A NEW DIRECTION IN ARIZONA

Arizona Thunder. Texas Tornadoes. Lexington Rebels. Arizona D-Backs. Arizona Vipers. San Diego Conquistadors. Arizona Thunderbirds.

In seven years of owning a BARB franchise, Ronald Melkonian has used seven different team names in four different cities. All of that (and his similar movement of players) has added up to exactly one playoff appearance and, unfortunately, no playoff wins (the Rebels were swept 3-0 by the Frostbite Falls Flying Squirrels in 2008).

But continuity appears to be on the horizon...after the 2011 season. "Trader Ron" has decided to re-name his squad the Arizona Rattlesnakes. Only once before have the now-Rattlesnakes stayed in one place for two straight seasons, so it's not quite a first, but Melkonian hopes it IS a last, as in last team name.

"I will be keeping this team name for the remainder of my BARB stay," Melkonian said in a press conference. How long that stay is remains anyone's guess, but he seems ready to make it happen.

Melkonian went on to say that "Rattlesnakes" was nearly the team name at the start of 2010 before a public outcry led to "Thunder" being chosen at the last minute.

The Rattlesnakes have a new site, http://arizonarattlesnakes2011.blogspot.com/, and expect to get off to a hot start in BARB 2011 after closing with a flourish in 2010, when they finished four games out in the Central Division after declaring themselves done in the middle of the summer.

A note from your new commissioner

Gentlemen,

After eight years at the helm of the Bullard Alternative Reality Baseball league, Mr. Hatfield has decided to step down as commissioner.

First of all, I would like to thank him for his service. He did this as a hobby and for no benefit other than growing his and others' love for baseball. When I started in the league in the inaugural 2003 season, I didn't know much about players or strategy, but being in B.A.R.B. has benefitted me greatly in both of those areas.

Unfortunately, regular life prevented Mr. Hatfield from being able to give the league the attention it needs to be successful, so he made the decision to look for a new commissioner.

Over the past few years, as the league has slowed down, I had begun to think about running the league if the position were vacated. In fact, last year I offered to help Mr. Hatfield with some aspects of the league, and I would have done so had I not moved to Texas on short notice for an internship.

Finally, when he alluded to stepping down by saying it might be time for "new blood," I jumped at the opportunity to be league commissioner. While meeting him to play my team's playoff games, I talked to him about taking over and what I would do. Obviously, he ended up deciding that I would be a good choice to step in.

So here I am. And here's my main goal: to revitalize B.A.R.B. and the interest it had in the first few years.

For the most part, there will be no major changes in B.A.R.B. The only possible major change would involve the number of teams. That is why I would like everyone to respond to me regarding their plans for future B.A.R.B. participation. We might also change a rule or two regarding the draft, rosters or free agency, but any of this will be done only after consulting everyone in the league.

In his e-mail and blog post about stepping down, Mr. Hatfield included a list of things I sent him that I would do when running the league. I hope you have looked that over. If you have any other suggestions, feel free to e-mail me. I also want to have a league get-together soon to talk about any possible rule changes. Once the World Series is finished I will be sending out more information about that.

I hope all of you will give B.A.R.B. another year and that we can all realize, again, how fun it can be.