, in their prime or at the end of their careers. I added in a handful of players at each position to complete the player pool. From the list I randomly assigned owners with a roster of players to start with(No draft that first year. It was quick, and off you go...). They were allowed to twist a few that first season. In subsequent seasons players age each season, and we have a committee of 5 owners that provide us a list of players that make up our free agent pool. Owners are required to trim rosters prior to the draft. You are allowed to protect up to 20 players max, players on IR not counting against that number. We hold a one round Rule V draft, you can pick any unprotected from the list. We have a reclaiming afterwards, then move onto the free agent draft.
I'm not a big fan of anti-tanking rules, but we do use a wins floor minimum. We require a minimum # of wins by game #120, otherwise you're penalized in the upcoming draft by getting docked so many spots in the draft order. I don't feel there should be an IP minimum. If guys are sincere about being competitive, they'll draft enough innings.
Trading should definitely be allowed and encouraged. For me a big part of a progressive league is being an active owner, always trying to improve my team. In my own league, I have to set an example, so I am very much active and encourage others to get out there and trade...
I like the random start to a league, and I'm not a big fan of single season progressives. Using all seasons randomly keeps it fresh, as well as challenging...
Trading draft picks - we do, but limit it to where you can't trade picks more than 2 years into the future..
We enforce a trade veto, we veto a trade if 8 or more owners oppose the trade.
Owners that run 2 teams in a league is something I try to avoid. The trade rules between those teams must be legitimate, and not lopsided...
DH - This is a good debate. I'm not a DH fan, but I like it in progressives. It gives you a chance to use your bench, there's usually enough talent to go around, so why not use them?
AAA- use them, or not?
Divisional alignment - I like rivalries, so once you're in a division, you stay there...Random the first season, then keep 'em the same..
Thoughts?