The rules state, in relevant part:
"If a Owner has (i) a reasonable expectation that an RP is injured or otherwise will not be available to his MLB team to pitch, and (ii) a reasonable expectation that said RP will miss 2 or more games in the Scoring Period, then Owner can substitute him with another RP, provided that (x) said Owner shall be required to provide evidence confirming said reasonable expectations to the league.."That's when Hunter Killer's (Ole's opponent) owner Walt Welsh swooped in to object. Citing the following quote from the player himself, Walt stated there was insufficient evidence Betancourt would miss 2 games:
"We will see what will come from tomorrow. We have Thursday off, and I hope it will be fine if I don't pitch those two days. If it was more serious I would tell you. If it was really bad I would tell you. But it's getting tight every time, and it's not easy to pitch like that..."Always the gentleman, Fenn withdrew his attempted sub, but maintained that two ugly pitches and an MRI should satisfy the 2 game "reasonable expectation," especially since he was subbing out a closer for a set-up man. Disinterested league owners disagreed. The day was Walt's. Perhaps Fenn's point would have been stronger if not for the quote given by the player, and perhaps the rule is too strict.
Regardless, this dispute is hereby recorded as precedent because that's what happens when you start a fantasy baseball league with a bunch of douchey lawyers.
Fenn (9:55:00AM): Subbed out Betancourt for Fujikawa under RP Replacement Rule II(b). Sportsline says he will miss at least 2 days and may be placed on the DL. In his last appearance, he threw 2 pitches in the dirt and was removed.
ReplyDeleteWalter W
(11:03:31AM): fenn - I do not think you can make the substitution because you have provided evidence of a reasonable expectation that Betancourt "will miss 2 or more games in the scoring period." Sportsline does say he will not pitch for two days, but that it only because Colorado is not scheduled to play a game on Thursday. There is no evidence that Betancourt will be unavailable on Friday, or that he will miss a second game.
Walter W
(11:04:00AM): Here is his quote"We will see what will come from tomorrow. We have Thursday off, and I hope it will be fine if I don't pitch those two days. If it was more serious I would tell you. If it was really bad I would tell you. But it's getting tight every time, and it's not easy to pitch like that," Betancourt said
Walter W
(11:04:13AM): i
Walter W
(11:04:58AM): If anything, the evidence states that he will be fine for the second came. This substitution is contrary to the rules, and I am asking you to withdraw it.
Walter W
(11:05:39AM): Otherwise, I will have not choice but to take this to the other owners under II.B.x