MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT

major announcement....
I AM STEPPING DOWN AS YOUR LEAGUE COMMISSIONER.

It is very clear from reading the comments that the last few years the league's post-season has dragged on and on to the point where it has made the league less enjoyable for many GM's. I appreciate the candid feedback.

As some of you may know, I have for many years played a major role in the music program at my church. In Christmas of 2009, I found myself unexpectedly having to assume a much higher workload due to the serious illness of the Choir Director, who subsequently passed away in June of 2010. At that time, and having a new pastor, I was asked to once again assume the full-time responsibilities of Music Director for the church during a period of transition. At the same time this was happening, my district required me to begin a 12-unit CLAD program even though I had been told when hired 11 years ago that I would never need it.

So...two jobs, plus school. As a result, I didn't really have a holiday at Christmas this year and that, more than anything else, has led to this year's ridiculous and unacceptable postseason delays. I tell you this not to make excuses, but simply to explain why I was not able to prioritize BARB as I have in the past.

MOVING FORWARD

Worcester GM Matt Caskey has taken the trouble to set up an ESPN league that has some of the same guidelines as BARB and I encourage anyone who wishes to join that to take advantage of this. However, if you still wish to enjoy the unique features of BARB, we have a candidate who is uniquely qualified to move the league forward: Frostbite Falls GM Andrew Haynes.

Andrew has for several years owned and mastered the same software that I use to run the league, and is arguably our league's oldest and most experienced member...and (sigh) the winningest as well. He knows baseball and takes BARB seriously. To be perfectly candid, I have been pondering stepping down for some time and have had multiple conversations with Andrew about how BARB continue if my life would no longer afford me the luxury of running this hobby. Here are some things that he told me in an email recently:

"If I ran the league....

-Quick responses to e-mails (I check mine at least three times every day)
-Steady statistical updates (once a week or every 10 games)
-The league will stay within 3 weeks of the MLB
-Regular season will finish in October and playoffs will be in November (the only reason to stretch into December would be if people are unable to get together to play the games)
-Managerial preferences and lineup/pitching directions will be made to the letter (I'm personally very strict on getting the exact detail right)

These are some of the main things I'd make sure to do. "

Also, Andrew is pursuing a career (sports broadcasting) that is a natural fit for BARB, as opposed to music and science education. I have carefully considered it, and I have to say I have great confidence in Andrew.

So, if you are interested, BARB will continue but with a new Commissioner. We will complete the post-season, which I will write up. I will assist Andrew in planning the BARB Draft, but from this point on all major decisions concerning league operations will be in his hands and he will be empowered to post on the BARB blog.

Please reply via email to confirm that you will be participating in the 2011 season with BARB with Andrew Haynes as your Commissioner.