FIRST PITCH ARIZONA
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2009
12:35 PM: Ballgames for early arrivals (on your own)
Peoria Javelinas @ Mesa Solar Sox
(HoHokam Park)
Surprise Rafters @ Scottsdale Scorpions
(Scottsdale Stadium)
Phoenix Desert Dogs @ Peoria Saguaros
(Peoria Sports Complex)
6:00 PM: Welcome Reception
Our annual ice-breaker... For first-timers, a chance to meet the speakers and fellow attendees. For our returnees, your chance to reconnect with old friends. Enjoy free hors d'oeuvres and cash bar.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2009
8:00 AM: Introductions and Welcome
RON SHANDLER, Baseball HQ
8:30 AM: Arizona Fall League Scouting Report
JASON GREY, ESPN
KIMBALL CROSSLEY, Toronto Blue Jays (left)
Find out about the players you need to watch at the parks this weekend, with insightful, multi-media scouting reports. Jason and Kimball will highlight the most upwardly mobile prospects in this annual rapid-fire session to kick things off.
9:30 AM: Break
9:45 AM: The Great Debates
This brand new First Pitch event pits the experts against each other in a series of six debates over the three days. The topics are issues that fantasy leaguers grapple with. It's your chance to get a variety of opinions, some interaction and entertainment.
#1: Regarding player performance analysis and fantasy strategy...
A. there is still untapped research that can provide an edge in our leagues.
TODD ZOLA, Mastersball.com
B. there are no more LIMA Plans out there.
RON SHANDLER, Baseball HQ
#2: Catchers are the last of the truly scarce positions...
A: and you need to roster one of the best.
JEFF ERICKSON, Rotowire
B: but you can get away with lesser-valued backstops.
TRISTAN COCKCROFT, ESPN.com
10:45 AM: Squeezing Value out of the Top 10
JOHN SICKELS, Minorleagueball.com
JASON GREY, ESPN.com
ROB GORDON, Baseball HQ
MODERATOR: Jock Thompson
A scan of the Top 10 prospects over this past decade reveals several who hit the ground running (Evan Longoria, Prince Fielder, Mark Teixeira), many who took some time to reach their potential (Brandon Phillips, Jose Reyes, Zach Greinke, Felix Hernandez) and many more who have yet to meet expectations (Delmon Young, Alex Gordon, Phil Hughes). Which players in this last group still have some chance at future success, and who among the class of 2010 and 2011 have the best odds to be in the "hit the ground running" group?
Noon: Barbecue at the Ballpark
Join us before the afternoon ballgame at Phoenix Municipal Stadium for chicken, ribs and all the fixins'. Each table will be designated for a different fantasy format... Rotisserie, Strat-O-Matic, Scoresheet, APBA, Challenge games, NFBC and more, so grab a seat at a table where you have the most interest. Or sit at a table where you want to find out about a new game you'd like to learn.
*Scottsdale Scorpions @ Phoenix Desert Dogs
(Phoenix Municipal Stadium)
Mesa Solar Sox @ Surprise Rafters
(Surprise Stadium)
12:35 PM: Breakouts at the Ballpark
Watch the game with one or more of our minor league experts. See the action through their eyes as you follow along with every pitch. Each expert will be sitting in a different section at the ballpark. Spend the whole game with one, or visit with several. You set your own agenda.
Also... All conference speakers will be in the stands at all the ballgames. If you have a question about anything, feel free to grab a seat and bend their ear.
3-6 PM: 8th Annual Xperts Fantasy League (XFL) Draft
Jeff Winick, Brian Feldman, Alex Patton/Peter Kreutzer
Perry Van Hook, Trace Wood, John Menna, Rick Wilton
Doug Dennis, Todd Zola, Brian Walton, Greg Ambrosius
Ron Shandler, Don Drooker, Steve Moyer, Lawr Michaels
Join the grandmasters of the fantasy baseball industry for the XFL's eighth annual keeper league auction. Following the draft, join the group for a post-mortem as they reveal their strategies, discuss how the draft went, and answer your questions.
4-5 PM: Gaming and Roster Analysis forum
Discuss strategy! Have your fantasy roster analyzed! Whether you play Rotisserie, Scoresheet, Strat-O-Matic, or any of a host of alternative games, Baseball HQ analysts and other experts will be available to help you position your team for contention.
6:35 PM: AFL ballgame
*Peoria Saguaros @ Peoria Javelinas (Peoria Sports Complex)
* Symposium attendee game
NOTE: SCHEDULE IS PRELIMINARY AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
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