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Post by ThugSuperstar on Feb 17, 2006 0:50:22 GMT -5
Yeah...I'm doing a free fantasy baseball league for the first time this year, and I needed some help/ tips on what to do. I have a general idea of how to run it, but I needed some extra help. 1. I know that you're supposed to draft guys with big bats like A-Rod, Vlad, Ortiz, etc. but what about pitchers? How many pitchers should you draft and in what rounds should you begin drafting them? 2. Am I supposed to draft at least one player for each position (1 SS, 3 OF, 1 3B, etc.)? 3. Do things count, such as playing in the field rather than being a DH? If so, is it better to stay away from drafting guys like Ortiz, who will play a majority of the time at DH for the season? 4. When you do draft pitchers, is it better to draft someone like Johan Santana, rather than Mariano Rivera? Is it advised to draft closers or go after starters? 5. Who are your top-5 guys that you would recommend trying to draft, just so I can get a general idea of how it works? Thanks a ton for any help, guys. Remember, I'm a rookie at all of this, so don't be too harsh.  BTW, in my league, scoring is head-to-head. |
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Post by bjd on Feb 17, 2006 1:09:56 GMT -5
1. It depends on the pitcher. Big time starting pitchers go early... expect the Pedros, Johnsons, Santanas, Halladays, etc to go early. The hardest positions to fill are catcher, shortstop, second base, and starting pitcher. There are many good first basemen, third basemen, outfielders, etc.
2. It depends on the league. If you're doing Yahoo its usually C, 1B, 2B, SS, 3B, OF, OF, OF, Utility(any position, basically DH). The number of pitchers differentiates depending on the league
3. Again, it depends on the league. Fielding doesn't count positively, but errors count against you in some leagues.
4. You want to have some closers. The lack of closers has killed me in past leagues. I actually find closers more valuable, as there will only be 25 guys or so racking up a decent amount of saves. Starting pitchers can be had easily... try finding diamonds in the rough. Build around lower level guys on winning teams... Matt Clement, Shawn Chacon, Chien Ming Wang, Steve Trachsel, Joe Blanton, Esteban Loaiza, Jeff Weaver. Not big time pitchers, but their teams will win enough games where if they stay healthy, they'll get you something positive. Of course, it helps to have one or two aces to fall back on.
5. My top five are:
1. Alex Rodriguez
2. Albert Pujols
3. David Ortiz/Manny Ramirez(I think with Manny's behavior, Ortiz is a safer pick)
4. Derrek Lee
5. Bobby Abreu
Then there are guys like a Jorge Cantu who quietly had a big year, who you can get in lower rounds, who could give you huge production.
You can't be afraid to take risks on some "sleeper" picks, but don't go overboard.
Like this year, Carl Pavano is a major sleeper... he is certainly worth a low round pick, depending on how far he slips
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Post by ThugSuperstar on Feb 17, 2006 11:46:10 GMT -5
Alright, thanks a ton for the help, man. The league I'm doing is through Yahoo, BTW.
Two more questions...
1. How many closers do you recommend having on your team?
2. Assuming that I draft someone like Ortiz, A-Rod, or Vlad in the 1st round, does it then make sense to go after a pitcher in the second round?
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Post by bjd on Feb 17, 2006 16:50:25 GMT -5
if you can get three closers, I'd do it. Saves are usually a stat I find myself falling behind in.
I usually draft a positional player first, then a top SP.
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Post by taker1 on Feb 17, 2006 17:02:53 GMT -5
I just had my fantasy draft last night, and I focused mainly on pitching. Did get a few good bats, but nothing huge. Wright, Sizemore, & Konerko were my best. I would try to draft at least a few good pitchers.. My pitching is beast. Pedro, Lackey, Zito, Mulder, Wakefield, Brandon McCarthy, Hayden Penn, Timlin, Cordero, Seo.  |
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Post by Kliff and the Brewers on Feb 22, 2006 18:23:23 GMT -5
Last year pre all star break I picked up Derrik Turnbow who was a no name untill he chalked up 39 saves. Hes still a no name to many. I also grabbed Chris Capuano whom ended up with 18 wins.
A few good sleepers from Milwaukee this year and Rickie Weeks and Prince Fielder. Weeks had 17 or so home runs in 350 at bats last year, hes the starter this year and could put up close to 30 if he stays healthy. Prince Fielder is the son of Cecil and is the new starting first baseman, he could put up big numbers also.
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Post by Jean-Ralphio on Feb 22, 2006 18:44:17 GMT -5
Closers come and go, they pop up and drop weekly so I would draft 2 solid ones, and take a flyer on another one. Then Wait and see
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