There are a number of frustrating problems with Purebaseball today and the inability to keep to schedules may in fact be the #1 problem.

However, I see some folly in the events that led to the problem that is currently being discussed.

I would like to discuss two points:
(a) Philosophical problems with the scenario described
(b) Technical aspects of the rules

(a) First, the philosophical

Suppose John Doe is managing a team that has home field for games 3-5 and is on the road for games 6-7. John Doe plays games 3-5 of his series on time. John Doe has the choice to submit lineups for games 6-7 when he finishes games 3-5, or he may submit them at any other time before games 6-7 start. John Doe has two options

(1) Submit his lineups for games 6-7 based on who will give him the best chance to win the current series

or

(2) He can (attemmpt to) wait for information that will help him determine his potential opponent in the next round. If he does this then he may not necessarily putting forth his best lineup for the current series... he's taking for granted he can win this series and he's looking ahead to the next series.

I don't think there are very many real life managers that would take option (2). IMO the smartest thing to do is submit based on trying to win the current series. If you were facing a game 7 elimination game you would definately put your best lineup out there regardless of what was going to happen in the next round. I think in the long run if you approach game 6 the same way you would approach game 7 you will win more often.

Second, an interpretation of the technical aspects of the rules

My interpretation of the manual is as follows:

For owners wishing to play their games (and not have the ROBOT play them) the games were due by Friday morning. Any games not played by Friday morning may be played by the ROBOT, but the timeframe for the ROBOT playing these games is not specified. Away Instructions for Games 6-7 were due on Saturday morning.

I believe the manual guarantees one day between the due date for Games 3-5 and the date that Game 6-7 start. But I don't believe it guarantees a day between ROBOT simulation of LATE games and the start of Games 6-7.

If you disagree with my interpretation of the manual please point me to the paragraph that disagrees with my explanation.

If my explanation is unclear please let me know and I will try again.


If I were to voice a complaint about this weekend it would be that games were (once again) turned on late...