Re-align divisions?
 

Not sure if Matt was serious or joking, but as one of the 4 Minnesota teams in the league, I would love this. Is this something people would be seriously interested in doing? Right now, if we do nothing, the East will be 50% changed regardless and Patrick will be going into a division different from his old one.

Here's my idea:

- put the Avengers and Amish in the West w/ Popes and Dodgers to create a "MN division"
- put Patrick in the Amish slot in the Central, returning that division back to the way it was prior to him leaving
- put Insects and Ragers in the East, leaving the East 50% different, like it would have been anyway

Negatives:
- breaking up Dodgers vs. Insects/Ragers rivalries that have existed for a long time (while still retaining the Insects vs. Ragers rivalry)
- Insects and Ragers move to a very tough division (and if you want to stand up and scream NO WAY right now based on that, I'm totally cool with that)
- breaking up record-keeping (divisional records; strong division vs. weak division arguments)

Just thought I'd explore how people feel on the issue. Personally, I'd love it!

Re: Re-align divisions?
 

Since I'm the Western-most team in the league... and currently residing in the East... it's obviously "tradition" as to why the divisions are the way they are. Now that Mike's out of the East (and getting 2 cracks at his Predators each season), I'd be open to moving (no offense, Matt). But I'm also fine with whatever the group decides.

Bottom line: I could stay or I could go. Doesn't matter to me.

Re: Re-align divisions?
 

I have no ties to any division, so I'm all for a MN division. The more smack I can talk to my MN brethren, the better.:stirspot:

Re: Re-align divisions?
 

I would also like a MN division but I am fine either way. It would be fun to have those rivalries within the state.

Re: Re-align divisions?
 

i wouldn't mind re-kindling the rivalry with derby cars and mutts from the days of yore

Re: Re-align divisions?
 

The Ragers and Insects have a big stake in this situation. I'd like to hear what they think.

Re: Re-align divisions?
 

I think both Frank and I live in about the same area, in the Bay Area - California which is way West and it would be kind of odd to be in the East. Even though Frank and I will still be in the same division, I actually would miss the rivalry with the Dodgers. I would like to stay if I can...even though I will miss the chance of stomping all over the East.

Re: Re-align divisions?
 

I think we'd either rename the divisions, or technically move the Opihi and Freedom to the West under the proposal (since three of the four teams would be the most western teams).

I'm split on the issue myself. There's a lot of history in the current western division having 3 longtime tenured teams, but I'd enjoy playing 6 games amongst my fellow statesmen.

Re: Re-align divisions?
 

I was kind of joking since the divisions are somewhat arbitary to begin with. However, I would be fine with whatever.

Re: Re-align divisions?
 

I was also thinking that if we re-aligned, it might be best to scrap the geographic names (which will get diluted every time we add a new player) and let each division pick their own division name. Ours could be Minnesota Division, the others could be anything those 4 teams desire; my old league had a [Bud] Grant Division and a Lombardi Division.

Re: Re-align divisions?
 

In case anyone is wondering about how this would affect competitive balance, it would make the East a bit better, and the Central a bit weaker. Here's the divisions last year and projected if we made the change I suggested. For rankings, I used 2007 points scored (much more accurate than record as a barometer of how good a team is).

Current divisions - Re-aligned

1 Opihi ---------- 1 Opihi
3 Freedom ------- 3 Freedom
7 Avengers ------ 4 Ragers
12 Swords ------- 10 Insects

4 Ragers --------- 6 Dodgers
6 Dodgers -------- 7 Avengers
9 Popes ---------- 9 Popes
10 Insects ------- 11 Amish

2 Absolut ---------2 Absolut
5 Mutts ---------- 5 Mutts
8 Derby Cars ----- 8 Derby Cars
11 Amish -------- 12 Swords


Observations:

The only major changes are the best team in the Central being #6 rather than #4 and the 3rd team in the East being #4 rather than #7.

I consider the Swords #12 ranking to be artifically low. Smitty did nothing to try and improve his team last year. There's the core of a great team there (Addai + Lynch for $2095 in 2008); I'll be shocked if Swords finish at the bottom of the league in 2008.

All that said, this reinforces that Ragers and Insects are the losers in a move and have the most reason to object. Ragers go from best in the division to bottom half of the division :(

Re: Re-align divisions?
 

Doesn't matter to me.

Re: Re-align divisions?
 

Well if that is the case, let's move on with the new divisions then.

Re: Re-align divisions?
 

Not that I have any say anymore, but I have to give a big :thumbsdn: on realigning the divisions.

Say goodbye to tradition.

Yeah I know teams have come in and replaced others, but the tradition of those divisions is still pretty strong.

I'm bummed to see realignment possibly happening. :(

Re: Re-align divisions?
 

I'm going to put this to a vote in a poll.

9 teams have said they either like it or don't care. The 3 we haven't heard from are in the division that barely changes (in fact, goes back to its old grouping). And the two teams with the most reason to object are OK with it.

Re: Re-align divisions?
 

It's a new age in the Frenzy, Mike. There are only four original teams left. We've had at least one new team in the Frenzy every year except one I think. The division rivalries aren't what they used to me in my book.

Re: Re-align divisions?
 

Yea I know what you're saying. It's just sad to see on my end.

Good luck to everyone.

Re: Re-align divisions?
 

If this is the end, it's nice to know the OPIHI went out as the two-time reigning East division champions... in the toughest division in Frenzy history!

Re: Re-align divisions?
 

Oh, it stings not being able to take that away...ever. Ouch, maybe I'll have to change my vote and suggest we look at this again next off season. :D

Re: Re-align divisions?
 

:goodposting: