| Why are you playing fantasy sports? Is it for | | | | 2. They focused on one particular stat |
| recreation or is it because you enjoy competition? | | | | Guys that focus on power are usually strong in |
| If you fall under the first category then this article | | | | RBIs and HR, but weak in AVG, Hits and SBs. |
| really isn't for you. | | | | They also struggle with long droughts at the plate. |
| I play to win and I have won quite a few times. | | | | (a no-no in a heads up league) |
| So here are 10 strategies that I apply when I am | | | | Guys that focus on speed end up being strong in |
| drafting. | | | | SBs and Average but are not competitive in HR |
| 1. Know Your League Settings | | | | and RBI. |
| I know this one seems obvious, but it is very | | | | It is fine to be strong in one particular stat as long |
| important. What are your leagues settings and | | | | as you are not punting 3 or 4 stats to be strong |
| how will that effect your draft. Is your team a | | | | in them. |
| roto league or is is a head to head league. Each | | | | 7. Don't be a Robot |
| format requires different players. In roto leagues | | | | This strategy has won me more league than any |
| consistency is important, but as long as their stats | | | | other strategy. Think differently from the rest of |
| work out in the end then it's all good. Whereas an | | | | the owners. I won't get into too much detail |
| inconsistent player in a heads up league may cost | | | | because I am going to write about this strategy |
| you a few wins. | | | | exclusively so just remember the concept. |
| What stats are being used to keep score? Why | | | | 8. Be Able to Adjust |
| don't owners know this? It is inexcusable to be | | | | Rarely does a draft go the way you want it to, |
| clueless. This determines the value of a player in a | | | | actually it never does. It would be great to end up |
| particular league. A guy like Todd Helton in a | | | | with 5 studs on your team, but there is a |
| league that has Avg. OBP. SLG. and OPS is a 4 | | | | problem with that thinking...everyone else has to |
| stat stud where if he was in a traditional league | | | | draft too. There are going to be guys that get |
| he would be a bottom tier 1st baseman. | | | | drafted earlier than you had them going and it |
| KNOW YOUR SETTINGS! | | | | messes with you rankings. Let it go and stay |
| 2. Research | | | | focused. You should be able to make adjustments |
| If you want to do well at a fantasy baseball draft | | | | quickly because you have researched the players. |
| then you have to research a little bit. You don't | | | | 9. Think Ahead |
| have to be obsessed like I am and look at | | | | This is a strategy that is not for the weak at |
| obscure stats, but you do need to do some. | | | | heart. I occasionally will draft 2 guys back to back |
| When you get into the late rounds you will be | | | | that play the same position. I know that sounds |
| shooting in the dark if you have not done | | | | stupid, especially when I do it in the early rounds, |
| adequate research. | | | | but it works if you do it right. |
| 3. Don't be afraid to reach for players | | | | If you are really strong at a shallow position then |
| Many times an owner will be afraid to reach on a | | | | you can use that as leverage in a trade. |
| player because the other owners will criticize him | | | | This is what I did last season: |
| for it. Well often it is the guy that reaches for a | | | | I drafted Utley in the 1st round and then Phillips in |
| player that will end up winning the league. Those | | | | the 5th. 2 of my first 5 picks were spent on 2B. I |
| who reached for Miguel Cabrera in 05 most likely | | | | then turned around and traded Utley for Hanley |
| won their leagues and the same is true for those | | | | Ramirez and a throw in. |
| who reached for Prince Fielder last year. So blow | | | | At that point I had a great SS and a great 2B. |
| off the critics and draft your team, not theirs. | | | | Han-Ram was draft in the 2nd round and ended |
| 4. Don't draft a closer until late | | | | up being the best SS last season. Brandon Phillips |
| Don't make the mistake of spending a 4th round | | | | was the best 2B last season. I could have never |
| pick on a closer. You can find efficient closers late | | | | acquired a team like that without thinking ahead. |
| in the draft or on the waiver wire. Last year | | | | 10. Be Realistic |
| there were over 50 closers that compiled more | | | | You can't win a league through the draft alone so |
| than 10 saves. I actually never draft a closer. | | | | don't be hard on yourself when one players don't |
| Usually I will scoop up a closer off of waivers and | | | | work out the way you planned. Everybody has |
| do just fine with them. It is only one stat so I | | | | one or two of those guys. Try your best to |
| don't believe you should overemphasize it. | | | | stockpile talent to trade away and don't be afraid |
| 5. Draft for consistency | | | | to make the trades either. Not only is this unwise |
| I prefer consistency over one stat studs. I am | | | | but it is no fun at all. |
| always looking for a guy who bats around .300 | | | | Usually the 4th or 5th place teams never make a |
| and scores runs and steals about 10 bases. | | | | trade during the season. They laugh at the 11th |
| Consistency makes you a 5 stat threat. | | | | and 12th place teams that made the bad trade |
| 6. Avoid focusing on one stat | | | | and that is there reason why they play it safe. Of |
| If you take a look at the bottom dwellers in a | | | | course they ignore the fact that the 1st and 2nd |
| league they usually are great in one or two stats | | | | place winners made trades that made them |
| and absolutely horrible in the rest. This happens | | | | champion. |
| for 2 reasons: | | | | Nobody remembers who finished in the middle of |
| 1. They were clueless at the draft | | | | the pack. |