OK, it is official, we have three long-term owners that are bowing out this fall, as I will miss them in the leauge our record is pretty amazing as we have had hardly any turnover over the years, but alas nothing last forever. I bid a fond farewell to NFF, MHK and Posty you have all been great owners and Champions we will miss you, but I respect your decisions to step away this fall. Good luck to you.

Now, the next item of business now is to find the replacements for the three open spots.

I have a really good friend Art that has been playing FF for 10 years, in fact, he is the guy that got me started all those years ago with my first FF league at work. We now works for a different bank and I haven't played FF with him for several years, but I spoke to him about it and he would definitely be up for joining the Dugout FFL is there was an opening. I will like to invite him to play with us, but want to put it out for a league wide discussion.

Gotz and Ripley have also made their interest known and would be fine additions as well.

tx082 asked if perhaps his wife could join the league. I am not sure who is more skillz at FF, Jeff or his wife, so we could be adding a new shark to the league. It would be fun to have a woman in the league, but Jeff may have to take some good natured ribbing at home his is wife's team is better than his. He may regret throwing that out.

So, we basically have 4 very good candidates to replace the 3 guys we are leaving. Don't know if we have to have a official vote, but I at least wanted to put this out for discussion so we can address the new owners and than set the schedule for the order and date of the draft for August.

Take it to a vote I guess.

Mark me down for enlisting the 3 least qualified fantasy footballers - I need all the help I can get.

Edit to add - I doubt my frail fantasy football ego could handle getting beat by a girl.

Hmm, I think that adding Ripley and Gotz would be good selections as they have both been FB league members for awhile.

For the 3rd opening, I'm open to either person. Personally, I wouldn't mind adding Jeff's wife to the mix. She has helped to keep our drafts moving in the past and, based on some of the stories that the Doc has posted in the past, seems like a good and knowledgable competitor. I think it might be fun to add a little estrogen to the mix....

I've gotta vote for my GB Ripley

My thinking is that we should let Ripley and Gotz in since most of you know that from the Dugout FBL. So it comes down to my friend Art or Jeff's wife.

Gotz and Ripley.... welcome to the Dugout FFL!

Happy Day!
Thanks, I love playing with this bunch. The season is always a challenge.
Great to be aboard.

Welcome aboard guys. Good luck in the race for 2nd.

Dave, no offense to your GB, but I've gotta cast a vote for Mrs. Doc - hasn't she helped us out time after time calling in picks and such for the good doctor?

Thank you very much. Its an honor just to be nominated. I'd like to thank my agent and my manager and my press agent and my parents and my dog...

You don't have a dog

Maybe he meant you! Because he is your master and his team is going to beat you down when you play is squad.... right Ripley?? [Best Jon Lovitz voice} Yeah... yeah.. that's what I meant...

:defendingchampion:

I thought this was obvious

Hey, have dog can find a bone once and awhile. With LT as the cornerstone of you team, you were off to a good start last year, without doing a thing!!

It will be a fun season to see who original owners get bested by their friends / wife this year....

Old / New

Torn / RuCrazy
Smackdown / Gotz
Proninja / Ripley
tx082 / Westex

Should be some fun smack talking amongst the old guard vs. the newbies....

Take away LT and I still have a pretty good playoffs with Taylor, Moss, Wayne, Holt, Jennings, Hass, etc

I know you had a strong team last year... I am just enjoying yanking your chain a little get a raise out of you, which must be working....

Hey guys!
.
.
.
and girl! (Hi Amber!)

Glad to see things are moving along so well (sniff).

I am glad I made the decision to bow out...I can barely keep up with everything that is going on!

I will check in on August 27th, after the Primary vote on the 26th and let you know how things went.

I must confess, my fantasy football days were very good training for political campainging! You must be secretive, operate in stealth mode, and take advantage of your matchups! Oh, and alwasy play your studs!

On a football note, I am very sad to see Jerry Porter have hamstring surgery. He was due for the breakthrough year.

Here are my tips!

Get Garrard late as you starting QB...

Do not forget Freddy T. He will still be productive as a #3 RB.

With Porter slow to start the season, look for Marcedes Lewis to pick up the slack.

Matt Jones is toast and will likely be released...do not waste a roster spot.

There is some TE in Oakland that has a great relationship with Jamarcus...take a flyer on him. (Zach Miller)

I am out of the loop, except for Jaguar news, so take it for what it is worth.

Have a great year, I will be checking in!

Andy

I am having withdrawal pains...

Same here but I think its the draft I miss the most. That's the most exciting part of the season for me.

Glad I was replaced by a girl named Amber. My girl who turns 1 this weekend is named Amber so I'd say that means she's a lock to take home the trophy.

Yep, I love the draft prep and draft day anxiety!

I would love to do a post draft analysis, but I don't even have enough data compiled to perform a thorough review.

Good luck to all!