[DragonFly]

NOTE: I could use your insights as to whether something like this could work, and how it might be improved, thanks.

I read “The BigSoccer American Draft” thread on the US Mens board and had 2 basic issues: No scoring system; a max of 16 people involved.

So I came up with another idea: an open draft (pick your best 11) using a salary cap.

Questions: 1) Would this type of system work, or how could it be improved? 2) Any better ideas on how to categorize the players in the 3 price brackets

Overview:
Choose 11 players (fitting a 3-5-2 or 4-4-2 formation) using a $23 salary cap. Whomever accumulates the most points by the end of World Cup ’06 would win.

Scoring:
3 Points: Starts in a USMNT Game
2 Points: Comes in off the bench in a USMNT Game
1 Point: USMNT Camp Call-up

Scope: USMNT Games (Friendlies, World Cup Qualifiers & World Cup Games) between now and the end of WC’06.

Pick your Best 11; Salary Cap of $23
$3: Probable USMNT Player(??)
$2: Possible USMNT Player(??)
$1: Unlikely USMNT Player(??)

Here’s my initial thinking on Player Prices:

$3 (USMNT Regulars, probable WCQ call-ups)
Donovan, Reyna, JOB, Pope, Boca, E. Lewis, Armas, Beasley, Dolo, Gibbs. Wolff, Convey, Mulrooney, Mastro, Hedjuk, Sanneh, Keller, Freidel, Howard, Mathis, etc.

$2 (USMNT fringe players for upcoming cycle)
Agoos. Cobi. Ralston, Klein, Casey, Twellman, Olsen, Adu, Curtin, Garcia, Califf, Albright, A. Brown, Vanney, Buddle, Gray, Barrett, Zavagnin, Martino, Kirovski, etc.

$1 (Unlikely/Infrequent USMNT Friendly Players)
Noonan, Countess, Setezla, Gooch, Yi, Mullan, Cooper, Noonan, Suarez, Gaven, Mapp, Clark, Beckerman, etc.

Thoughts/feedback on if this could work, or how to improve it? thanks.

[beineke]

Great idea! Personally, I'd love to participate in a game like this. Thoughts ...

Scope

I'd prefer if the points are awarded for World Cup-related games only. Friendly appearances have less to do with a player's ability than his availability.

Bonus points
Goal scored: 2
Assist: 1 (not sure where to get official assists)
Keeper shutout: 2
Defender shutout: 1
Red card, PK conceded, own goal: -1

Formation

I'd prefer if more creative line-ups were allowed, basically 3-5 defenders, 3-5 midfielders, 1-3 forwards (sorry, 4-2-4!). At the same time, I would limit each player to a single position, so a guy like John O'Brien would only be available as a midfielder.

List of Players

Voros has been maintaining lists of players and prospects, so he might be a good resource.

Dollar values

The way to get this right is trial and error. I'd propose that you make up prices (and player positions) and operate a "trial run" game among a small group of people. To give the trial participants an incentive to choose wisely, you should offer to keep score for the trial game, as well. If you're planning to run a big game, anyway, this wouldn't be much extra work.

Judging by how often players are selected in the trial game, you can adjust their prices. My suspicion is that Donovan and Bocanegra will need to cost $4 or $5, while it might be fun to have a $0 category for longshots and "fill-in-the-blank" players.

Roster Changes

Not sure if or when they should be allowed, but I'd like to see them tightly restricted.

Technical Skill

Frankly, the USSF should make this into an official game. Since that's unlikely to happen, maybe the MFLS people would be willing to help out. Of course, then they would probably take control of the rules.