Welcome back to the 2015 Last Word on Fantasy Baseball Guide. Over the next several months we will be releasing player profiles, projections, position rankings, and a number of other articles that will help you dominate your fantasy league this season. Whether you play rotisserie or head-to-head; whether you have a standard draft, a snake or an auction league, and whether its keeper league or a one-year deal; we have all the fantasy information you need.
For the rest of our fantasy baseball profiles and articles, please check out our Fantasy Baseball Guide Page.
DRAFT FOR FANTASY SUCCESS
Draft for Fantasy Success is the second of a three article series on Fantasy Baseball success. The first article, entitled “Fantasy Draft Preparation” was published on February 3rd.
Before the draft begins, it is important to make sure you understand the logistics of your draft. If you are drafting online, make sure you can get on the draft website and are able to maneuver through the available draft tools. The day of the draft, make sure you are on a computer that has reliable internet access. While my preferred method of drafting is in person, more and more leagues are available with online drafting.
When drafting in person, especially at a location that is new, it is important to scout out the location. If you rely upon internet access during your draft, make sure the location has wireless access and that the wireless access can handle the number of people wishing to log on. If you are using a computer, make sure you have an extension cord and your location in the room can access a power outlet. Even though I rely on the computer more and more at each draft, I ALWAYS have paper back up of cheat sheets, previous year statistics, projections, keeper lists and any other information I might need if my computer crashes. Know the plans for food and restroom breaks if it is a long draft or auction.
I like to participate in drafts with a partner if possible. Even if a person does not have a stake in the team, having a second pair of eyes and hands at the draft is helpful. When a partner and I work together, we make sure we have crossed selections off as they are made and help keep an eye on dollar amounts in auction leagues. This will better position you to know who is left and make the best selections.
Below are some general fantasy tips and well as tips specific to an auction.
GENERAL FANTASY TIPS – MY STRATEGIES
1) Have a plan – for instance, in my first seven picks I plan to have a top tier reliever (round 4 or 5), a top tier starter (round 2 or 3), a second tier starter (round 6 or 7) and four hitters.
2) A mistake in the first four picks is harder to overcome than a mistake later in the draft.
3) When in doubt, select young (25 to 29) and healthy players guaranteed of playing time.
4) When in doubt: AL hitters, NL pitchers.
5) Be knowledgeable of park and/or league changes – see Michael Cuddyer!!
6) As the draft continues, position scarcity becomes more and more important.
7) Never punt a category at the draft – as the season progresses, this can change.
8) Regardless of what people will say, the last four or five picks can make a difference.
AUCTION TIPS
1) Have the discipline to walk away. If you get in a bidding war on one of your favorite players, have an idea before the bidding starts how much you are willing to bid. There is nothing wrong with putting your ego away to keep from overbidding for a players.
2) Know who you are bidding against – know how much money they have available and how many players they still need.
3) Local favorites are often overvalued!!
4) Save some money. Many bargains are available late in the draft to those who have money left.
5) Do not save too much money. You do not get bonus points for having money left at the end of the draft. Items 4 and 5 are a balancing act.
For the rest of our fantasy baseball profiles and articles, please check out ourFantasy Baseball Guide Page.
Do you play DFS? If you do try Fantasy Draft!!
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