The Mission Viejo Maulers executed their 2021 Draft Day plans without a hitch and while there isn't a whisper of criticism about the fairness of the deals GM Chris Ferraro completed or the club's desire to build a winner, the mid-draft tactics have sparked a conversation in league circles.
While no club was at an advantage, the Maulers executed mid-draft deals with the intent to draft Auction players using their cap space and flip them for an agreed package of picks or prospects in return. The strategy has led to some Front Offices calling for a freeze of trades or trade conversations until a certain period after the Draft. Some clubs have proposed as little as 48 hours while some clubs have asked for between 1-3 periods of play before a deal can be commenced.
The club sent Mike Yastrzemski, Jeimer Candelario and Randy Arozarena to three different teams on Draft Day while the Spokane Fightin' Fish also announced a post-Draft Night acquisition of star shortstop Trevor Story.
"I have no problem with the selling strategy or the moves they made" said one East Bay Executive, "but bidding against the Maulers and losing only to know another club already had a deal in place felt off. Like it was supplemental cap space."
The Commissioner's Office will continue to solitic feedback across the league in preparations for the 2022 Draft. One change that will take effect is the addition of a third eligible year for big leaguers selected in the Reserve Draft in a new 1RD/$5, 2RD/$5, 3RD/$15 contract format with the $10 increase in the final season.
Around the RDBL
- The Commissioner's Office is thrilled to announce the return of the Mouth of the South who is expected to make his debut on the site Friday. The Mouth will be focused on all things RDBL with tidbits across the league and a goal of posting a couple times a week throughout the year.
- The Maulers set a RDBL-record with eight claims before Opening Day which was all part of a hectic lead up to Thursday.