In the first part of our outfielder tiers we looked at the first two tiers of fantasy baseball outfielders. These guys will all be gone before the end of the 5th round. You should make it a point to grab at least one from the first two tiers. After that the 3rd tier is fairly deep but has plenty of upside. You should be able to wait well into the 6th round before grabbing one of these guys.
Tier 3.
11. Jason Bay. (32/110/105/.290/5)
After getting traded to the Red Sox last year Bay tore it up! He was great, some feel this is because he got traded straight across (pretty much) for one of the greatest hitters of all time, Manny. Look for more RBI's this year and a few more HR's. If you can get him after round 6 then be happy!
12. Carlos Quentin. (34/100/100/.280/8)
Everyone and there mother is big on Carlos in fantasy baseball 2009. I am not a believer just yet. He is a great choice for your #2 outfielder but don't expect him to carry your team.
13. Vladimir Guerro. (24/90/80/.295/1)
Age. It finally is catching up to him. Look for Vlad to be a consistent 25 HR's and 90 RBI's.
14. Alex Rios. (22/85/105/.295/30)
This guy exploded last year. A 20/20 candidate that will hit around .300. Sign me up! Rios will be a five toll fantasy contributor for years to come.
15. Curtis Granderson. (25/75/110/.275/15)
He plays for the tigers and if you have not figured it out yet i am big on the tigers offense scoring 1000 runs this year.
16. Nate McLouth. (24/90/100/.275/25)
Nate had an Unbelievable first half. It was so unbelievable he couldn't continue on that pace. However look for Nate to start of the same way during this fantasy baseball season. If he gets hot, trade him.
17. Carlos Lee. (28/100/85/.295/3)
30 homerun potential this late, go for it! Don't forget the guarantee of 100 RBI's. Lee will make a great #2 outfielder in 2009.
18. Ichiro Suzuki. (5/50/105/.300/45)
He used to be in the top 10, but why? Ichiro is a one trick pony. If you need steals I suggest you look somewhere else, like maybe Jacoby?
19. Jacoby Ellsbury. (12/55/105/.280/55)
He wont have to share time with Coco this year. Look for Ellsbury to improve his 2008 stats. I see a lot of upside with Jacoby.
20. Bobby Abreu. (17/100/100/.300/15)
A 20/20 candidate. Not much upside here but a consistent ball player. He also got moved to the angels which have a great offense this year.
That is the end of the 3rd tier for fantasy baseball outfielders in 2009. The next tier of Outfielders are great sleeper candidates. You may be able to find a few #2 outfielders in my list.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Outfielder Tier Rankings part 1
The outfield position in fantasy baseball has always been one that was known as deep. However in fantasy baseball season 2009 the outfield position is anything but deep. Since every team has to start three outfielders it is a great strategy to grab two great ones early and have two every day players that will contribute on a daily basis. The top tier of outfielders in 2009 are 5 tool contributors and will most likely all be gone before the end of the second round. Having at least one super star outfielder will be essential to winning your fantasy baseball league. I have found that using a tier ranking system for ranking outfielders is the only way to go. Since you will be looking to grab an outfielder in each tier you will have an easy to look at picture of where to draft your outfielders. Here are my fantasy baseball 2009 tier rankings for outfielders. Projected stats are formatted: (HR/RBI/R/AVG/SB)
Tier 1.
This tier consists of the five tool studs. look to get one of these guys in the first round if you find it necessary. However waiting to the 2nd tier could be a strategy that pays off.
1. Grady Sizemore. (35/85/117/.280/40)
This will be Grady's break out year. Yes he has been great in the past, however he will improve on his impressive stats from 2008. He will be a great asset to your fantasy baseball outfield. Look for Sizemore to be gone before the first ten picks.
2. Matt Holliday. ( 24/105/102/.315/25)
Matt Holiday drops to the 2nd best outfielder with his move to Oakland. His numbers will drop but not by to much. Make not guesses about it, this guy is a stud! He will contribute in all 5 categories and has the chance to go 30/30. There is no chance that he doesn't get 100 runs and 100 RBI's, draft Holiday and be happy.
3. Ryan Braun. (33/108/90/.275/15)
His monster numbers will come down a bit, but still look for this guy to be one of the fantasy elite. Look for this guy to be a big time contributor to fantasy teams for the next few years.
4. Josh Hamilton. (30/120/100/.298/10)
This guy exploded on to the scene last year. He was un-believable. Un-drafted at the beginning of the season whomever picked him up in 2008 probably had a good chance of winning there fantasy baseball league. This guy will go drafted this year, in fact in many drafts he is going in the first round. If you want to take a chance here is your guy.
That is it for tier 1 of outfielders. Those are the guys that will be going very early in the draft. However don't worry there are still a few great bargains to be found at the outfield position in 2009. The second tier of outfielders is full of fantasy potential.
Tier 2.
5. Carlos Beltran. (24/105/100/.275/20)
Beltran used to be a fantasy stud. Now at the ripe age of 32 he is well past his prime. Look for his numbers to drop, but no lower than what I have projected. Look to steal Beltran in the late 2nd round or early third, either way he is a bargain.
6. Manny Ramirez. (38/115/100/.320/2)
If he ever signs he will be amazing. When he does sign a contract it will most likely be a for an insane about of money and he will surely have to prove his worth. If he goes to the Dodgers look for Manny to feel like the star and try to carry them on his back.
7. Lance Berkman. (30/110/98/.300/15)
Lance will still qualify in the OF for many leagues. Lance was a fantasy god in the first half of 2009. However after the all star break, he well took a break. If you have Lance this year get rid of him as soon as he goes on a streak.
8. Alfonso Soriano. (35/85/100/.275/22)
How does everyone forget about this guy? I have seen him fall past the 5th round in some mock drafts, I just don't get it. If he falls late snatch him up and have an outfielder that is capable of going 30/30.
9. Adam Dunn. (37/100/90/.240/2)
We all know what we will get with Dunn. He will hit about 40 HR's and get 100 RBI's. Don't expect more.
10. Nick Markakis. (25/100/90/.305/10)
So much potential with this pick. Try to get him late in the 5th round and you will not regret it. He has a lot of upside unlike most of the outfielders you can draft in the 3rd tier of fantasy baseball outfielders.
That ends the first section of my outfielder tiers. Look for me to continue soon with the 3rd tier of fantasy baseball outfielders.
Tier 1.
This tier consists of the five tool studs. look to get one of these guys in the first round if you find it necessary. However waiting to the 2nd tier could be a strategy that pays off.
1. Grady Sizemore. (35/85/117/.280/40)
This will be Grady's break out year. Yes he has been great in the past, however he will improve on his impressive stats from 2008. He will be a great asset to your fantasy baseball outfield. Look for Sizemore to be gone before the first ten picks.
2. Matt Holliday. ( 24/105/102/.315/25)
Matt Holiday drops to the 2nd best outfielder with his move to Oakland. His numbers will drop but not by to much. Make not guesses about it, this guy is a stud! He will contribute in all 5 categories and has the chance to go 30/30. There is no chance that he doesn't get 100 runs and 100 RBI's, draft Holiday and be happy.
3. Ryan Braun. (33/108/90/.275/15)
His monster numbers will come down a bit, but still look for this guy to be one of the fantasy elite. Look for this guy to be a big time contributor to fantasy teams for the next few years.
4. Josh Hamilton. (30/120/100/.298/10)
This guy exploded on to the scene last year. He was un-believable. Un-drafted at the beginning of the season whomever picked him up in 2008 probably had a good chance of winning there fantasy baseball league. This guy will go drafted this year, in fact in many drafts he is going in the first round. If you want to take a chance here is your guy.
That is it for tier 1 of outfielders. Those are the guys that will be going very early in the draft. However don't worry there are still a few great bargains to be found at the outfield position in 2009. The second tier of outfielders is full of fantasy potential.
Tier 2.
5. Carlos Beltran. (24/105/100/.275/20)
Beltran used to be a fantasy stud. Now at the ripe age of 32 he is well past his prime. Look for his numbers to drop, but no lower than what I have projected. Look to steal Beltran in the late 2nd round or early third, either way he is a bargain.
6. Manny Ramirez. (38/115/100/.320/2)
If he ever signs he will be amazing. When he does sign a contract it will most likely be a for an insane about of money and he will surely have to prove his worth. If he goes to the Dodgers look for Manny to feel like the star and try to carry them on his back.
7. Lance Berkman. (30/110/98/.300/15)
Lance will still qualify in the OF for many leagues. Lance was a fantasy god in the first half of 2009. However after the all star break, he well took a break. If you have Lance this year get rid of him as soon as he goes on a streak.
8. Alfonso Soriano. (35/85/100/.275/22)
How does everyone forget about this guy? I have seen him fall past the 5th round in some mock drafts, I just don't get it. If he falls late snatch him up and have an outfielder that is capable of going 30/30.
9. Adam Dunn. (37/100/90/.240/2)
We all know what we will get with Dunn. He will hit about 40 HR's and get 100 RBI's. Don't expect more.
10. Nick Markakis. (25/100/90/.305/10)
So much potential with this pick. Try to get him late in the 5th round and you will not regret it. He has a lot of upside unlike most of the outfielders you can draft in the 3rd tier of fantasy baseball outfielders.
That ends the first section of my outfielder tiers. Look for me to continue soon with the 3rd tier of fantasy baseball outfielders.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Quick Fantasy Baseball
Alright lets face it, America loves fantasy baseball. I would have to say almost 40% of Americans play fantasy sports. This number is astronomical when you compare it to other past times. There are many people who play for fun, some that play in competitive leagues and some that play for money. Fantasy baseball is a great way to pass the time and still watch your favorite sport all at the same time. However many people shy away from the ultimate competitive leagues or the money leagues simply because the amount of time that it takes for you to play is substantial. If you want to be competitive it is safe to say that it is in your best interest to put aside about 3 hours each week into doing research and changing your roster. Also looking for trades, and looking for waiver wire steals can take up quite a bit of time as well. Who has this kind of time? Some people do however some do not. If you are one of those people that just don't have the time then may i introduce to you the "quick fantasy baseball league."
This league is something that a few buddies of mine started in college. I went to a college that took up a lot of my time so we didn't have as much time to dedicate to our fantasy sports as we did in high school. Still wanting to play we created quick fantasy baseball. This will be our 4th year of running quick fantasy baseball leagues.
The idea behind quick fantasy baseball or as we have come to call it "quick ball" is to have a league were the competition is fierce however the amount of time it takes to be competitive is far less than a standard fantasy baseball league. We usually also charge were all of the money goes to the top 3 finishers. Having a pool keeps the league ultra competitive throughout the season.
Here are the basic stats we use for each quick ball league. It has to be head to head with 5x5 scoring. you can add categories but we like less is more. we usually have 12-16 teams, any less just doesn't seem to work. You can have more than 16 but we have not tried this. We have always run the leagues on Yahoo. Yahoo has the easiest interface. The draft is always live online snake style. Our roster size and simplicity is what sets this league apart from otter leagues. Here is what our rosters look like in a quick ball league.
Offense: 5 spots
1 - C (catcher)
1 - CI (corner infielder either first base or third base)
1 - MI (Middle infielder either 2nd base or short stop)
1 - OF (Out fielder)
1 - UTIL (utility)
Pitching:
1 - SP (starting pitcher just like a real team each day)
2 - RP (Relief pitcher)
Bench:
5 - B
1 - DL
With only 14 total roster spots the amount of research required to make a team is minimal, however paying attention for a few minutes each day will help you win your league.
Some additional rules that we have added are:
Max moves per week we have set to 2. This keeps people from churning through pitchers
Minimum innings pitched we have set to 21 innings. This is because the first year we did this someone figured that they could just start two closers and win saves, ERA, and whip without worrying about SP. but increasing the maximum innings to 21 this makes someone have a starter for almost every day.
That's the basics. Look back here in a few days to find some great strategies for this kind of Fantasy baseball. And remember that when you are looking for a quicker way to play fantasy baseball try out quick ball.
This league is something that a few buddies of mine started in college. I went to a college that took up a lot of my time so we didn't have as much time to dedicate to our fantasy sports as we did in high school. Still wanting to play we created quick fantasy baseball. This will be our 4th year of running quick fantasy baseball leagues.
The idea behind quick fantasy baseball or as we have come to call it "quick ball" is to have a league were the competition is fierce however the amount of time it takes to be competitive is far less than a standard fantasy baseball league. We usually also charge were all of the money goes to the top 3 finishers. Having a pool keeps the league ultra competitive throughout the season.
Here are the basic stats we use for each quick ball league. It has to be head to head with 5x5 scoring. you can add categories but we like less is more. we usually have 12-16 teams, any less just doesn't seem to work. You can have more than 16 but we have not tried this. We have always run the leagues on Yahoo. Yahoo has the easiest interface. The draft is always live online snake style. Our roster size and simplicity is what sets this league apart from otter leagues. Here is what our rosters look like in a quick ball league.
Offense: 5 spots
1 - C (catcher)
1 - CI (corner infielder either first base or third base)
1 - MI (Middle infielder either 2nd base or short stop)
1 - OF (Out fielder)
1 - UTIL (utility)
Pitching:
1 - SP (starting pitcher just like a real team each day)
2 - RP (Relief pitcher)
Bench:
5 - B
1 - DL
With only 14 total roster spots the amount of research required to make a team is minimal, however paying attention for a few minutes each day will help you win your league.
Some additional rules that we have added are:
Max moves per week we have set to 2. This keeps people from churning through pitchers
Minimum innings pitched we have set to 21 innings. This is because the first year we did this someone figured that they could just start two closers and win saves, ERA, and whip without worrying about SP. but increasing the maximum innings to 21 this makes someone have a starter for almost every day.
That's the basics. Look back here in a few days to find some great strategies for this kind of Fantasy baseball. And remember that when you are looking for a quicker way to play fantasy baseball try out quick ball.
3rd baseman Tier Rankings 2009
Every year in fantasy baseball the 3rd base position has been extremely deep. Not this year. This year 3rd base is one of those positions that position scarcity enthusiasts pay a lot of attention too. If you don't get somebody in the 1st tier then the drop off to tier 2 is quite extreme. Fantasy baseball managers have always been able to wait till the middle rounds to draft a 3rd baseman, however this year if you use this strategy you will end up with a weak player at that position. Here are my 3rd baseman rankings using a tier ranking system. I will rank these players using a basic 5x5 h2h league. Projected fantasy stats will be show like: (HR/RBI/R/AVG/SB)
Tier 1.
This is the best of them. These three fantasy all stars will all be gone before the end of the first round of your fantasy baseball draft. This tier of 3rd baseman are 5 category contributors. If you end up with one of these 3 players you will have a great chance of winning your league.
1. Alex Rodriguez. (44/140/110/.310/20)
Steroids or not this guy is a fantasy stud. Even though he has just been charged with using steroids this guy is the best player to ever play the game. Everyone is protecting him to have a down fantasy season however i am predicting the opposite. Now even A-Rod has something to prove, he needs to prove that he is the best, he needs to show them he is still the best even off the juice. Look for him to be an obvious AL MVP candidate. He could be in a tier all of his own. Ohh yeah and all this is coming from a Red Sox fan, yes that hurts to admit he is the best, but lies wont get you anywhere.
2. David Wright. (30/115/120/.300/17)
The sky is the limit for this kid. He puts up great numbers every year. He is only 26 years off age. Look for him to be gone in the first 5 picks. Yet another 5 category contributor at the hot corner. David wright definitely belongs in the first tier of third baseman.
3. Miguel Cabrera. (42/117/95/.303/2)
Miggy will also have 1st base eligibility making him a great tool for your fantasy baseball team. The last of the "big 3" of third baseman. He has quite a ceiling and could easily top 140 RBI's in the Detroit offense. He is also young making him great in a keeper league.
That's the end of tier 1 for third baseman. This year in fantasy baseball after the first tier there are very few options at 3rd base. Try and use your first pick to get one of these guys or don't even bother. These 3 will carry your offense in many weeks.
Tier 2.
Remember when i said there was an immense drop off, i was not kidding. These guys are scary to draft and a few of them go quite early in the draft. if you must draft one of these guys wait for one that has a history of putting up consistent numbers.
4. Evan Longoria. (30/105/95/.280/10)
This kid tore it up in 2008. He carried the Rays throughout the year. Look for a slight sophomore slump. However he will still be a solid contributor throughout the season. His average is significantly lower than the third baseman in the first tier.
5. Aramis Ramirez. (25/115/100/.295/3)
He seems to be in his prime. Look for him to put up a consistent 25-30 home runs each year. He plays for the cubs so there should be plenty of players on base for him to drive in. look for this kid to go in the 4th round, if he is still there take him and you wont regret it.
6. Chipper Jones. (20/85/90/.320/0)
These number will be put up in about 450 at bats. Look for a back up 3rd baseman to get the other 150 at bats you would get. However this guys when he does play will put up some great numbers. Look out for injuries as they could quickly end his season.
7. Garrett Atkins. (22/95/87/.290/0)
His numbers continue to fall as time goes on. Draft him and expect about these numbers, definitely wont be any higher. If you want a 3rd baseman with no upside than go for it, but i suggest waiting for someone else.
Tier 3.
These guys are better to wait for than wasting an early pick for someone in the second tier. The drop off from tier 2 to tier 3 is not as big. Look for most of these guys to go past the 6th round.
8. Kevin Youkilis. (25/110/100/.285/2)
Kevin is a great fantasy player. He plays every day and plays in a great lineup where mean on base is a site he often sees. Look for him to lower his HR and AVG however he will still get those 100+ RBI's. This guy is great to wait for.
9. Ryan Zimmerman. (25/90/80/.275/1)
He now has another big swinger in Adam Dunn. Look for these two to put up some respectable numbers.
Tier 4.
10. Edwin Encarnacion. (25/75/70/.265/1)
The Reds are good this year? They could be. They have a lot of young talent. Hitting can be contagious and if those young studs around him begin to hit he could as well. Look for my projections to be the floor for him with a lot of upside.
11. Chris Davies. (25/100/75/.270/0)
This is a great sleeper candidate at the 3rd base position. Even though he falls all the way to the 4th tier of third baseman he has a lot of upside. Again this guy like Edwin has quite the ceiling, lets see what they can do!
12. Mark Reynolds. (30/90/80/.245/0)
The Adam Dunn of third baseman. He has amazing RBI potential however his average, well SUCKS. If you draft this guy make sure you have a few guys that can carry you in the average category.
13. Kevin Kouzmanoff. (22/90/70/.255/0)
if you need 25 home runs, then here you go, but don't expect any more than that from him.
14. Alex Gordon. (27/83/80/.275/10)
Still has limitless potential. Look for this to be the year he begins to break out. If you can get this guy after the 15th round, take him and wait and see what happens.
15. Adrian Beltre. (20/80/75/.280/5)
The model consistency. These are the numbers you will get, no more no less. Take him and pencil in the above numbers and move on to your next pick.
That is the end of my third baseman tier rankings for 2009. As you can see the drop off after the first tier is quite substantial. Try to get someone in the first tier, otherwise wait till the later rounds to fill the hot corner position on your roster.
Tier 1.
This is the best of them. These three fantasy all stars will all be gone before the end of the first round of your fantasy baseball draft. This tier of 3rd baseman are 5 category contributors. If you end up with one of these 3 players you will have a great chance of winning your league.
1. Alex Rodriguez. (44/140/110/.310/20)
Steroids or not this guy is a fantasy stud. Even though he has just been charged with using steroids this guy is the best player to ever play the game. Everyone is protecting him to have a down fantasy season however i am predicting the opposite. Now even A-Rod has something to prove, he needs to prove that he is the best, he needs to show them he is still the best even off the juice. Look for him to be an obvious AL MVP candidate. He could be in a tier all of his own. Ohh yeah and all this is coming from a Red Sox fan, yes that hurts to admit he is the best, but lies wont get you anywhere.
2. David Wright. (30/115/120/.300/17)
The sky is the limit for this kid. He puts up great numbers every year. He is only 26 years off age. Look for him to be gone in the first 5 picks. Yet another 5 category contributor at the hot corner. David wright definitely belongs in the first tier of third baseman.
3. Miguel Cabrera. (42/117/95/.303/2)
Miggy will also have 1st base eligibility making him a great tool for your fantasy baseball team. The last of the "big 3" of third baseman. He has quite a ceiling and could easily top 140 RBI's in the Detroit offense. He is also young making him great in a keeper league.
That's the end of tier 1 for third baseman. This year in fantasy baseball after the first tier there are very few options at 3rd base. Try and use your first pick to get one of these guys or don't even bother. These 3 will carry your offense in many weeks.
Tier 2.
Remember when i said there was an immense drop off, i was not kidding. These guys are scary to draft and a few of them go quite early in the draft. if you must draft one of these guys wait for one that has a history of putting up consistent numbers.
4. Evan Longoria. (30/105/95/.280/10)
This kid tore it up in 2008. He carried the Rays throughout the year. Look for a slight sophomore slump. However he will still be a solid contributor throughout the season. His average is significantly lower than the third baseman in the first tier.
5. Aramis Ramirez. (25/115/100/.295/3)
He seems to be in his prime. Look for him to put up a consistent 25-30 home runs each year. He plays for the cubs so there should be plenty of players on base for him to drive in. look for this kid to go in the 4th round, if he is still there take him and you wont regret it.
6. Chipper Jones. (20/85/90/.320/0)
These number will be put up in about 450 at bats. Look for a back up 3rd baseman to get the other 150 at bats you would get. However this guys when he does play will put up some great numbers. Look out for injuries as they could quickly end his season.
7. Garrett Atkins. (22/95/87/.290/0)
His numbers continue to fall as time goes on. Draft him and expect about these numbers, definitely wont be any higher. If you want a 3rd baseman with no upside than go for it, but i suggest waiting for someone else.
Tier 3.
These guys are better to wait for than wasting an early pick for someone in the second tier. The drop off from tier 2 to tier 3 is not as big. Look for most of these guys to go past the 6th round.
8. Kevin Youkilis. (25/110/100/.285/2)
Kevin is a great fantasy player. He plays every day and plays in a great lineup where mean on base is a site he often sees. Look for him to lower his HR and AVG however he will still get those 100+ RBI's. This guy is great to wait for.
9. Ryan Zimmerman. (25/90/80/.275/1)
He now has another big swinger in Adam Dunn. Look for these two to put up some respectable numbers.
Tier 4.
10. Edwin Encarnacion. (25/75/70/.265/1)
The Reds are good this year? They could be. They have a lot of young talent. Hitting can be contagious and if those young studs around him begin to hit he could as well. Look for my projections to be the floor for him with a lot of upside.
11. Chris Davies. (25/100/75/.270/0)
This is a great sleeper candidate at the 3rd base position. Even though he falls all the way to the 4th tier of third baseman he has a lot of upside. Again this guy like Edwin has quite the ceiling, lets see what they can do!
12. Mark Reynolds. (30/90/80/.245/0)
The Adam Dunn of third baseman. He has amazing RBI potential however his average, well SUCKS. If you draft this guy make sure you have a few guys that can carry you in the average category.
13. Kevin Kouzmanoff. (22/90/70/.255/0)
if you need 25 home runs, then here you go, but don't expect any more than that from him.
14. Alex Gordon. (27/83/80/.275/10)
Still has limitless potential. Look for this to be the year he begins to break out. If you can get this guy after the 15th round, take him and wait and see what happens.
15. Adrian Beltre. (20/80/75/.280/5)
The model consistency. These are the numbers you will get, no more no less. Take him and pencil in the above numbers and move on to your next pick.
That is the end of my third baseman tier rankings for 2009. As you can see the drop off after the first tier is quite substantial. Try to get someone in the first tier, otherwise wait till the later rounds to fill the hot corner position on your roster.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
The Importance of pitching in Fantasy baseball
Every year there is always someone in a fantasy baseball league that goes completely against what all the numbers tell him to do and drafts pitching within the first few rounds. If you have more pitchers than batters after round 5 your team will be bad. The theory behind this is that hitters play almost every day while pitchers pitch every fifth day, so there contribution is not as much. Now I think that this strategy holds true for head to head leagues more than roto leagues. In roto leagues you eventually have to win a few of the pitching categories in order to win your league. However in head to head fantasy baseball you need hitters in order to have a chance. If you want to win your head to head fantasy baseball league it is imperative that you wait until at least the 6th round to draft your first pitcher.
If you are drafting a pitcher in the first two rounds of your fantasy baseball draft you are missing out on five tool players. Even the best pitchers only contribute in 4 of the 5 main pitching categories. Your first two draft picks should be the core of your team. These guys should play every day and should be a serious contributor in all categories. Drafting pitchers too early is a risk that any serious manager should avoid. Having a solid ace is necessary but drafting any pitcher n the first few rounds is a wasted pick.
In roto leagues having a stud pitcher that pitches every 5 days is key. However do not waste your first few picks on one of these guys. Look for candidates that could break out. Look at Lincecum last year. He was drafted usually after the 15th round. He is now going in the 2nd round, sometimes before Santana. There will be another Lincecum this year, who will it be? Also there will be contributors that you will be able to pick up off of waivers. Stay active and make sure you give these waiver wire studs a chance. Cliff Lee and Chad Billingsley are just two examples. Wait till the 5th round to draft your first pitcher in a roto league. However do not force this, if there is no one worth taking that early don’t worry there are plenty of guys that will out produce there draft position, you just have to find them.
Having hitters in fantasy baseball is always more important than having a solid pitching staff. A fantasy baseball pitcher does not contribute ever day. Anyone that you spend a first round pick on should contribute on a daily basis. Make sure to check back later for some of my sleeping pitchers. These guys could be the next Lincecum and could be essential to winning your fantasy baseball league.
If you are drafting a pitcher in the first two rounds of your fantasy baseball draft you are missing out on five tool players. Even the best pitchers only contribute in 4 of the 5 main pitching categories. Your first two draft picks should be the core of your team. These guys should play every day and should be a serious contributor in all categories. Drafting pitchers too early is a risk that any serious manager should avoid. Having a solid ace is necessary but drafting any pitcher n the first few rounds is a wasted pick.
In roto leagues having a stud pitcher that pitches every 5 days is key. However do not waste your first few picks on one of these guys. Look for candidates that could break out. Look at Lincecum last year. He was drafted usually after the 15th round. He is now going in the 2nd round, sometimes before Santana. There will be another Lincecum this year, who will it be? Also there will be contributors that you will be able to pick up off of waivers. Stay active and make sure you give these waiver wire studs a chance. Cliff Lee and Chad Billingsley are just two examples. Wait till the 5th round to draft your first pitcher in a roto league. However do not force this, if there is no one worth taking that early don’t worry there are plenty of guys that will out produce there draft position, you just have to find them.
Having hitters in fantasy baseball is always more important than having a solid pitching staff. A fantasy baseball pitcher does not contribute ever day. Anyone that you spend a first round pick on should contribute on a daily basis. Make sure to check back later for some of my sleeping pitchers. These guys could be the next Lincecum and could be essential to winning your fantasy baseball league.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Mock Draft 2009, round 2
Here are the results for mock draft 2009 round 2.
13. Mark. Mark Teixeira, 1B NYY - With taking Johan in the first round i am going to need some offensive production. Big Tex will put up some crooked numbers being in the Yankee lineup. That lineup is possibly the best to ever play the game.
14. David. Jimmy Rollins, SS Phi- He competes with the best. J-Ro is known as part of the big three when it comes to short stops, why not take him a full round after Hanley?
15. Aaron. Matt Holiday, OF Oak- He is out of Colorado, lets see what this kid can do in Oakland. He could be a potential bust, or he could hit 130 RBI's Ill take my chances.
16. Mikey. Tim Lincecum, SP SF- The former Cy-Young is gonna only improve. I always like to have an Ace and i feel this guy will be better than Santana this year.
17. Greg. Carlos Beltran, OF NYM - Year after year this guy produces. I like consistency and that is what i am going to go for.
18. Mat. Lance Berkman, 1B Hou- An amazing first half last year. He put up God like numbers. If does the same this year i will be trading him quickly!
19. Ryan. Ian Kinsler, 2B Tex- I dont like taking a 2nd baseman this early but i just cant leave him on the table any longer.
20. Sean. Prince Fielder, 1B Mil- One of the disappointments last year, look for him to fix it and return to 2007 form.
21. Chris. BJ Upton, OF TB- Unlike the stadium he plays in, there is no ceiling for this guy. The potential is incredible.
22. Bells. Alfonso Soriano, OF CHC- This guy seems to get forgotten. Although he doesn't play 2nd base anymore he is still a great asset to any fantasy baseball team.
23. Jon. Evan Longoria, 3B TB- The only other option at this point is C.C. and i hate to take a pitcher this early.
24. Frank. CC Sabathia, SP NYY - Look for C.C. to win 20 games. That Yankees lineup is a force. he will always have great run support.
That finishes round 2 of our mock draft. Round 1
13. Mark. Mark Teixeira, 1B NYY - With taking Johan in the first round i am going to need some offensive production. Big Tex will put up some crooked numbers being in the Yankee lineup. That lineup is possibly the best to ever play the game.
14. David. Jimmy Rollins, SS Phi- He competes with the best. J-Ro is known as part of the big three when it comes to short stops, why not take him a full round after Hanley?
15. Aaron. Matt Holiday, OF Oak- He is out of Colorado, lets see what this kid can do in Oakland. He could be a potential bust, or he could hit 130 RBI's Ill take my chances.
16. Mikey. Tim Lincecum, SP SF- The former Cy-Young is gonna only improve. I always like to have an Ace and i feel this guy will be better than Santana this year.
17. Greg. Carlos Beltran, OF NYM - Year after year this guy produces. I like consistency and that is what i am going to go for.
18. Mat. Lance Berkman, 1B Hou- An amazing first half last year. He put up God like numbers. If does the same this year i will be trading him quickly!
19. Ryan. Ian Kinsler, 2B Tex- I dont like taking a 2nd baseman this early but i just cant leave him on the table any longer.
20. Sean. Prince Fielder, 1B Mil- One of the disappointments last year, look for him to fix it and return to 2007 form.
21. Chris. BJ Upton, OF TB- Unlike the stadium he plays in, there is no ceiling for this guy. The potential is incredible.
22. Bells. Alfonso Soriano, OF CHC- This guy seems to get forgotten. Although he doesn't play 2nd base anymore he is still a great asset to any fantasy baseball team.
23. Jon. Evan Longoria, 3B TB- The only other option at this point is C.C. and i hate to take a pitcher this early.
24. Frank. CC Sabathia, SP NYY - Look for C.C. to win 20 games. That Yankees lineup is a force. he will always have great run support.
That finishes round 2 of our mock draft. Round 1
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Fantasy Baseball Draft Formats
While Drafting your fantasy baseball team there are many ways that a league can go about this. Since the introduction of the Internet as a way to easily play fantasy baseball leagues have been drafting with software using a certain website. These sites have software that allows a commissioner of the league to set up the rules, and then allows the other teams to pick there players in a snake draft format.
Snake Drafting is when fantasy baseball drafters select there team in picks. Each team gets one pick per round with the total number of rounds being equal to the number of roster spots on each team. Each team gets one pick per round with the team that picks first in the previous round picks last in the current round. This is what is called a snake draft. The advantages to a snake draft are that league parity is fairly easy to obtain.
Auction Drafting is when each fantasy manager has a set amount of money to use for there fantasy baseball team. There is then an auction of baseball players where fantasy managers can use this money to purchase the players to use for there team. A player is usually named and then teams make bids on this player according to how much they feel he is worth. The team that bids the highest gets that player on his team. This continues until all roster spots are filled.
There are also many ways in which to conduct a fantasy draft. The funnest is to get together with your friends and hold a live draft with all fantasy managers in the same room. This works especially well for the auction format. However the downside to all this is Fantasy baseball draft software needs to be purchased, otherwise it can get quite confusing.
The most widely popular and easiest by far is to hold your fantasy baseball draft online. You can do a slow draft in a forum. These take a long time and need to be started as soon as possible but they work quite well because everyone can be there. Snake drafts can be held online as well using a hosting site such as yahoo, or ESPN. These services work quite well and best of all are free.
Its not the format of your draft that matters, its how you draft. Having a strategy and understanding the draft format are essential to being king of your league.
Snake Drafting is when fantasy baseball drafters select there team in picks. Each team gets one pick per round with the total number of rounds being equal to the number of roster spots on each team. Each team gets one pick per round with the team that picks first in the previous round picks last in the current round. This is what is called a snake draft. The advantages to a snake draft are that league parity is fairly easy to obtain.
Auction Drafting is when each fantasy manager has a set amount of money to use for there fantasy baseball team. There is then an auction of baseball players where fantasy managers can use this money to purchase the players to use for there team. A player is usually named and then teams make bids on this player according to how much they feel he is worth. The team that bids the highest gets that player on his team. This continues until all roster spots are filled.
There are also many ways in which to conduct a fantasy draft. The funnest is to get together with your friends and hold a live draft with all fantasy managers in the same room. This works especially well for the auction format. However the downside to all this is Fantasy baseball draft software needs to be purchased, otherwise it can get quite confusing.
The most widely popular and easiest by far is to hold your fantasy baseball draft online. You can do a slow draft in a forum. These take a long time and need to be started as soon as possible but they work quite well because everyone can be there. Snake drafts can be held online as well using a hosting site such as yahoo, or ESPN. These services work quite well and best of all are free.
Its not the format of your draft that matters, its how you draft. Having a strategy and understanding the draft format are essential to being king of your league.
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