Monday night the team we played brought a Sub because they didnt have enough players for the game. I dont have a problem with that. I do have a problem with when they did get enough players they sub for one of there regular players instead of the Sub. I feel if at anytime your own player shows up he should be inserted into the game for the Sub not for a Regular. I do feel sorry for the Sub who showed up to help you out but thats part of the game. I am not saying this because the sub hurt us, we won the game. I wouldnt like this to happen to anyone on my team. I feel if the guy is on your roster and is there on time or late he should play not someoneelse you bring in. Just my thoughts.
Rick, I haven't read the rule book in a few years -- but I did once type the entire thing out. I believe that a fill-in player is required to PLAY; it's the least you can do for somebody who comes to help the team out of a forfeit. It's not right to suddenly turn around and say, "Hey, dude, thanks for suiting up and adjusting your family schedule and driving out here, but, um, we don't need you anymore!" The rest of the regulars can share some time on the pine, which is minimal. The sub not only should play, I'm fairly sure the rules insist on it.
By the way, I'm flying out to Chicago on Friday to catch two games at Wrigley, first time ever. To fit in with the locals, I'll try to spill beer on myself. Good times.
What everything that's been said, one common denominator seems to be communication. And that's why managers are hard to come by. Put yourselves in their shoes. They need to know who won't be at which games - and they need to know as quickly as possible. It's unfair to them to wonder who's coming or not be told who's not coming. Then consider the opposing team/manager and ask if you think it's fair to them that you borrow an underage player, esp. one who is an all-star each year. They may say "OK,'' but do you really believe they want you to do it? They don't want to feel like the bad guy. Me? I don't particularly care. I do what my team deserves. And if you can't respect that, well, need I say more.
Don't rely on emails. Most of us have cell phones now. Managers should know how reliable their guys are, too. If you know just 9 guys have told you they'd be at a specific game, then you need to utilize the options per our rules: call the opposing manager to see if you can borrow one of his players, call the 38 managers so they can contact their players, or use the Bulletin Board to recruit in your own division first, then the 47s, so you can have at least 10. Besides, consider injuries, too. And if you don't show up without notice after telling your manager you'll be there, then think of your teammates. I told my players that if that happens and it's not justified, then plan to sit the next game you attend. It's just a matter of respect.
These excuses about "last-minute'' needs is a situation you put yourself in. Yes, crap happens whereby something comes up on game-day and a player can't make it. I get that all the time from my guys who are on-call at work. I had players twice this year leave during a game. That's why I have a sizeable roster. I get at least 11 players at each game. This year, I gave a team two defensive players to start a game, and one for all 7 innings, plus they borrowed a 38+ player from another team. But the manager called prior to the game to ask. I won't say no to that, and I'll help them if I can. Hell, I even tried to recruit a borrowed player for the Hummin' Birds this year for a game that didn't include us. And they are one of the teams we're battling against for a top-four seed and a first-round bye! It's not that I don't want to help.
Well, now that I've been the bad guy here and started this debate, I can only say that those of us who don't want to play against 28 players should not be criticized for expecting that we abide by that particular rule. Don't be afraid to say "no.'' You shouldn't be put in a position to have to.
I suspect this issue will be addressed by the full board during the winter meetings. And again, my number is 434-8629 if you feel the need to further discuss this.
