In the middle of the draft Albert lost his 3rd pick, pitcher
John Smoltz. Mimicking certain unnamed owenrs from previous
years he announced that he would not be making any bets due to
his misfortune.

Andy replied with something. Al replied with something else.
And then Andy posted this classic about our "group responsibilities":


Al,
    You misunderstand my most recent missive.
    I was not "begging" for a wager with you.  Wagering is a personal choice
and clearly not a requirement for participation in Cyberzahm's Rotobaseball
League.
    However.
    Given the rich history of our group participation and friendly bantering
over which is the better team, and given the economic prosperity that you
have enjoyed at the expense of your lesser opponents in past years, I
thought it would be only sporting that you would look upon the unfortunate
loss of Mr. Smoltz as merely one more obstacle for you to overcome in your
fight to be champion, an obstacle which clearly was within the bounds of
your capabilities to handle.
    I think Mag's note regarding his handling of similar injuries in the
past is a point well noted.  No one should expect to pick a team, put it on
cruise control and coast to victory.  If such a strategy were possible, it
would lessen the enjoyment of this group activity.  And it is the interplay
of that dynamic group activity which makes this league so very worthwhile.
Gambling, while certainly not required, is the thread which tightens up the
bonds we cherish so much.  It makes it matter just a little more "for the
fun of it".
    Then again, I understand your current economic and career hiatus.  If
funds are a little short, you don't have to be so proud.  Just admit that
you can't afford the high stakes of a $20 team wager or a $5 category wager
and no one will think less of you for it.  We could play for $1 or 1 cent or
for "funsies", but we certainly do expect you to play and not roll over like
the mangy mutt who would offer: "I can't win, I lost a pitcher, I don't want
to bet."

Your Pal,
Andy