[USML Announce] Don't Shoot the Messenger

Richard E. Robbins RERobbins at itinker.net
Thu Mar 11 17:44:13 EST 2004


On March 11, 2004, JHWinick at aol.com wrote:

> In a message dated 3/11/2004 3:54:43 PM Central Standard Time, 
> rrobbins at Sidley.com writes:
> The Devil Rays have just sent a bunch of players, including many of their 
> more prominent prospects, down to the minor leagues.  These changes are not 
> reflected on the 40 man rosters currently posted on mlb.com, although the 
> transaction is.  What do you want to do about this one gentlemen?  
> My initial thought 
> is that none of these players should be eligible for the auction.  It seems 
> wrong to include them when the Devil Rays have moved them down to the minor 
> leagues.  On the other hand, it is getting very close to the draft.  Ugh.
> -- Rich 
> 
> Rich,
> 
> I'm pretty sure we've already dealt with this.  We agreed that the available 
> players would be as they were indicated on the 40 man rosters as of Monday.  
> As much as you'd like to limit the availability of minor leaguers at the 
> auction, I think this would be changing the rules right before the draft.
> 
> Jeff

I have no problems whatsoever with keeping the players in the auction.  I just want to make sure that we address this now as opposed to tomorrow afternoon.  

For what it's worth though, I always thought we agreed to the lists as posted plus verifiable moves made before the draft -- which is why I raised this.  It has nothing to do with whether or not I want to limit the availability of minor leaguers at the auction -- my name is not Andy.  If Urbina signs with an AL team tonight are you saying that he won't be available in the auction?  In any event, I have no problem with proceeding as you suggest.  

If anyone disagrees with handling the Devil Rays moves as Jeff suggests, please voice your concerns promptly.  I have no qualms either way.

-- Rich




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