Ron has posted the “minutes of the EFL Winter Meeting” with his usual accuracy and conciseness (concisnity?) but I noticed that he left a few crucial things out.
For example, just before the draft began, the Cottage team owner (of whom we must always be wary, according to some) asked the commissioner, “If a player drafted in Rule V gets traded by his MLB team, can the EFL owner accept the trade, or must the player be offered back to the original team first?” The commissioner ruled on this question quickly and decisively, as he often does.
“No, the player does not have to be offered back. It’s a trade, not a drop.” This brought a satisfied smirk to Cottage’s face, as the quick EFL owners around the table were no doubt aware. Anticipating Cottage’s strategy, the crafty Peshastin owner asked whether there were usage requirements for players drafted under Rule V. Again, the commissioner was right on top of it.
“They have to be allocated at least 33%,” he said, quoting the rule book, which he seems to know by heart. This caught the Cottage owner by surprise. But it was a glancing blow; he shook it off.
D.C. started us off by snagging Gerardo Parra from the Cheese. A risky move, but it could pay off for the Balk. It proved to be a great pick for the Cheese, and a disastrous pick for two other EFL owners.
After Portland chose Alcides Escobar (only to trade him away at the end of the draft) and Canberra took Ervin Santana, the Cheese took the disappointing Jay Bruce, to the great joy of the Pears, who were paying him way too much money. Along with Mr. Bruce came his $3 million subsidy (courtesy of Flint Hill). (At this point, we can’t decide if Cottage’s pick was a work of genius or another Arismendy Alcantara. Only time will tell.)
The Cottage owner suddenly realized that he had to unprotect another Cheese. This was not expected! He tried to weasel out of it, but to no avail. EFL owners blocked his every attempt to safeguard his valuable Cheese. Shaking with fear, he quietly unprotected Chasen Shreve, hoping nobody would notice.
MacBooks all over the room quickly sprang into action to check out Shreve. And most of the EFL owners liked what they saw. Schemes were hatched.
Fortunately, Peshastin (up next) had not brought his MacBook. And he already knew who he wanted. “Corey Knebel!” he announced – the second Cheese to be picked, which (by a well-known rule) slammed the Cottage door shut. No more delectable Cheese could be munched on today!
Flint Hill was devastated by Peshastin’s pick. His entire strategy was ruined. He had his own Cheese already selected. He was coveting Drew Hutchison in his heart (although he refused to admit it). And now Hutch, along with all his Cheesy teammates, was off-limits. Grief-stricken, Flint Hill passed.
Soon it was Old Detroit’s turn. Apparently he had been studying the rule-book or something, because he hadn’t been paying attention. He tried to draft Chasen Shreve, and had to be reminded that Cheese were now off-limits. “Pickles!” he grumbled, making several EFL owners’ days.
Cottage, thrilled by the sudden popularity of his cast-offs, reminded everyone that he was open to trade offers. Nothing materialized immediately…
Such insight in this summary! Makes you wonder if the Head Cheese will supply alternate descriptions of the progress of the summer. I have to say this carefully, since many of us take delight in reading the Commissioner’s newsy reports during the season. But more reports from a Cheesy point of view would add to the enjoyment.