Before we get to the information about the cuts, we’ve got a brief commercial interruption.  As reported in earlier messages, all CFCL fees must be paid by the time your cuts are received.  So if you haven't sent in a check yet PLEASE be sure to do so before the 28th.

I’ve already received payment from Jason, Rich, and Teddy – thanks for being proactive, guys!

As a reminder, the fees are $100 per team this year, which covers stat service, trophy, the banquet, and prizes.

Make checks out to David Mahlan and send them to:
                  David Mahlan
                  1431 Palmer
                  Downers Grove, IL  60516

Those of you out there who have (or want to sign up for) Paypal accounts can send me your fee payment via e-mail.  EXTREMELY IMPORTANT NOTE:  I do not have a Paypal account, so Paypal will have to cut a check and mail it to me to cover your fees.  There’s a $1.50 per check charge for this service, which you’ll need to reimburse me for – I’m willing to make that payment option available, but I don’t want to be the one paying for it.  If you’re going to go the Paypal route, please send a payment of $101.50 to [email protected]. 

We now return to our regularly-scheduled report.

The roster cut sheets are (I think) fairly self-explanatory, and everyone’s been through the process at least once, so I won’t go into a lot of detail about how to fill out the form.  However, there are a number of things you should be careful to keep in mind when making your cuts.  I’ve compiled those reminders and a number of other details into a separate document I creatively titled Roster Cut Instructions.

For old pros and young renegades alike, the temptation will be to dive right in to your cuts, but I encourage everyone to at least take a quick glance at the instructions so you’re aware of all the requirements and implications of your decisions.

When you e-mail your cuts, make sure you put ROSTER CUTS in the subject line – that way I will know not to open your message until I’ve submitted my cuts to Rich.

Send in your cuts as soon as possible.  I have to have them by MARCH 28 or we'll make your cuts for you.  As a reminder, your cuts are considered final as of the time you send them – that means no trades are allowed between MARCH 28 and the end of the Draft.  Once you mail in your cuts, your roster is frozen, so if you’re working on any last-minute blockbusters, make sure they’re completed and noted on your roster cut sheet before you send it.

Once protected lists have been submitted, they cannot be changed, even for moving players between Active and Reserve Lists.  EXCEPTION:  Changes may be made at the Draft ONLY to reserve players who were sent to the minors or placed on the DL between the time cuts were submitted and the start of the Draft.  You cannot move players from your Reserve List to your Active Roster after your cuts are submitted.

Draft Day (April 3) is the day before Opening Day, so the official National League rosters probably won't be set before the Draft.  Every team will probably have a few borderline players who still might get sent down to the minors before Opening Day. 

Remember, you can download the 2005 Spring Training Rosters from the Download Center. This spreadsheet has up-to-date information about which players have been sent down by their NL team. 

An important note to keep in mind about Draft Day 2005:  Sunday April 3 is the day we turn clocks ahead one hour, so remember to adjust your alarm clock before drifting off to sleep on Draft Day Eve.  Yes, this means you'll lose one hour of sleep (or Draft Prep) the night before the Draft, but be sure you don't show up at 8:35 thinking it's 7:30.  You've been warned!

Based on the final 2004 standings and point totals, here are the teams that will receive a Hometown Discount Budget, the amount of their budget, and the players who are eligible for a discount.

Record Book