I propose we review the keeper legislation again this year, letting
all voices be heard. Some of this may be a rehash of previous
discussions, but I think a 5-year review is warranted.

One of the original dissenters was Rob Hall, who advocated that all
players be available every year. He became "victim" of the process
one year when he failed to declare them, and was assigned a trio of
keepers by the Triumvirate. There have been various strategies
involved, whether to keep superstars or prospects, etc.

After posting the dollar values for players, it's easy to see that
even the first round will be more lackluster again. Indeed, this
process has led, in part, to the picking of Josh Willingham as a
first rounder by yours truly (hey, I won that year, so shush!)

Also, the keeper years have been dominated by the Seabass and
Targeese, although both have had a lower finish during that time as
well.

Therefore, I make two proposals

1) Keepers be phased out starting this year. Keepers who have already
been signed will remain with their teams through the end of their
contracts.

or

2) The keeper process be blown up immediately, and all players are
made immediately available.

Continuing as is would be the default, so there is no need for a
proposal to continue as is.

These proposals are made to stimulate (hopefully not heated)
discussion on the keeper rules. I believe proposal 1 would be most
fair if we decide to abandon the keeper rules. However, if there is
widespread support for proposal 2, is there a reason we can't abandon
it as is?

You're free to post on the NSL Yahoo Group (there is a link on the
top of Northstarleague.com -
http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/northstarleague/) until the
Yahoo Fantasy Baseball goes live. Last year, this occurred on
February 16. I will do my best to ensure that our league number is on
the Eastern Seaboard (last year, we were 00936, which is actually San
Juan, PR).

Enjoy your scouting, gentlemen! We'll see you in 8 weeks!