Search found 48 matches

by Rob Leibowitz
January 15th, 2011, 9:09 am
Forum: Player News and Analysis
Topic: Fanball ceases operations
Replies: 13
Views: 1246

Re: Fanball ceases operations

I used onroto for tout last year and for my local keeper year the past two. It's not the most pretty of sites, but in many ways its the easiest and most functional to use. I think its fantastic for the commissioner with the ease of handling weekly transactions -takes me a minute or so each week, esp...
by Rob Leibowitz
January 5th, 2011, 10:43 am
Forum: Mastersball.com Articles
Topic: Playing Time Review
Replies: 6
Views: 5565

Re: Playing Time Review

I have a bad feeling Zach Miner will receive more than 20 starts for the Royals this season. They'll sign some more warm-bodies too to serve as a stop gap. My hope is that the Royals resist all urges to fast track any of their pitchers and in a perfect world, we wouldn't see most of the Double-A kid...
by Rob Leibowitz
September 3rd, 2010, 10:39 pm
Forum: Mastersball.com Articles
Topic: Diamond Exchange Updates
Replies: 8
Views: 6296

Re: Diamond Exchange Updates

I will be away Saturday and Sunday, so there will be no or a delayed Diamond Exchange this week. If you prefer, just ask me a question about any of the recent call-ups you like right here and I'd be happy to offer my opinions and analysis.

-Rob
by Rob Leibowitz
August 4th, 2010, 8:13 am
Forum: Mastersball.com Articles
Topic: Flashing Main page
Replies: 1
Views: 4080

Re: Flashing Main page

We were just testing things out. We tend to agree and it has been removed. We're looking to decide the best way to present our latest articles, but keep them above the fold.

thanks for your feedback,

Rob
by Rob Leibowitz
July 8th, 2010, 12:46 pm
Forum: Player News and Analysis
Topic: Leaving a league
Replies: 4
Views: 862

Re: Leaving a league

In a keeper league, I much prefer an active owner, committed to making a team someone can work with, than an incomplete job that may either turn a potential new owner off or make create quick turnover due to a poor first season, or take multiple years to get back on track. I've seen it too many time...
by Rob Leibowitz
June 29th, 2010, 3:05 pm
Forum: Prospects & Minor League Discussion
Topic: AL ml pitchers
Replies: 1
Views: 1012

Re: AL ml pitchers

I haven't ever seen him pitch. He only just made his pro-debut and has 2 starts under his belt in the AZL. One start he struck out 4 in 3 innings while walking 3 and allowing 3 ER. I'm not going to come to any conclusions at all given that sample size. But what we can say is - It may be years before...
by Rob Leibowitz
June 6th, 2010, 12:53 pm
Forum: Player News and Analysis
Topic: Diamond Exchange and Dontrelle Willis
Replies: 2
Views: 286

Re: Diamond Exchange and Dontrelle Willis

I'll be bidding zero in my NFBC league. If anyone does try to grab, I suspect single digit bids. There is no rational reason anyone would be overly aggressive....
by Rob Leibowitz
May 9th, 2010, 6:19 pm
Forum: Player News and Analysis
Topic: Ben Sheets
Replies: 10
Views: 1020

Re: Ben Sheets

I've seen a lot of his starts too, but not his last one. His fastball velocity was definitely off and more importantly, his location is off. He looks rusty. His curve still looks like a plus pitch and has some sharp downward action, but again the consistency of it hasn't bee there. I tend to agree w...
by Rob Leibowitz
May 9th, 2010, 6:16 pm
Forum: Player News and Analysis
Topic: Castro to the show
Replies: 8
Views: 896

Re: Castro to the show

a hate to disagree with Perry but his \upside is Placido Polanco or perhaps Howie kendrick. Of course you won't get him if you hedge your FAAB bid. If you need someone who is likely to get a lot of at bats and hit for average, then he's good. Keep in mind that he is not speedy, so I am somewhat skep...
by Rob Leibowitz
May 8th, 2010, 10:23 am
Forum: Player News and Analysis
Topic: Castro to the show
Replies: 8
Views: 896

Re: Castro to the show

Note last night's Diamond Exchange. Do not go overboard!
by Rob Leibowitz
April 16th, 2010, 9:38 pm
Forum: Mastersball.com Articles
Topic: Diamond Exchange Updates
Replies: 8
Views: 6296

Re: Diamond Exchange Updates

New DX available for registered users - Fred Lewis trade and more
by Rob Leibowitz
April 12th, 2010, 9:50 pm
Forum: Mastersball.com Articles
Topic: Diamond Exchange Updates
Replies: 8
Views: 6296

Re: Diamond Exchange Updates

New DX posted - Mike Leake, Miguel Montero, Aaron Hill, Brian Roberts, and more.
by Rob Leibowitz
April 9th, 2010, 8:21 am
Forum: Mastersball.com Articles
Topic: Diamond Exchange Updates
Replies: 8
Views: 6296

Re: Diamond Exchange Updates

I thought that was the case...:) That's what happens when you haven't seen a show in ten years.

yes, back to baseball here. geeking out can be done at the water cooler section.
by Rob Leibowitz
April 8th, 2010, 9:38 pm
Forum: Mastersball.com Articles
Topic: Diamond Exchange Updates
Replies: 8
Views: 6296

Diamond Exchange Updates

Posted another one just now.
by Rob Leibowitz
April 8th, 2010, 9:29 pm
Forum: Prospects & Minor League Discussion
Topic: AL Only Minors Draft
Replies: 9
Views: 2361

Re: AL Only Minors Draft

Throw Michael Taylor in there. He'd be in my top three. I'd be tempted to go Ackley, but since he's an unproven commodity, I'd probably go a safer route and draft Wallace.
by Rob Leibowitz
April 8th, 2010, 9:26 pm
Forum: Mastersball.com Articles
Topic: Diamond Exchange Updates
Replies: 8
Views: 6296

Re: Dimaond Exchange Updates: Look for latest entry news!

What do you expect? I'm a general!

I'm no Admiral Sheridan, but close enough.
by Rob Leibowitz
April 8th, 2010, 1:02 pm
Forum: Mastersball.com Articles
Topic: Diamond Exchange Updates
Replies: 8
Views: 6296

Dimaond Exchange Updates: Look for latest entry news!

The first in-season Diamond Exchange is now available for registered users.

I take a look at some of the first transactions of the season.
by Rob Leibowitz
April 8th, 2010, 10:39 am
Forum: Player News and Analysis
Topic: John Bowker/Nate Schierholtz
Replies: 2
Views: 302

Re: John Bowker/Nate Schierholtz

Yep - It was a last day of spring training decision - Bowker ended up winning the RF job over Schierholtz due to the latter's poor spring training performance. Here's the comparison - Shierholtz plays better defense than Bowker. He's not noted for his plate discipline, but he makes pretty good conta...
by Rob Leibowitz
April 1st, 2010, 9:37 am
Forum: Player News and Analysis
Topic: Carlos Santana
Replies: 6
Views: 483

Re: Carlos Santana

I would not be surprised at a late May/early June call-up either. Though to be fair - Santana has zero triple-A experience and is also a catcher. If Marson/Redmond are handling the stafff well and they still feel santana has some rough edges, he could be delayed. That said, I've been trying to focus...
by Rob Leibowitz
February 18th, 2010, 4:16 pm
Forum: Mastersball.com Articles
Topic: New Prospector - Seattle Mariners
Replies: 0
Views: 3729

New Prospector - Seattle Mariners

The Seattle Mariners 2010 Minor League Organizational Impact Report is now available

http://www.mastersball.com/index.php?op ... 1266527627
by Rob Leibowitz
February 16th, 2010, 9:55 pm
Forum: Player News and Analysis
Topic: Julio Borbon
Replies: 6
Views: 544

Re: Julio Borbon

I am somewhat skeptical of Borbon. He has some pretty strong similarities to Endy Chavez who wouldn't you know the Rangers just signed. Borbon makes good contact, isn't much of a walk-drawer, but excellent speed and knows he has to put the ball on the ground. Whether he remains a starter I believe w...
by Rob Leibowitz
February 10th, 2010, 1:48 pm
Forum: Mastersball.com Excel Tools
Topic: 2008 draft worksheet instructions
Replies: 11
Views: 1937

Re: 2008 draft worksheet instructions

The software allows you to put a player in any position. It does not lock you out of doing it at all, so you have to be careful if you put your OF accidentally at catcher, and you find yourself forgetting you still need a second catcher as the software does lock out roster slots on your team as you ...
by Rob Leibowitz
January 28th, 2010, 9:00 pm
Forum: Mastersball.com Articles
Topic: The Diamond Exchange is Back
Replies: 3
Views: 757

Re: The Diamond Exchange is Back

Figured I'd get back into posting these announcements for those who check here first.

There's a new Diamond Exchange available for all of our registered users. It covers the Ben Sheets, Ronnie Belliard, and Xavier Nady signings and much more.
by Rob Leibowitz
January 21st, 2010, 2:58 pm
Forum: Mastersball.com Articles
Topic: Minor League Players
Replies: 3
Views: 788

The Prospector - Released

Your timing is perfect. I just added our new blog "The Prospector". Initially I, and perhaps with some assistance of other members of the staff, will be going through 2010 organizational impact reports" for minor leaguers to consider for this upcoming season and beyond. Also Lawr will...
by Rob Leibowitz
January 17th, 2010, 10:18 pm
Forum: Mastersball.com Excel Tools
Topic: 2008 draft worksheet instructions
Replies: 11
Views: 1937

Re: 2008 draft worksheet instructions

newer version is now online!
by Rob Leibowitz
January 17th, 2010, 12:35 pm
Forum: Mastersball.com Excel Tools
Topic: 2008 draft worksheet instructions
Replies: 11
Views: 1937

Re: 2008 draft worksheet instructions

hey rob - I actually went semi-old school myself at a few of my drafts last year. Not sure how it will work with a netbook - never used one before. Of course I see the future for all these auction worksheets as Aps for phones and touch screen-slate like devices. Not sure which version you are using,...
by Rob Leibowitz
January 14th, 2010, 3:57 pm
Forum: Mastersball.com Excel Tools
Topic: 2008 draft worksheet instructions
Replies: 11
Views: 1937

Re: 2008 draft worksheet instructions

I looked it over and fixed much of it. I'll be posting it all later. I'll announce in the draftware forum when I have done so. with changing positions, you will still need to type in "team1 - 3B" to get a position change if you were changing from "team1 - 2B" or "rob - 3B&qu...
by Rob Leibowitz
January 14th, 2010, 10:54 am
Forum: Mastersball.com Excel Tools
Topic: 2008 draft worksheet instructions
Replies: 11
Views: 1937

Re: 2008 draft worksheet instructions

Ok few things 1) Change position. I think the instructions refer to an older version. in the new version you have to type in the whole team name in the following format "team1 - 2B" for example". 2) Change salary - works fine 3) Change team - you have to make sure you also change posi...
by Rob Leibowitz
January 13th, 2010, 6:51 pm
Forum: Mastersball.com Excel Tools
Topic: 2008 draft worksheet instructions
Replies: 11
Views: 1937

Re: 2008 draft worksheet instructions

Thanks. I'll look into it.
by Rob Leibowitz
January 13th, 2010, 11:58 am
Forum: Player News and Analysis
Topic: Anyone from the 90s yet
Replies: 4
Views: 358

Re: Anyone from the 90s yet

btw - some of the first 90's kids.....my votes are (and not saying tihs year as call-ups - This year we will see a lot of the 1986 and 1987 age ranges, so the 90s may not really strike the majors until 2 to 5 more years - also note that these area not neccessarily my favorites, just guys I think wil...
by Rob Leibowitz
January 12th, 2010, 4:16 pm
Forum: Player News and Analysis
Topic: Anyone from the 90s yet
Replies: 4
Views: 358

Re: Anyone from the 90s yet

Viper - not yet!

you can keep track of this kind of stuff - here

http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagu ... rths.shtml. That's the latest year they have compiled.
by Rob Leibowitz
January 4th, 2010, 9:25 am
Forum: Mastersball.com Excel Tools
Topic: 2008 draft worksheet instructions
Replies: 11
Views: 1937

Re: 2008 draft worksheet instructions

Hi there - it should be included in the ZIP file with the worksheet which was uploaded last night.

Rob
by Rob Leibowitz
December 8th, 2009, 3:09 pm
Forum: Mastersball.com Articles
Topic: The Diamond Exchange is Back
Replies: 3
Views: 757

Re: The Diamond Exchange is Back

New Diamond Exchange - all the trades to date (except Brian Bruney - I'm treating that more like an acquisition similar to free agents and will write on that later).

More to come soon!
by Rob Leibowitz
December 4th, 2009, 10:33 pm
Forum: Mastersball.com Articles
Topic: The Diamond Exchange is Back
Replies: 3
Views: 757

The Diamond Exchange is Back

Hi all - The Diamond Exchange is back. I am catching up on the off-season moves thus far and will take care of that over a few articles before we jump into the heart of the Winter meetings.
by Rob Leibowitz
November 25th, 2009, 10:07 pm
Forum: Player News and Analysis
Topic: Kinsler batting average abberation?
Replies: 6
Views: 342

Re: Kinsler batting average abberation?

I actually was writing about Kinsler the other day for a spring magazine. Of course the first thing we noticed was his awful BABIP despite similar strikeout rates to the year he hit .313. What I noticed was massive declines in line drives and a jump upwards in fly-balls. And of course we note - he n...
by Rob Leibowitz
October 23rd, 2009, 1:38 pm
Forum: THE WATER COOLER
Topic: Welcome back, Rob
Replies: 4
Views: 5733

Re: Welcome back, Rob

Thanks Guys! It's great to be back. The plan is as stated in the press release. In-season I'll be writing the Diamond 2X a week. I know that's not as regularly as I used to - but 1) this site's user base has always been more of the weekly league variety and 2) I know you all prefer a good level of d...
by Rob Leibowitz
March 30th, 2009, 11:33 pm
Forum: Player News and Analysis
Topic: NL Tout Wars
Replies: 3
Views: 290

Re: NL Tout Wars

And here's my squad. Todd and I only got into a few bidding wars. On Brad Hawpe and strangely - Jason Kendall and Carlos Ruiz. I think I should have pressed the Hawpe one in retrospect and left myself with a $1 for that second catcher instead of Ruiz. Course then I wouldn't have bought Mike Cameron ...
by Rob Leibowitz
March 23rd, 2009, 12:45 pm
Forum: Player News and Analysis
Topic: MB'09 Daniel Murphy (NYM) - OF
Replies: 8
Views: 1143

Re: MB'09 Daniel Murphy (NYM) - OF

FYI - Murphy is the everyday left fielder. Church is in right and Tatis may or may not platoon with Church, not Murphy. Also the Mets have named Murphy the #2 hitter which makes a heck of a lot of sense. I see Murphy as a 15-20 HR guy at his peak, but one who makes a fair amount of contact and draws...
by Rob Leibowitz
March 18th, 2009, 7:36 pm
Forum: League Openings
Topic: Manhattan/NY Metro Area Draft Needs One Owner
Replies: 0
Views: 3343

Manhattan/NY Metro Area Draft Needs One Owner

Hi all - My local league, which has been around since 1996, is in need of an owner! We have a single opening. Please PM if interested. Draft date is Sunday April 5th. Location is not 100% set, but will either be in Manhattan or perhaps Westchester. Locals preffered! League fee $120 AL 5x5 260 budget...
by Rob Leibowitz
March 18th, 2009, 7:30 pm
Forum: Strategy & Theory Discussion
Topic: Treating Hitting and Pitching Inflation Separately
Replies: 4
Views: 468

Re: Treating Hitting and Pitching Inflation Separately

I wrote an article last year when I was with the guys on categorical inflation. It essentially took the portions of value from each category and proportionally reassigned them as inflation. It works in theory, but is still very subject to the caveats Todd and Gary mention. Also unless you are using ...
by Rob Leibowitz
March 12th, 2009, 7:08 pm
Forum: Player News and Analysis
Topic: Extensive Stat Database
Replies: 4
Views: 488

Re: Extensive Stat Database

It'll be coming online soon. The injury database is Rick Wilton's.
by Rob Leibowitz
March 12th, 2009, 6:58 pm
Forum: Player News and Analysis
Topic: Does anyone know a good Roto Auction Website
Replies: 4
Views: 356

Re: Does anyone know a good Roto Auction Website

http://www.couchmanagers.com is free and has recently added auctioning to its features. I've used the mock snake draft system and it was quite good. Haven't tried the auction system, but the demo looked pretty good.

If I had the time, I'd mock auction constantly.....
by Rob Leibowitz
March 12th, 2009, 11:11 am
Forum: Player News and Analysis
Topic: Now Blogging....
Replies: 0
Views: 2972

Now Blogging....

As promised in one of my earlier posts - for those who missed my work - this is a free route to reading at least some of it!

http://www.rototimes.com/blog.php?author_id=191

Enjoy

Rob
by Rob Leibowitz
February 17th, 2009, 3:16 pm
Forum: Player News and Analysis
Topic: TOUT WARS 2008 Bidding observations
Replies: 8
Views: 753

Re: TOUT WARS 2008 Bidding observations

From my perspective - tout wars al and nl $ values work well as bid guidelines for re-draft leagues or general baselines of a players' worth in keeper leagues, but really for the point in time of the draft day itself as rosters can change quite a bit that last week of spring training. Everyone in th...
by Rob Leibowitz
February 11th, 2009, 5:02 pm
Forum: Player News and Analysis
Topic: Tout Wars drafts
Replies: 8
Views: 918

Re: Tout Wars drafts

Well you can come in second place in NL tout. feel free to beat up everyone else :)
by Rob Leibowitz
February 11th, 2009, 3:16 pm
Forum: Player News and Analysis
Topic: Tout Wars drafts
Replies: 8
Views: 918

Re: Tout Wars drafts

Well - this is as good as any place to put this - Todd you can re-post it to the blog if you like. Brief History - September '08 I was made a very nice offer by fanball.com/rototimes.com to come on over to them and given the $ amount versus the workload, it was ideal for me. Todd encouraged me to ac...
by Rob Leibowitz
February 11th, 2009, 2:36 pm
Forum: Player News and Analysis
Topic: Tout Wars drafts
Replies: 8
Views: 918

Re: Tout Wars drafts

Hi Todd :)

I owe this board a message/hello/where have I gone, etc :) I'll do that on here I guess.

Saturday 9 AM - AL Tout
Saturday 4 PM - Mixed
Sunday 9 AM - NL Tout

I suspect I will be showing up somewhere in the middle or after AL Tout takes place.
by Rob Leibowitz
January 13th, 2009, 5:12 pm
Forum: League Openings
Topic: Live Drafts in Ithaca, NY
Replies: 2
Views: 967

Re: Live Drafts in Ithaca, NY

Hi all - very fun league. I've been involved for at least 3 seasons now. The leagues are shallow, but we have a good time - doing two drafts in one day - surprisingly manageable as we start at like 9 in the morning and finish up by 3 or 4 with both with plenty of time for a nice lunch in the middle.